Page 39 of Autumn Secrets
“Lexi, you’ve never evenseenEvangeline. She’s gorgeous. How could I ever compete with that? No, wait, I take that back right now. What I meant to say was: I’mnotgoing to compete with that. End of story. I’m going to the movies with Julian on Friday anyway.”
“Oh my, you are certainly keeping yourself busy.” Lexi laughed.
“I know. I just need to, you know…”
“Get over Adrian?” Lexi filled in.
“No! I mean, I don’t know. Maybe thatiswhat I’m doing.”
“Aurora, I get it. You don’t have to explain, but can I just say something? A little friendly advice?” I nodded. “Julian and Adrian are friends. Don’t screw anything up with Adrian by encouraging Julian. You don’t want to come between a friendship and make a mess out of everything.”
I sighed. “You’re right, but I do like Julian.”
“Yeah, but maybe as a friend? Because seriously, the attraction between you and Adrian is insane. Anyone could feel it by walking into a room with the two of you in it.”
“Should I cancel my movie night with Julian then?”
“No, go, if that’s what you want. Just think twice before you act on something you think you could regret further down the track. Don’t encourage him if you don’t mean it. It won’t end well.”
I nodded. “I’m really confused at the moment.”
“I get it. But I’ve seen you and Adrian. Girlfriend or not, he likes you. Like, a lot.”
“So, I should just watch him from a distance. Is that what you’re saying?” I jumped off the desk.
“If he has a girlfriend, although he said that he didn’t, he’ll break up with her. I can almost guarantee it.”
“That’s it though; you can onlyalmostguarantee it.Besides, I don’t want to be thatgirl. I’m not like that. I would never put myself between two people who are together.” I sighed and straightened my ponytail. “Yet, here I am,” I added quietly.
“That’s because you and Adrian can’t seem to stay away from each other. It goes both ways. Just give it a little bit of time; see what happens.”
I nodded. “You’re right. I’ll make it clear to Julian at the movies on Friday. Just until I can get Adrian out of my head, then maybe my feelings will change. I don’t trust Adrian, to be honest. I don’t trustmyselfwith Adrian.”
“Whatever you say.” Lexi winked.
I sighed. “Let’s talk about something else. What about you? How’s Luca?”
She smiled a secret little smile. “We’re good. Really good.”
“What’s that smile for?”
“Well, I wasn’t really looking for a boyfriend. But he’s great, I can’t complain.”
“Does that mean what I think it means?”
Lexi tipped her head back and laughed. “Godno, not yet. It’s way too soon. What’s in that dirty mind of yours, babe?”
I laughed and couldn’t help but feel relieved. I still had a weird feeling about Luca, and until that feeling disappeared, I swore to keep a close eye on him.
“Good. Remember, there’s no rush. Take your own advice.” I smiled.
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Anyway, I better go. I don’t want to be late for class. See you at lunch?”
“Sure.”
Chapter 13
The morning seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, it was time for lunch. I didn’t have a chance to think about Adrian all morning, but as soon as I stepped into the cafeteria, I knew he was there. I could feel him watching me and I had to fight the urge to spin around and look for him. Determined, I tried to focus on the people in front of me in line, even though their conversation was boring me to death.