“Come on, idiot. You’re going to make me late for my next class.”
I walked with him, but I kept thinking about her. I had to know her, or at the very least, see her smile…just once. Yeah, it was going to be my new mission. It might be a lame goal, but small steps were the easiest. That was the way I lived my life—as a path of achievable objectives that led to bigger payoffs. It was a philosophy that worked for me. It got me a near-perfect grade-point average, a slew of friends, and a future ripe with possibilities. Maybe it would get me a little Sunshine too.
I’d never had issues talking to girls before. Usually, they approached me. I didn’t consider myself narcissistic, but I knew I was good-looking. Hell, I’d received such compliments from females all my life, but Meena was different. It wasn’t her culture, or the possibility that she might have a boyfriend, but the sorrow in those large, brown eyes. I was no psychologist, but it was apparent that along with her baggy clothes, the girl wore a shroud of misery. Misery was not something I’d ever been attracted to, but in this case, I felt a strong impulse to cure her of it. With all of those thoughts in my head, and my need to organize them, you’d think I’d have been more prepared.
I waited until after our next class and raced down the aisle, taking two steps at a time so she wouldn’t be so far ahead of me. “Excuse me,” I said, chasing after her. She walked fast. She headed out the double doors exiting the building. I sped up to catch her and shouted, “Meena.”
She stopped, pausing before turning around. She didn’t seem surprised that I knew her name. She tapped her foot in an annoyed gesture, clutching her textbook as if it were a life raft. It was completely opposing body language, and definitely not the reaction I expected.
“You figured out my name.”
I nodded, taking a few more steps to close in the gap between us. “Girl-who-bumps-into-strangers is just too many words.”
“I guess we’re not strangers, then, Ethan.”
Shit! I could feel myself growing hard as my name spilled from her sexy mouth. It sounded flirty, but her posture was too stiff to support that idea. She pressed her lips together, like she was trying to keep them in place, although the corners of her mouth bent up just a tiny bit. Come on, baby, smile for me.
“Guess not, Sunshine.”
She shifted her eyes downward. I was making her uncomfortable. “What can I do for you?”
It was a very dangerous question, and I forced myself not to blurt something sexual. I needed to find the right way to reassure her because, at this point, my window of opportunity wasn’t just closing—it was shattering. Play it cool, Callahan. She won’t appreciate it if you come on too strong. It’ll make her run away.
We were a foot apart in the warm California sunshine. The breeze carried all the sweet scents of her toward me. It was vanilla, and not the fake stuff you bought in the bottle, but the actual bean, and something else…maybe coconut? Damn, she’s making me hungry! I searched my inventory of friendly phrases for anything that seemed acceptable. I’ve got nothing.
I held my ink pen toward her. “Did you drop this?”
She looked down at the cheap pen indented with my teeth marks and back at me. Her lips curled in a slight smile. I sucked in some air between my teeth. Did I just make her smile? It wasn’t a full smile, more like an amused grin, but fuck it, I was taking the win.
“No, that’s not mine, but good luck finding the owner.”
She turned to walk away, but I wasn’t ready to let her go. “Are you sure? I thought I saw you drop it.”
She turned back toward me, the half-hearted smile faltering a little as if the expression didn’t feel natural. “I only use pencils.”
“Why is that?”
“I like to erase my mistakes,” she replied before rushing off and disappearing into the crowd.
What does that mean? Was it something deeper, or did we really just have a mundane conversation about writing utensil preferences? Alex was right. I was a total idiot. Even though I never had any trouble finding a date, I definitely lacked the skills to charm this honey. It wasn’t going to stop me, though.
Okay, new goal. I wanted a huge smile next time, and maybe even a laugh too. I could make that happen. I was willing to work for it.
The next day, I waited for Darren outside Tresidder Union. As usual, he was running late. I spotted him, combing through his floppy mop of curly hair and looking thoroughly pissed off. That could only mean one thing. He found my present.
