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the dream-like heaven on his face. “I’ve never had anyone of the opposite sex in my apartment, except for my sister, and I’m not into men,” he laughs at my stupid attempt at a joke, “and if you lean in just a little I think you’ll be reminded of that.”
    I exhale loudly.
    “Also, I haven’t had sex with anyone since you, because they weren’t you. It was hard on me too.”
    I’m about to say something, but he stops me.
    “But that’s not to say I didn’t try,” his voice is soft. “I really tried ,” he admits. “I tried to forget you and move on, but with every kiss, every touch, all I could see was you.”
    My breath hitches, and my eyes open as he drops his hands and backs away.
    “This is laughable, considering our situation,” he clears his throat while fumbling for his cell phone. “Especially since I already have your number, but I figure it would be less creepy if you actually gave it to me.”
    I ramble off the numbers, watching as he punches them into his phone.
    “There,” he hits the send button, and I feel the vibration in my purse. “Now you have mine too.” He offers a small smile. “Goodnight, Luci.”
    “You know,” I call after him. “Senior year I would have loved to have your number,” I confess. “I looked you up in the phone book, of course. I found your house number, or where I obviously thought you lived, but I always wanted your cell. I’d stare at it on your desk constantly, wondering why you never gave it to me.”
    “I thought about it,” he replies sheepishly, and I watch as he runs his fingers through his hair. “I thought about talking to you over the weekend all the time.”
    “But…” I move him along.
    “I didn’t want things to get more heated than they already were. What would come next? More of me leading you on while I wasn’t forthcoming with my situation?” He sighs. “It killed me. I was your teacher… and can we just not talk about all the stupid mistakes I’ve made?”
    He walks back over and opens my car door.
    “I’ll call you, Luci,” he promises.
    “Just friends,” I remind him before getting in.
    “Absolutely. I’ve already let my feelings for you go,” he winks. “You’re too much trouble anyway.”
    I start the car, and as soon as he shuts the door I roll down the window. “Do you want a ride? It’s cold.”
    “It’s not far,” he sighs, tapping the hood before backing away. “I’m gonna call you, Luci,” he threatens. “A lot.”

Chapter 1
    -Luci-
     
    It’s been a week since Josh and I went to dinner, and he hasn’t called. I realize that compared to the two and a half years we haven’t talked this is nothing. However, if I’m honest, I was secretly hoping to maybe get together again before spring semester starts. Being around him was oddly soothing, and of course I can’t stop thinking about him, or looking at his number in my phone.
    Stupid, I know.
    People say you have someone important in your life when you can reconnect with them easily. When picking up with them right where you left off, even after being apart for a long time, comes naturally.
    Maybe he’s changed his mind since dinner?
    I feel let down as Gracie helps me pack up my beat up silver convertible.
    “I’m really sorry, Luci,” She pleads for the umpteenth time.
    I cross my arms, watching as she stuffs my last laundry bag in the trunk before slamming it shut. “Things were rough when you left. I didn’t know what the right thing to do was! I couldn’t even mention his name to you!” She explains. “If I actually told you I started talking to him I risked you hating me!” She sighs, looking at me with puppy dog eyes. “Besides, I missed you so much. You never came home, and talking to him sort of made me feel closer to you.”
    I sigh loudly.
    “And he was so pathetic,” she defends. “I mean, like, sooooo sad.”
    “It’s okay,” I place my hand on her shoulder.
    “I was just trying to do what was right. I didn’t