The Last Boyfriend (Forever Love #1)(18)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“I’m not sure.”

“You could be one of the interviewers if you want. Maybe use what you learn to help your research. Talk about an amazing primary source.”

I nodded in agreement. It would be an amazing opportunity to actually talk to people who were alive and went through integration, as opposed to just writing about interviews that other historians had been a part of and written about. This was the sort of research that could get me into a top graduate program, which would offer me a better chance at a tenure track professorship at a top university.

“I’d have to stay in school for an extra semester though.” I talked out loud, voicing my concerns.

“What’s an extra semester when compared to the time of your life? Think about it, Lucky, you have your whole life to live as everyone else has planned for you. Do you know what that six months means to the breadth of your life? It means nothing. This could be a real growing experience. Opportunities like this don’t come up for everyone. This is an opportunity to break up the mundane, everydayness of your life.”

“I just have a plan you know.” I frowned to myself. My plan had always been to graduate in four years, get married, go to grad school, have some kids, and become a teacher or professor. But where had it actually gotten me? It was like my boyfriend plan. Good in theory, but going nowhere. I was practically a nun right now, and there was no potential guy anywhere on the horizon, well, maybe on the horizon, if things went well with Braydon. “And I’m kind of seeing someone right now. I don’t just want to leave.”

“I thought you didn’t have a boyfriend.” Zane’s voice was accusing.

“I don’t, but I have a first date tonight.”

“With?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Are you going to come with me to Los Angeles?” He sat back, and I watched as he wiped his mouth with his napkin.

“I …”

“Take a chance, Lucky. I promise that you won’t regret it.”

“I don’t even know you.”

“Do you want me to talk to your parents? I can call them now and talk to them if you are worried about what they are going to say.”

“I’m not worried.” I looked away from him, and stared at a little boy who was blowing bubbles into his chocolate milk at the next table.

“This is an amazing opportunity, Lucky, I am sure they would understand.” I felt Zane’s hand reach over and grasp mine, and I turned back to him.

“My parents don’t have to understand. They’re dead.” I saw the sympathy in his eyes as soon as I said the words and I cringed. I didn’t want him to feel sorry for me. I didn’t want every conversation we had from here on out to center around his pity for me. “And you don’t have to treat me any differently because of that either.”

“I won’t treat you differently.”

“Good.”

“Let me take you to dinner tonight.”

“I have a date.” I frowned. “I told you that already.”

“So I’ll just pick you up tomorrow morning then?”

I nodded slowly. “I guess so.” And that was it. My decision was made. I think I had known as soon as he had asked what my answer was going to be. “I have to call Shayla and Maria at the diner to let them know,” I shook my head as I spoke. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

“You won’t regret it, Lucky. I promise.” Zane’s eyes looked slightly overwhelmed as he smiled at me. I didn’t really understand why. All of a sudden I wondered if I had made a mistake. How could I just give up college and my job? All for a guy I didn’t really know and a job I hadn’t even started yet. I bit my lip and sighed, all of my walls were crumbling down and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next.

Chapter 6

“You look amazing, Lucky.” Braydon whistled as I got into his car. I was slightly annoyed that he hadn’t come to my door to escort me, but tried to dismiss those feelings from my head.

“Thanks.”

“Do you like my car?” He grinned as he stretched his hands out and caressed his leather seats.

“It’s a nice car.” I nodded, slightly uncomfortable at the way he was stroking the seats.”

“It’s a Bugatti,” he continued. “Nice doesn’t even begin to describe it.”

“Oh sorry.” I had no idea what a Bugatti was.

“Don’t be sorry, just sit back and enjoy the smoothest ride you’ll ever feel.”

“Uh, okay.” I attempted a smile, but I was pretty sure that it came out as a frown instead. Braydon laughed as he looked at my face and I felt even worse.

“I’m sorry Lucky. I’m a bit over-the-top about cars. I guess it’s a guy thing.”

“That’s okay.” I smiled, genuinely this time. “I’m just not one to know much about cars.” I laughed slightly at my comment. “Well, other cars, at least. I know a bit about mine.”

“Oh, what do you drive?” He looked at me curiously.

“A Toyota Corolla. 1991.” I laughed at his pleasantly, bored expression. “And right now, it’s in the shop, inoperable, so I’m not really driving anything.”

“Oh, that sucks.” He pulled out into the street. “Well, let’s go get some dinner. I figured I would take you to the Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne. That way we can look out on the water.”

“That sounds great.” I smiled and looked out the window, feeling a little tense. Why hadn’t he asked me about my car? Or how I had gotten home last night. It seemed like he didn’t even care. Not like Zane did. I frowned as Zane popped into my head. There was no point in my comparing Braydon to Zane because I knew that Zane didn’t want a relationship and so there was no point in my thinking about him in that way. I had to ignore the feelings that his kiss had ignited in me, feelings that had been there from the first time I saw him. If I was honest with myself, I had been attracted to Zane from the first moment that I saw him, but I also knew that he was the sort of guy that I should avoid. Nothing positive was going to come from a relationship with Zane. If I could even call it a relationship, since the most he would want would be friends with benefits. That, I was sure of. And I didn’t want that. It didn’t fit in with my Last Boyfriend Plan at all.

“Earth to Lucky.” Braydon’s voice interrupted my daydreams and I turned to him with an apologetic glance.