You've Found Oliver (You've Reached Sam, #2)(11)
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The class ends a few minutes over. People are packing up while the professor erases the board. I can’t believe there’s already an assignment for next week. I’m not sure if I’m going to stay in the course. But I jot down the pages just in case.
There are a few hours to kill before my next class. Usually, I would meet up with Julie at the library around this time. But I don’t feel like going there alone right now. So I take a stroll through the quad and enjoy the fresh air. Maybe I’ll pick up a sandwich at the to-go bar.
As I turn the corner, my body freezes.
His blond hair always sticks out from the crowd. Nolan stands near the history building, staring down at his phone. I would recognize that suede jacket from a mile away. He wears it everywhere, thinking it brings out the blue in his eyes. I should probably turn around before he notices me. But I watch him for a moment, curious if he’s waiting for someone. Like the way he used to always wait for me.
For a second, I think about saying hi. Would that really be so bad? Maybe we could be friends at some point. Truth is, I’m sad about the way things ended. Despite what happened, I miss hanging with him. It’s been almost two months since we broke up. He’s reached out a few times, asking if we can “chat.” Maybe I’m just feeling extra lonely since Julie left, but I miss having someone to see every day. Julie would be disappointed if she knew I talked to him. I would be disappointed in myself, too.
“After what he’s done, you don’t owe him anything,” she would say.
A church bell goes off in the background, bringing me back to my senses. I head off before I do something I’ll regret later.
Everyone’s out on the grass this afternoon. Usually, I would look for a spot in the shade to lie down and relax. Instead, I head to the dining hall to grab a sandwich. There’s an empty bench outside by the gardens. To be honest, I haven’t had much of an appetite these past few weeks. But I force myself to take a few bites of this turkey sandwich anyway. I wonder how Julie’s first day went. I think about giving her a call, but she’s probably getting ready for bed.
Maybe I’ll head back to my dorm. Hopefully, Ethan has left by now. I finish the sandwich and throw the wrapper away. As I’m walking back, my phone goes off.
There’s a new message from Sam’s number. I open it instantly.
Lady Godiva’s Operation
What the heck does that mean? He must have sent it to me by mistake. I respond with a single question mark and wait for his response.
It’s the name of the song
The one you were asking about
At first, I don’t know what he’s talking about. Then I remember the message I sent yesterday afternoon. About that song that’s been stuck in my head. The one I forgot the name of. “Lady Godiva’s Operation.” That’s what it was called!
omg you’re right
That’s the song!
Was debating if I should tell you
Wasn’t sure if it would be weird
It’s not weird at all
You should have told me sooner. It was torturing me
I had to think about it for a second. Looked up bands with the word violet. Then I realized you meant velvet. It’s by the Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground. No wonder I couldn’t find it.
Yes!! Can’t believe I forgot their name
To be fair, they haven’t been around in a while
I smile at this. We’re texting each other again. It’s a little strange seeing Sam’s name pop up instead. I want the conversation to continue. So I think of something else to say.
How are your classes going?
I’m actually sitting in one right now. But the professor’s running late
So I’m distracting myself
Happy to be your distraction
He hearts the message.
Are you listening to the song? It’s stuck in my head now
About to blast it in my dorm
He sends me a link to some video.
Found this live version online earlier. It’s from their concert in Paris circa 1968
Of course, I heart the video.
Ooo saving this for later. Need the full screen experience
It’s a little grainy. Given it was recorded almost 60 years ago
A second later, he follows up with another text.
Professor just walked in.
Text you later
I stare at his message. Text you later. Does that mean he wants to keep talking to me? I see myself reflected in the screen, smiling. I can’t believe he actually texted me first. And I still don’t even know his name. I’ll remember to ask him for it next time. I linger for a moment, taking this all in. Then I put my earbuds in and look up the song. “Lady Godiva’s Operation” by the Velvet Underground.
The second the guitar comes in, a memory of Sam plays in my head. I always forced him to change the song when this one came on. But now I listen to it on repeat for the next few hours.
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