“You’re late. Were you primping?” I asked with a wide grin. I’d found a hair straightener in the bathroom a few weeks ago. At first I thought it might be some sort of hand-held mini panini press. Once I’d figured it out, Alex and I gave him a ton of shit over it, threatening to revoke his man card. What guy straightens his hair? To his credit, Darren took it in stride, claiming that man-primping was a necessity these days.
“Funny, shithead. Mandy found the box of douche.”
“I was trying to be a good friend.”
He jerked his head in confusion.
“Since you grew a vagina overnight, I thought you might want to primp that new pussy.” It was the most embarrassing purchase I’d ever made, but totally worth it. I only wished I’d seen him holding that package, decorated in pink flowers. “Are you all fresh now?”
“Not cool, bro. She thought I was cheating on her.”
That was a dumb thing for Mandy to think, but I couldn’t blame her. Darren was an asshole of a boyfriend. Still, I hadn’t meant for my joke to backfire like this.
“Did she really think a girl left that in our apartment?”
“I know, right? Girlfriends can be such a bitch.” He laughed like it was a clever thing to say.
I sighed, shaking my head. “I think she needs to break up with your douchey ass anyway, but do you want me to talk to her?”
“Nah, we’re all good. I told her you had too much time on your hands since you didn’t have a girl and all.” He liked to rub that in my face, but it never affected me. I wasn’t commitment-shy; I was choosy when it came to relationships.
I’d known Darren forever. We’d both decided to go to Stanford, and it only seemed natural as best friends we would room together, although I sometimes questioned that decision. He smoothed his hair once more, and I busted a gut all over again. I had a feeling the days of the mini panini press were over.
Darren narrowed his eyes. “Keep laughing, Callahan.” There was a warning in his words…payback’s a bitch, and mine was coming.
We walked into the bustling cafeteria. “I forgot how crowded this place gets,” I said.
“Yeah, I thought these days were behind us.”
We grabbed sandwiches and energy drinks, skipping long lines at the other stations.
“Dude, do you have ten bucks I can borrow?” We were already in the checkout line, so it was obvious he expected me to pay.
“Why didn’t you ask before you loaded up your tray? What if I didn’t have it?”
“You always have it.” It was true—I bailed him out all the time. Still, his assumption pissed the hell out of me.
I paid for our food and looked around the crowded cafeteria for a seat. I spotted a vacant table and started heading toward it before it could be snatched up by blond, Birkenstock-wearing, long-skirted girls who were walking the same way. As soon as I saw her though, I stopped in my tracks, causing Darren to bump into me.
Meena was sitting at a table in the far corner next to a guy in a green T-shirt. The boyfriend? My jaw clenched, and I gripped the tray so tightly I could feel the heavy plastic bending. Envy was a rare feeling for me. So much so, I had difficulty identifying it at first.
“What the hell, Callahan?” Darren asked, pushing me forward. “All the tables are filling up.” The skirts won, staking the table with their soy lattes and woven hemp purses. One smiled, pushing an empty chair toward me. I shook my head politely, thanking her anyway.
“There’s someone I want to sit with. Later,�
�� I said, heading in her direction.
Darren laughed. “Oh, I get it. Don’t worry—I’ll be your wingman.”
I really didn’t want Darren as my wingman, nor did I need him, but I didn’t feel like arguing about it, either.
“What girl does ladies’ man Ethan Callahan have his eye on?”
I lifted my tray toward Meena, glad she hadn’t spotted me yet.
“You have to be kidding, right?”
His question pissed me off. No one thinks we could be good together…not even her. “What the hell does that mean?”
“Don’t get me wrong—she’s cute, very cute, but I don’t think she’s right for you. Plus, she’s with her boyfriend.”
“I don’t know if he’s her boyfriend, but I’m aiming to find out.”
“It’s pretty obvious he is.”
“Why do you say that?”
“She’s either Middle-Eastern or Asian, right?”
