EXCERPT
It had been a long time since I’d felt like I belonged somewhere or with someone. I had found that at Maison. I felt the same with Dad when he let me tag along to one of his classes or read chapters of a new book he was in the middle of writing. He was the only one I wanted to call to tell him about my summer plans. Aya would be happy for me, but she didn’t share our love for books and learning, not that my older sister was uneducated by any means. She had different pursuits and hobbies, like Mom. She had a bond with Mom, whereas mine was with Dad.
A small black dog ran by me, chased by a woman. The sight made me snicker. I checked around to see if there were any other dogs, an odd thing to see at a college. The only interesting interaction was a few guys playing football a few feet away. I wanted to soak in the atmosphere a little longer. Then I would call Dad and tell him my news. Trying to figure out the time difference in Paris, I walked forward, realizing too late I was in the path of the football game. Someone shouted— “Look out!” As I turned, a football hit the side of my neck, near my shoulder. I fell and landed on the ground.
The sun above blinded me as I tried to bring the world into focus. Soon, a group of men surrounded me, blocking out the light. One knelt next to me and boosted me up, keeping his arm on my back.
“My glasses?” I searched the area even though everything was blurry.
“I found them.” He pressed them into my hand. “Are you okay? Do you need a doctor? Should we call 911?”
I slid my glasses on and shook my head. “I was just startled.”
When I was able to see again, the guy who still supported me helped me stand. I should have noticed he wasn’t wearing a T-shirt. It was stuck in the back of his shorts, leaving his chest bare. What I did notice first was his chunky black-framed glasses and short yet spikey blond hair. He also had too many freckles across his nose and cheeks.
“You’re wearing glasses also.” I blinked, amazed by how cute he was wearing horn-rimmed glasses, and because of the deep lines around his mouth because of his smile.
“A few other guys on campus wear glasses, but they don’t look as good as I do.” He scooped up the football and tossed it to someone. “I’m going to take a break to make sure the young lady here is okay.”
Young lady? I kicked the grass. Shoot! My paperwork had scattered.
“I’m fine, I think, but my papers aren’t.” I bent to retrieve the wrinkled documents.
By the time I’d found most of them, he had put on his T-shirt. He held the brochure, and, as I rose, he flipped through it. “You’re a new student here?”
“Just for the summer.” I held my hand out for the booklet.
He paused as if he wanted to say something but instead gave me the booklet.
“Thanks.” I took my time putting the book and papers in my tote bag, expecting him to leave. But he still stood there.
For some reason, I wasn’t as uncomfortable as I usually was when I met new people. Our awkward introduction resulting from the football to my face should have made me look in the other direction. But he acted…considerate? Or maybe compassionate was a better word?
A female voice called out, “Will,” and he waved but stayed with me. “Now you know my name. I’m Will, short for William.”
“I’m Reiko, and it’s not short for anything.” I glanced at the girl who‘d said his name. She was with two other girls, and they all looked identical—white girls with highlighted blonde hair and tight shirts and shorts. They were the type I would stay away from because they reminded me of Gem.
“I never heard that name before. It’s pretty.” He gave me another friendly smile.
“It has a few meanings.” The main meaning of my name meant beautiful, but I preferred wise. I left it unsaid because he would probably say I was beautiful in his flirty way, just to be nice.
“I’d love to know what your name means.” He tapped his fingers on his hips.
If I had better social skills, I would have teased him, extending our conversation. But with those girls waiting for him, one of whom might be his girlfriend, it was best I let him go.
“If we meet again, I might tell you.” I turned and walked away. It was better to cut him off and leave. The odds I would see him again were small since he was ending his semester and would return to wherever he lived for the summer.
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Sounds really great
ReplyDeleteLoved this excerpt! Cant wait to read the whole book!
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds really great.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to read more to see how Reiko and Will's relationship evolves despite her social anxiety!
ReplyDeleteI like the cover
ReplyDeletegreat excerpt
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the book.
ReplyDeleteCool cover
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Sounds like a must read.
ReplyDeleteSounds very good.
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