book smart // c. parayko

Chapter 2

"Jessica."

"Are you a student at Washington?"

"Yeah. English major. Are you?" I was horrible with small talk. I really hated it, honestly. I didn't want him to think that I didn't want him here.

"I'm an online student from Fairbanks."

"What brings you down here?"

"I uh-" he rubbed his neck, as if he had forgotten his answer. "Work. Work brought me down here."

I nodded, afraid to say any more. For an English major and an avid writer, I was horrible with words. It was embarrassing. Embarrassing in such a way that I don't usually try to meet new people. My group of friends were in the same boat as me.

"Do you mind if I sit with you?"

"Not at all." I smiled, studying the bright blue eyes that were behind his black rimmed glasses. He was cute, but I wasn't getting my hopes up.