“Middle-Eastern is Asian, dumbass.” I only knew she was like sunshine to me and she liked pencils. Shit—maybe I was the one in need of douche.
“Whatever she is, he is too. Thusly, they are together.” Only Darren would use a word like “thusly.”
I was glad for the tray in my hand because I sort of wanted to punch him. “Did you mean that to sound as racist as it did?”
Darren chuckled. “No, man. I’m just saying that’s the way these things typically work. Funny how white guys always get blamed for being xenophobic and closed-minded, when people in other cultures are usually the ones to stick with their own kind.”
“Do me a favor and don’t mention your little theories, okay? In fact, pretend you’re mute.” I would have told him to sit somewhere else, but there were few choices, and I wasn’t mean enough to force his brand of assholery on the pretty, hippy blondes.
Darren shrugged. “Whatever, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
We made our way to Meena’s table. She looked up at me with a mix of surprised curiosity.
“Hi, can we sit here?” I claimed a space with my tray, and Meena’s eyes darted between Darren and me with suspicion. “The other tables are full,” I quickly explained.
“It’s a free country,” she said, gesturing to the empty seats.
I smirked at her attempt at casual indifference, taking the offered chair. Darren took the other.
“I’m Ethan,” I said to her companion when she didn’t make introductions. I did my best to keep a friendly smile even though we’d most likely be mortal enemies. “This is my friend, Darren Jones.” Darren was too busy staring at Meena to introduce himself. She was hot as hell, but I wasn’t expecting Darren to be so obvious.
“Hi, Darren, I’m Meena, and this is Raj.”
I was hoping she wouldn’t introduce him as her boyfriend, but I was disappointed she didn’t give him any identification at all.
“Nice to meet you,” Raj said, not even bothering to look up at us. He was reading an open book on his lap. Must be the most riveting story ever written to keep you from noticing two guys gawking at your girl. Then I saw the writing on his shirt: “Thanks for asking but no…I am not tech support.” Damn, that was pretty funny, but he was still my mortal enemy.
“Meena is an interesting name. How do you spell it?” Darren asked.
M-I-N-E, I wanted to say, but I kept my mouth shut while she answered.
“So, what year are you guys?” Darren asked. I was suddenly thankful he was with me. He had a way of not allowing any dead space in conversation, and for the first time, I was grateful for that.
“We’re both seniors,” Meena answered.
“Us too. What’s your major?” Darren asked.
“We’re both economics majors. I have a minor in statistics.” She was answering for both of them. Is he shy? He didn’t seem to be, but it still seemed weird that he was content to let her do all the talking.
She didn’t ask, but I wanted to tell her anyway. “I’m studying applied mathematics.”
“Applied mathematics is a very impressive major.” She broke open a bag of popcorn. Popcorn and salad? What kind of lunch was that? Then again, I lived on a diet of mac and cheese and energy drinks, so who was I to judge?
I shrugged my shoulders, smiling. “I’ve always enjoyed math.”
“Yeah, he’s pretty brilliant. You should ask him about his solution to the food shortage.”
I gave Darren a warning look, but it was too late. He was trying to embarrass me. Hello, payback.
Meena stared at me, waiting for an answer.
“It’s a stupid story, and besides, I was twelve.”
“Stupid stories are the best ones,” she said.
I ran my hands through my hair, frustrated because this wasn’t exactly the best opening, but an opening nonetheless. “I may have done a science fair project where I hypothesized we could end world hunger by utilizing the theories of Star Trek’s food replication system.”
She laughed. It was a deep, good-natured sound, almost harmonic, and it made me happier just hearing it. Mission accomplished—even if I was the butt of the joke. It was worth it. Raj jerked his head up, and even Meena looked surprised at the sound. I’d make her laugh all the time—it was too beautiful to keep locked away.
“What grade did you get?” she asked once the moment had passed.
