Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Tally smirks. “I think we all know I prefer older, reformed bad boys.”
“Truth.” Fee grins. “I honestly think Gage might just turn into actual boyfriend material this year.”
“Kind of like Flip?” Enid asks.
“Yeah.” Tally bites her lip and twirls a lock of hair around her finger. “Exactly.”
CHAPTER 31
FEE
Mac
Meet you at the dining hall in five
Fee
Can’t wait! See you soon.
My stomach flip-flops in a pleasantly familiar way as I head for our favorite table. We planned an early dinner, before we’re claimed by responsibility. Afterward, I’ll head to the studio to work on a new project. I finished the one I was working on before, but then I came up with another idea that I love more and immediately dove right in. The original work is now my backup in case I don’t get this done in time. While I’m at the studio, Mac and the guys are putting in some time on the ice.
I drop my bag at the table and wait for Mac.
Fee
They have your fave tonight!
Mac
Bacon mac and cheese????
Fee
Yup! And the southwest bowl we both love.
Mac
I love this for us.
Fee
Me too. Should I go in and grab food or wait?
Mac
Behind you.
I spin around in time for Mac’s arms to come around my waist. He lifts me off my feet and nuzzles into my hair. “Hi.” His lips trail up my neck to my cheek.
“Hi.” I relish the easy affection and the swarm of happy butterflies bumping around in my stomach.
He brushes his lips over mine. “You’re pretty and you smell good.”
“You’re handsome and your cologne does things to me.”
For a moment I get lost in the warmth in his eyes. My heart gallops and squeezes. My sister’s nickname for me fits perfectly when it comes to Mac. All these feelings are new and big, and sometimes they overwhelm me, especially when I consider how quickly this semester is passing and how soon he’ll be graduating.
“Let’s get food. I’m starving.” Mac laces our fingers and we enter the food hall. We stop at Best Bowls first and I order the southwest without onions, then move onto the pasta bar where Mac orders the meal that matches his name.
Once we’re at our table with our meals, I share my news. “I made a decision."
He stops with his fork halfway to his mouth. “About?”
“The art show.”
His dimple jumps to attention. “Are you entering that really cool piece?”
“It’s kind of my backup now. I had a fresh idea, so I’ve been working on that,” I confide. “If I can get it done in time, I’ll use it.” And if I can summon the courage to own my alter ego, because this new piece is a merging of my styles, and it will be impossible to hide behind a social media identity if I enter it in the spring gallery.
“I’m super proud of you, Fee.” He squeezes my hand. “I know you’re nervous about putting your work out there, but you’re so talented, and other people should get to experience your art.”
“Thanks. I know it’s something I need to get over if I want this to be my career.” There’s vulnerability in putting it out there with my face and name attached to it. Mac is vulnerable every time he gets on the ice with the Terror guys, or in front of all the students on campus; so is Tally when she has a dance showcase, and Cammie with her fics, and I want to be brave enough, too.
We trade meals halfway through, and when Mac is finished with the bowl, I pass him back the rest of the mac and cheese and excuse myself to the bathroom to make sure I don’t have food between my teeth. I frown at a poster stuck to one of the announcement boards that looks like a knockoff of mine. Irritation prickles my scalp when I spot a sticker on the side of the toilet paper dispenser with the same design. I pull the poster down and fold it up, tucking it in my pocket.
Before I rejoin Mac, I check my secret social media profile and find a ton of new messages. One of my recent videos has gone viral today, and people are tagging me because a copycat has popped up on campus. And now I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I’m annoyed, with the copycat yes, but more with myself. It’s my fault for not owning my art. I’m more determined than ever to finish my new piece and reveal it in the art showcase.
I’m up in my head when I return to the table. Mac surprises me with German chocolate cake to share, and even though it’s my favorite, I barely touch it, my stomach all twisted up with my frustration.
“Are you feeling okay?” Mac asks as he helps me into my winter coat.