Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(21)

“And you’re doing it?”

“Looks like it. I don’t want Bennett to do it alone, which she will if I refuse. Anyway, they’ve been doing it for years, so I

guess it will be okay.”

“I don’t like it, Laney. The thought of you going to visit every guy’s room in the dorm doesn’t give me the warm fuzzies.” He

sounds mad.

“Ok, why exactly do you feel that way? I’ve already thought about the danger aspect. The resident advisors are in the building.”

I understand his concern, I had it initially, but it’s been covered.

“It’s not just that, shortcake. I don’t know. I just don’t want you in other guys’ rooms. Would you like me in other girls’

rooms?”

No, no, I would not, but I choose not to think about things I can’t control. It’s just easier that way.

“Ev, it’s like an open house, a planned event. It’s not me just going to a specific dude’s room just because.”

Am I rationalizing right now? This damn crawl brawl or whatever is not worth fighting with him about. I couldn’t care less about

it, but I care about our boundaries. This is exactly why dating whole colleges apart wouldn’t have worked.

“Laney, I don’t want to fight. I’m tired, I’m hungry and I miss you so bad. Maybe I’m being crazy. Let me think and I’ll call

you back.”

“Okay.”

I need an objective opinion on this, but my options are few. I can’t ask Kaitlyn, she could never be objective about a “meet guys

” situation. I can’t ask Bennett, she wants a partner in crime, and if I ask my dad, he’ll be here packing my stuff within the

hour.

Any chance this answer will come up on a Google search? Maybe I could ask Jeeves? Siri? That chick knows everything.

After about an hour of miserably self-analyzing, “Ho Hey” saves me. He’s calling me back.

“Evan.” It’s more an exhale than a word. “I’m sorry, precious girl. Forgive me?”

“Nothing to forgive. I understand you’re looking out for me. I’m not gonna go.”

“No, Laney, go. I was being jealous and dumb. I don’t get to do that, I know. Get out and meet some people.” The silence

stretches on for what seems like minutes. His heavy breath comes across the line, the torture audible. “It’s great of you to look

out for your roommate. I broke my promise to you. I’m not with you. I can’t expect you to sit and do nothing all the time.”

“You didn’t break a promise, Evan. You are where I am, all the time. Every song, every thought, every day...you’re here.” The

agony in my voice impossible to hide. “Did you know this would be so hard?”

“Not even close; I couldn’t have imagined. God, this sucks, I miss you so damn bad I ache, Laney.” He chokes up a bit. “But you

need to get out and live. Go to the crawl. I’m so proud of you, taking on the world.”

“Thank you for calling me back and for always having my back. You’re so easy to fight with.” I laugh softly. “I’ll sleep on it

and see.”

He sighs. We both do that a lot lately. “Did I mention how much I miss you?”

“Me too, every minute. I’d kill for a Disney marathon in your arms right now.” I can’t help tearing up a little.

“We could fall asleep watching one together. I packed mine for when you visit.” His laugh is fake. “What’s your heart desire

tonight, princess?”

“You, here with me.”

“Awww, baby. Damn. You’re killing me.”

“I’m sorry, I know, I know, just slipped out. Ok, I pick The Lion King, sound good?”

“Sounds great,” he mumbles, trying to hide his sigh. And that’s what we did; we did us.

When I woke up the next morning, my call was ended but there was a text waiting.

Evan: Good night and sweet dreams my love, near or far I love falling asleep with you.





Chapter Fourteen


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GOTTA CRAWL BEFORE YA WALK

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Laney

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Classes weren’t too brutal today and practice was short and sweet. Dragging myself into my room, I throw everything at the end of

my bed and crash into it face first. I thought I was still undecided on the whole Hall Crawl thing; I should’ve known my mind was

made up for me. Bennett’s enthusiasm can barely be contained in our room and she makes me miss Kaitlyn. I’ve got to call her

soon. We haven’t talked since school started.

“Get up, girly swirly, we have to get ready! Are you excited? I’m so excited! What a creative way to bring people together!”

Oh God, Bennett is so close to being an obnoxious socialite, but then she throws in the “deeper” meaning at the end. Love her,

though, already.

I grumble into the bathroom to shower as she puts her beautiful dark red mane into foam rollers. Amazingly, I’ve adapted to being