Page 3 of Spiral
“I’m so sorry,” he continues. “I didn’t see you there, G. What are you doing here?”
His deep blue eyes survey mine, a confused expression forming between his furrowed brows.
“I live here,” I respond, somewhat defensively. “Well, I did. My boyfriend and I are moving today.”
He smiles again, a real and genuine smile, like he seems truly happy to see me.
“That’s great, G… do you need any help?”
He bends down and picks up my oversized textbook with one hand, gripping it close to his side rather than handing it back to me.
“No, thanks.” I give him a half-smile, sheepishly looking down as his eyes attempt to meet my own.
Danny and I were friends at work and got along very well there, but it’s been years since I’ve seen him. Not to mention that he’d never met my boyfriend before… and I don’t feel like I have the energy for introductions today.
“Come on! I’d love to help you. I was just here dropping off an order.”
He lifts his free hand to reveal a takeout bag, smothered with stickers of a delivery service logo.
“I do this in my free time.”
He winks at me and walks two doors away from my own, dropping the food on their welcome mat and lazily snapping a photo of it.
“But,” he continues, “as of right now, I’m done for the day. Where are you moving to?”
“Texas Lofts,” I reply, naming a complex across town that sits right next to the center of campus.
“No shit!” he exclaims, laughing. “That’s where I live! What’s your apartment number?”
I look back, worried his voice will attract Patrick outside, where introductions can’t be avoided. It’s not that I don’t want Patrick to meet an old friend, but all of my past attempts have been slashed by his disinterest. I’d rather not start anything with him today by forcing him to be social. I know there’s nothing he’d hate more.
“It’s 338,” I whisper, hinting for Danny to keep his voice low.
“You’re lying!” he practically shouts, excited and confused. “We’re in 339!”
“We?” I ask, curious. I realize then that, in the many months we worked together, I never asked much about Danny’s personal life.
“Yeah, me and my roommates.” He gestures towards the parking lot, pointing at the tail-end of a truck parked just out of view.“Henry and Jonah. Henry’s with me now!”
Before I can respond, Danny backs away earnestly and waves to someone standing just outside of my view.
“Anderson! Come here!” he yells, his voice echoing in the outdoor hallway.
Is he trying to make the whole complex come outside?
I look back nervously at my apartment door, astounded that Patrick hasn’t stormed out of it.
“Georgia,” Danny says, sauntering back towards me, “this is Henry Anderson – my roommate.”
From around the corner steps, undoubtedly, the most handsome guy I have ever seen. He looks like a walking Polo advertisement – muscular, tall, symmetrical – and my mouth runs dry as I take in the sight of him. I immediately become aware of the beads of sweat plastered across my forehead, wetting my hair and causing my mascara to form dripping black rims around my eyes.
He smiles at me, his decidedly emerald eyes twinkling in the afternoon sunlight. Despite the immense heat, there isn’t a drop of sweat on him. His light brown, slightly overgrown hair is swept back effortlessly in a classic style, reminding me of old money and royalty. His teeth are stark white and perfectly straight, carving out a charming smile that leaves deep dimples in his cheeks. His stubble is neatly groomed, just like the rest of him, and he’s casually dressed in a Texas University t-shirt and shorts – a stark contrast to the neat style of his face and hair. His body is broad and, despite my best efforts, I can do nothing to avoid noticing the muscles straining against his t-shirt.
“Hi, Georgia,” he rasps.
Henry’s voice is deep and quieter than I expected, but smooth as silk. His words are coated by a slight Southern drawl that makes my stomach flutter as he speaks.
“H-hi,” I stammer out, reaching to shake his hand.