Page 55 of Hannah.
“Astrid actually suggested it,” Conrad admits.
Ah, Astrid, of course. I feel guilt all over again—why can't I go a single hour without thinking about her or having someone else mention her name? I don't let Conrad see any of my turmoil, though. “That makes sense. She has impeccable taste.”
“She does,” Conrad agrees, sipping his cider. “She picked you out of the crowd rather easily for a friend, so that’s another point in her favor.” He looks amused, but even a lighthearted joke on such a topic strikes a nerve with me. He doesn't see my irritation, though, as our food comes right as I’m feeling it, and he’s too focused on the steaming, bright array of delicious spices and colors before us.
There's plenty to choose from, and there seems to be just the right amount of everything for two. While we eat, our conversation continues with jokes and easy talk, but my heart isn't in it, and neither is my stomach. Conrad seems to be enjoying himself, though, so I guess that is the most important thing.
“So, you never did say how many reservations you made,” I comment, having my suspicions.
He grins. “I made five. I wanted to cover all my bases.”
“Got it.” I shake my head, laughing. “Next time just ask me beforehand, hm?”
“Does it bother you that I didn’t ask first?” he asks after a small silence.
“Not particularly; it’s just that I prefer being comfortable rather than going somewhere fancy.”
He doesn't seem to take offense at this at all. “So what you’re saying is a pizza and beer situation next time, preferably someplace close to your dorm.”
“This place is also fine,” I reassure him. “It’s just that I’ve had my fill of stuffy dinners growing up with my family.”
What I don't tell him is that I’m simply trying to dissuade him from taking me out to these clearly romantic places anymore, not if we're going to hang out as friends. I will have to figure out exactly how to let him down easily.
“I can work with that.” His lips twist into a smile while his eyes shine in a way that tells me he isn't ready to be done yet. He reaches into his suit jacket and, to my shock, pulls out two red leather boxes—jewelry boxes. Oh, no....
“Listen, I don't usually do this, but you’re a special girl, and, eh, I got you a few things...I hope you like them.”
The boxes rest on the table between us, and I don't even want to pick them up. “Conrad…I shouldn't. This is too much.”
He pushes the boxes towards me, his tone low but insistent. “Please. Open them. I picked them out for you; I knew you’d love them.”
I sigh. I can’t reject him and the gifts outright—that would be rude—so I pick up one box, and then the other, opening the smaller first. It’s a delicate gold necklace with two interlocking rings. I’m not a fan of the design, but the piece is pretty enough,and Conrad is so eager for me to open the other box that I can't help but open it and see what it is. Inside is a matching bracelet set, the two thing bangles interlocking, and while I can't deny that Conrad has good taste, this is all too fast and intense for me.
“They're beautiful, thank you.” I put the boxes down quickly, avoiding his gaze.
“May I put the necklace on for you?” Conrad picks up the necklace and I feel cornered. How can I tell him no? He's been nothing but sweet, and all I can do is nod, moving to pick up my hair so he can clasp the necklace behind me. When he’s done, his fingers linger on my skin for a moment, and my breath catches in my throat. I have to do something, and soon, or I’m going to hurt him badly.
He returns to his seat, his lips curving up as he stares with a contemplative eye at his gift on my neck; the sight of it makes me shrink a little bit back into my seat.
“It looks beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I touch the necklace in appreciation before resuming my dinner. Conrad, on the other hand, seems pensive.
“So, what are you doing this weekend?” he asks out of nowhere.
Uh oh. This is dangerous territory. I can't exactly tell him I’m going on a trip with his best friend, who is also dating Astrid. “Er, the usual, I suppose. More studying.”
“That’s all?” he asks amid a quick chuckle. “Why don't you and I hang out? There's no pressure, but I'd love to see more of you.”
Shit. “Erm…” I take a long drink of my lassi as I stall for time. “Oh, this weekend?” I repeat with an excuse forming in the back of my mind. “I might actually go visit my family in the Netherlands.”
“Next weekend, maybe? You don't like surprises, so I won’t sneak you away like I had planned,” Conrad says with a hint of devilish humor in his voice.
I raise my eyebrows. “Is that what you do with most girls?”
He smirks. “I have an auction session next Saturday, but maybe we can get lunch afterward?”
“Maybe.” I keep it light and noncommittal. “I’m surprised you have time for me, considering it seems you have hundreds of friends.”