You've Found Oliver (You've Reached Sam, #2)(33)

“She’s supposed to be!”

I don’t even bother hiding my emotions. I throw my arms around her and shout, “Oh my god, it’s really you!”

“Oliver, what’s going on?” There’s a flash of concern in her face.

“I missed you.”

“Missed me? I just saw you a few hours ago.”

What does she mean? I haven’t seen her in several weeks. But that doesn’t matter right now, because I am just happy she’s back. I squeeze her even tighter. That’s when I notice the guy sitting next to her. He clears his throat.

Julie looks at him and says, “I’m sorry, Craig. This is my friend, Oliver.” She turns to me. “Oliver, this is Craig.”

I recognize him now. The tall guy from her creative writing class. They went on a few dates last quarter. We really must be back in the fall. Too bad Julie gets bored of him after their second date.

He gives me the bro nod. “Sup.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I don’t have time for small talk. I turn back to Julie and say, “I really need to talk to you right now.”

“About what?” She looks at Ben. “And who’s this?”

“Oh. This is Ben.”

Ben holds out his hand. “Nice to finally meet you. Oliver mentions you all the time.”

“Oh?” She looks between us. “How do you two know each other again?”

I shake my head. “I’ll tell you about him later, okay? I just need to talk to you right now.”

“Is it important?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure it can’t wait? I’m kind of busy right now.” She gives me a look that says, Can we do this another time?

“But it’s an emergency!”

“Is it a real emergency?”

As far as I’m concerned, it sure is. But I also don’t want to ruin her date. I remember how much she was looking forward to this one. I guess I could just tell her in a few hours. Maybe that will give me time to figure this out. I let out a breath and say, “Okay, fine. Just call me after, okay?”

“Got it,” she says.

I squeeze her shoulders. “Promise me.”

“I will.”

Ben smiles politely. “Lovely meeting again.”

Julie looks at him. “Uh, you too.”

“Let’s go, Ben—”

We leave Julie alone with her date. She better call me as soon as it’s over. Because I’m more confused than before. What on earth is going on here?

“They look like a nice couple,” Ben says.

I sigh. “Don’t get your hopes up. It’s not going anywhere.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because it already happened,” I explain. “He’s going to take her to a Mexican restaurant and ask to split the check.”

Ben blinks at me. “What do you mean it already happened?”

Has he not been paying attention?

I place my hands on his shoulders and speak slowly. “Ben. Where have you been these last few minutes? I told you. It’s not supposed to be November right now. Please tell me you understand what I’m saying.”

“I sort of do…” He goes quiet, maybe processing it. “Is that why Julie is still here?”

“Yes! Her program doesn’t start until spring.” My head pounds from trying to make sense of this. If we’re back in the fall, that means I’m still living at my old place. “That’s probably why my key didn’t work earlier. I hadn’t moved into the new dorm yet.”

“So we really did break in…”

“I should check my old room.”

We make our way back through campus. I’m surprised Ben is still tagging along with me. He must think I’ve gone crazy by now. As we’re passing the student center, someone suddenly appears at my side. Then a hand moves around my waist, pulling me in for a kiss. Familiar lips feel warm against mine. It only takes a second to realize it’s— “Nolan?”

“Hey,” he whispers.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Did I scare you?” He smirks at me. “Thought you were heading to Moore.”

He tries to kiss me again, but I dodge it this time. “Ew, stop that!”

“Don’t be so shy.” He laughs.

I’m about to smack him for that—but I remember something. We’re back in November. That means he and I haven’t broken up yet.

Nolan checks his watch. “I’m actually on my way to the gym. But I’ll see you tonight. Text me, okay?” He kisses me on the cheek before walking off.

I stand there for a second, completely mortified. I’m afraid to turn around and see Ben’s reaction. There’s a look of shock on his face. All I can think to say is “I’m sorry you saw that….”

“Was that your…”

“Ex-boyfriend, yeah. I guess we haven’t broken up, if it’s November? That’s probably why he thought it was okay to kiss me.” It almost sounds worse when said out loud. I should have pushed him away sooner. But it’s too late for that now. At least Ben doesn’t seem too angry about it right now.

Eventually, we get to my old dorm building. It’s across the street from the baseball field. My room is on the second floor.