XXXIV-2
327 Words
“What do you think?” Laner asked as they walked down the hallway. They had split the Manila folders in half, and they carried them in paper bags.
“What?” Miri asked. She wasn’t paying attention.
“Today’s not your day, is it?” Laner asked.
“I’m fine.”
“I was thinking we could either set up camp at my place or yours, and go through this,” Laner said. “Should we order dinner? Gavlin’s restaurant does delivery now.” His voice was soft, insistent.
He had that glimmer again in his brown eyes, that sweet crinkle above his left eyebrow that said he wanted her.
She had thought about old times, too, when she’d spend the night in his tiny apartment in the Half Eight and then run to class. How many times had she drunk wine and sat in his bay window with her feet on his lap, talking about philosophy and magic?
That would have been great, especially the wine.
Laner was nice, and maybe she could have seen a future with him. But she couldn’t figure out why he just didn’t suit her.
Love’s like a puzzle piece, a poet had once written, if it doesn’t fit right, you’re in for trouble.
“Thanks, Laner, but I actually planned on studying these by myself.”
“Oh.”
She put her hand on his shoulder. “I just need some space, okay?”
“It’s not something I said, is it?” he asked. “I don’t want our past to come between us.”
“It won’t,” Miri said. “We are going to make headlines.”
If only she believed it.
Laner laughed. “Yeah? Maybe. Well, see you.”
They parted in the lobby. She watched Laner walk down the street and catch a bus.
The air on the streets was muggy and Miri began to sweat. She pushed through the heat and traveled several blocks to a parking lot of an apartment complex.
A black car was parked under a carport. The driver side door opened and Earl stepped out. He opened the passenger door for her, motioning for her to give him the bags.
Miri hurried her pace and waved.
- Writer
