Self

Chapter 85

Night had fallen, and Yale had just tackled the mountain of work on his desk when Zachary’s call came through. “Yale, it’s been ages, man. Why don’t we catch up over

a drink?”

“Sounds good.”

Yale stepped out of his study, freshly changed, and was heading downstairs when he caught sight of Xandra slipping through the front door, swapping her shoes in the foyer.

Their gazes locked, and both paused, a flicker of surprise on their faces.

Yale said, “Didn’t expect to see you. What’s up?”

Xandra answered, “Babe, you heading out?”

Yale nodded. “Yes.”

She nibbled her lip, a hint of awkwardness in her voice. “So, bad timing?”

He stayed silent.

“I came after class–no skipping, I swear. It’s just that you were pretty intense last night, and I’m kind of sore. I felt off all day.

“I was too embarrassed to hit up the pharmacy; I didn’t want any weird looks. I remembered we had some pain patches here at the house, so I thought I’d swing by.”

Her

er words tumbled out in a rush, laced with the worry of being an inconvenience.

“I’ll just head back to the university now!” Xandra lingered for a moment, hoping for al reply, and then, with a resigned bite of her lip, she turned to leave.

She had barely taken two steps when-

Yale said, “Come here.”

A smile flickered across her face, quickly hidden as she turned back. “Babe…”

Yale rummaged through the first aid kit, examining several medicated patches. After checking the labels, he concluded, “None of these will work; they can’t be used on that spot…

Xandra was close to tears. “What do we do now? Head to the pharmacy? But how do I even explain what I need-”

She was mortified.

Yale let out a sigh and got to his feet. “Come on, I’ll take you to the hospital to get it checked out.”

“No, really… I don’t want to hold you up from your plans…”

He grabbed the car keys. “It’s not a big deal, just drinks with Zachary. We can be a

little late.”

“Then, after the doctor, can I tag along with you?”

Yale gave a nod.

When she left the hospital, Xandra’s cheeks were red like apples.

Yale apologized. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I liked it. As long as I’m with you, I’m happy no matter what we do.” Her eyes shone with an innocent brightness, almost comically naive.

The more carefree she was, the worse Yale felt.

He realized he had misjudged someone, and that was what had led to the current

mess.

He could not bear to think of how Xandra might break down if he brought up breaking up then.

“Get in,” he said, opening the car door.

“Huh?” Xandra paused, then asked blankly, “Where are we going?”

“Didn’t you want to come with me to meet Zachary for a hangout session?”

“Oh.” She nodded meekly and climbed into the passenger seat.

The private room was alive with the din of heavy metal. Zachary, entranced, swirled his wine glass, chanting to the beat.

Michael kicked him aside. “Cut it out, don’t do that. It’s nauseating.”

“Ha! You just don’t get it. This is the new dance move I’m mastering. You should give it a whirl.”

“Back off, I’m not about to embarrass myself,” Michael said, quickly ducking away.

“What’s up with Yale? Didn’t you call him? How come he’s not here yet?”

Zachary shrugged. “I have no clue, but if he said he’s coming, he’ll show up for sure.”

Chapte

Michael paused to think. “You called Shane?”

“Yep.”

“Man, you’ve got some nerve!”

Everyone knew Yale and Shane were at odds. Trying to bring them together was asking for trouble.

“You think I’m an idiot?” Zachary huffed. “I only called Yale after Shane bailed. And look, speak of the devil, here he comes…”