“He got an A,” Darren grumbled, and Meena raised her eyebrows. “Our teacher said he had enough science to warrant it. Kiss up.” I grinned at him—his plan to humiliate me failed.
“That’s pretty hilarious.” She concentrated on her food for a minute, as did Darren. I followed suit. “Did you ever find the owner of that lost pen, Ethan?”
I chuckled, embarrassed by the stupid way I’d approached her, but also enjoying the way she said my name. She took a piece of popcorn and threw it into her mouth with perfect accuracy, chewing it slowly. It was turning me on something fierce.
“Still looking.”
“What pen?” Darren asked.
“I found a pen. I thought it was hers. It wasn’t.”
“Meena doesn’t use pens,” Raj said. He’d been so quiet, I had almost forgotten he was there.
“She told me as much,” I stated, meeting his gaze. He surprised me with a friendly smile.
“I don’t know why. I think pens are much easier. No one uses pencils anymore except for standardized tests,” Raj explained. It was funny that between the two of us, I was the jealous one. He actually seemed oblivious to the fact I’d pretty much been ogling her since we’d sat down.
“So, what country are you guys from?” Darren asked.
“Country?”
“Yeah, what country?” he said a little louder and slower as if she was hard of hearing.
Meena’s lips curled into a smile, and she leaned into the table. I loved her smile, but I hated that it was a reaction meant for Darren. “I’m from the far East.” Her response surprised me because she had no trace of an accent. I decided not to interrupt. I just hoped Darren would stop his line of questioning before he made us both appear ignorant.
“I figured that, but what country?” Darren prodded. I fought against the reflex to kick his shin. Darren was good at making conversation, but he could be a real dickhead.
“From a place called Mashpee. Have you ever heard of it?”
“It sounds familiar to me. Do you miss it? I mean being in a different country and all has to be difficult.”
Meena was still smiling, but it was a naughty smile, which made it all the cuter. Raj stopped reading to watch her too.
“I do. It’s very scenic. You should visit sometime. It borders a few bodies of water, Waquoit and Popponesset.”
“Maybe I will. I’ve always liked traveling. This has got to be a real culture shock for you.” Darren said, staring into Meena’s eyes.
Despite the fact she was giving him her undivided attention, something in her posture put me at ease. Darren was addicted to flirting, even though it resulted in huge fights between him
and Mandy, and he made no apologies for it, claiming it was part of his DNA. I always felt sorry for her, but I knew he’d never cheated. He was just a tool sometimes.
“Oh, it’s not so different from here. The weather is different, and the people have funny accents, but we’re really very similar.”
“Oh yeah? It’s strange you don’t have an accent.”
“I kind of grew out of it.”
“What’s the thing you miss the most about where you came from?” Darren asked, leaning into the table like they were having a private conversation.
Meena was quiet for a minute, but the corners of her mouth were curling up like she was fighting a smile. “The people are wonderful. They’re hard workers and have a strong heritage. I also love the wildlife and being surrounded by water. We’re almost an island, you know.”
Darren turned to me, wiggling his eyebrows. I had a sinking feeling I knew what was coming. “Sounds tropical and beautiful…just like you.” He was being a douche…because of the douche.
I wasn’t jealous of Darren. It was obvious that coming on this strong wasn’t appealing to her. Besides, the way she was eating popcorn was a little too distracting. I’d never thought of popcorn as a sexy food, but it was a freaking aphrodisiac right now.
At least Meena wasn’t being flirty with Darren, but Raj’s reaction shocked me. He had a wide grin. I hadn’t expected him to challenge Darren to a duel or anything, but to smile when some guy was flirting with your girl didn’t seem right either.
“Why did you decide to go to school here?”
“What’s with all the questions, Katie Couric?” I said a little too sharply, but as usual, Darren ignored me.
“I don’t mind. I love that he’s so curious.” Meena wore a huge grin now. “We have excellent schools where I’m from, but I wanted a change of scenery.”
“I’m sure a degree from Stanford holds a great deal of weight there.”
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