Chapter 14: Lunch

The double doors to the cafeteria are almost completely blocked. I can't believe how many people are already in lines and sitting at tables. I'll likely have a panic attack before I get a chance to eat anything. Making matters worse, the noise in here is ear piercing. Amazingly, I'm able to make my way to the vending machines in the back without being elbowed in the ribs and spot an empty table in a corner.

Placing my Diet Coke and Snickers on a napkin, I'm about to take a bite when I'm tapped on the shoulder. I'm a little startled but manage not to jump as I look up and see Brad grinning down at me.

"You don't have to sit alone, ya kow." He tilts his head, gesturing to the table across from mine. He must pick up on my uncomfortable vibe and says, "C'mon, I'll protect you," and winks, taking my hand like he does it every day.

So of course, I cave.

Again.

The table is full of jocks in letter jackets and uniformed cheerleaders and for a spilt-second, I feel like I've walked onto the movie set of Heathers. I curse myself for letting Brad take me away from a table where no one noticed me. I'm not ready to chat with a bunch of strangers, and it doesn't help when everyone stops talking and stares at us when Brad pulls out my chair.

He waves his hand and says, "M'lady" like some kind of medieval prince as I place my sorry excuse for a lunch on the table. Even though it's impossibly loud in here, a few of the guys must have been entertained by what Brad did or said because they laugh.

Brad places his hand in the small of my back. "Everyone, this is Candice." Then he looks down at me, waving his hand like he's a butler at the Vanderbilt mansion. "Candice, this is everyone."

Laughter, nods, and even a few "heys" are immediately directed our way, welcoming me to their exclusive lunch club. The only thing I can do is smile like I mean it, so I do, and within seconds, their attention is onto something else.

Thank God.

Taking a deep breath of relief, I bite off the top quarter of my candy bar. I almost can't believe how amazing it tastes. I'm pretty sure I even moaned a little but it's so loud in here, I can't tell.

"That's all you're eating?" Brad's brows push together as he pulls up next to me, visibly troubled by my poor nutritional choices.

"I'm-I'm not that hungry," I lie, taking a sip from my Coke.

His eyes drop down to my mouth and if I didn't know better, I'd swear he can tell I'm a little turned on by it when he smiles, shaking his head.

"You know, around seventh period that sugar high is gonna make you crash and burn."

I cock my head, wondering why he's so concerned about what I'm eating after seeing his lunch.

"And you think that huge slice of dripping grease is a better choice?" Immediately, I want to punch my own face for flirting with him.

"Hey, I'm eating protein and carbs, like a good boy," he explains, sporting his signature cocky grin. "Tomatoes are even a vegetable. Or a fruit or something."

Now he's flirting back. Hell, I don't think he ever stopped. I contemplate ways to save myself from this conversation until he interrupts.

"Got any plans tomorrow night?" he asks, taking another bite of the drooping slice of pizza.

"Uh, I don't know, why?" I also don't know why I'm engaging in this making plans thing.

"A few of us are going to the movies. You wanna come?" His perfect smile reveals his perfect teeth and I want to bang my head against the wall.

I don't know what to say because I can't date him. I can't date anyone. Complications in my life makes it not an option so before this goes any further, I have to tell him. He's been so nice to me and deserves that much, but the room is somehow getting louder and everyone is staring at me again.

Keeping my sanity is the only thing I have left. I have to get out of here before the panic sets in and I'm a complete, embarrassed mess. So I stand up and clean my spot even though there isn't anything to clean.

"Sorry, I gotta go," I say to Brad, practically sprinting out of the cafeteria.

Impossibly over the deafening chatter in the room, I actually hear what sounds like a chair scooting across the floor.