The Perfect Emotion Read Online Free PDF Page A

lost. I wrap my scarf a couple times around my neck and grab my bag, but when I look up I see Andy standing in front of me.
    “Hey, there you are!”  Andy says with the same sweet smile he always has.  His glasses are back in place giving him back his sophisticated appearance. 
    “Hi Andy, how’s it going?”  I ask and I get this strange sense he was hanging out here just waiting to see me. 
    “Good, I couldn’t find you. Where did you study today?”
    “Oh, I was on the other end today.  I needed to do some research down there.”  I lie and my stomach clenches as I do. 
    “Ah, anyway, I wanted to ask you something.”  He pauses, waiting for confirmation to ask and I nod.  “I wanted to see if I could take you out to dinner tonight?”  The nervousness I normally hear in his voice is gone as if he rehearsed this. 
    “Huh, um, I’m sorry I can’t tonight,” I say quietly. 
    “Ok, ah, sure.” The nervous tone is back. “Are you busy with Reed?”
    “What? No. I’m meeting a friend tonight.” I’m shocked by his boldness.
    “Well, maybe another time then.” He looks defeated as he looks down at his feet with his hands in his pockets. I feel horrible, but I don’t want to lead him on in any way.
    “Yea, maybe.  I have to go.  I’ll see you later though.”  I start to walk towards the door and turn back to wave goodbye. 
    “Bye, Kate.” 

    I get to Derek’s dorm relieved to be away from the awkwardness of Andy. I can’t help, but feel a little flustered though. As soon as Derek sees me it’s obvious that I am rattled. 
    “What’s wrong?” 
    “Ugh, nothing.  It’s stupid, really,” I say as I try to push it off by waving my gloveless frozen hands. Derek laughs at me and I plop myself on his bed still bundled up.
    “Doesn’t look like nothing?” He pauses and then asks, “Is it Reed?”
    “Noooo.”  I let out a huff and then sit back up.  He’s getting his coat on and keeps his eyes on me.  “Ok fine, this guy from my study group asked me out.” 
    “Really, who?  Do I know him?”
    “Andy Callahan. He’s in most of my accounting classes.”
    “I know him. He’s a nice guy. What did you say?”
    “I said I had plans.  I don’t know how to handle it because I keep bumping into him and every time he asks me to do something.  Today I went and sat somewhere different in the library just to avoid him.”  Derek starts laughing as we walk out of his room. 
    “Don’t laugh.”  I curse him.  “It’s not funny, I don’t want to lead him on.  I like him as a friend and to study, but that’s it.”
    “He’ll get the hint. You’re good at being direct and honest.” I peek over at him and I can’t help, but notice the underlying message. He cocks at eyebrow and smirks. I know he’s referring to when I broke things off with him.
    “Shut up.” I push his shoulder and stick my tongue out at him. We both start laughing, as he wraps an arm around my shoulder.
    We head into Angie’s for pizza and grab a corner booth in the back.  Derek confidently orders a beer with his fake, but I stick to a coke.  He orders the pizza like we always get it half with pepperoni and half with spinach.  We relax back and talk about our week avoiding any major conversations.  I know I need to ask about Kelly, but I dread asking and getting involved in this way.  In order to prolong it I tell him about tennis with Reed today.  He listens and never asks anything too personal because he gets me in almost the same way Maggie does.  Once the pizza arrives we dive in and I moan in delight as the grumble in my stomach fades. 
    “Mmmm, so freaking good,” I say. 
    “Yep.  Way better than the caf.” I decide that I need to buck up and better to do it while he has a bite in his mouth.
    “So, what’s up with you and Kel?” He stops chewing and rolls his eyes to the side. I keep my eyes on him though. I wait for him to reply, but he goes in for another bite. I bulge