Take Me Higher

Chapter Nine-Olivia

Here's chapter 9! I hope you like it, let me know in the comments.  10-12 are up on Radish!
*

"See, how did I know I'd find you in the library?" Blake slouches into one of the chairs diagonal to me.

I look up from my stack of books and see him peering over at my notebook. After basically throwing myself at him last night, I feel like an idiot. More so than usual.

"I'm surprised you're still talking to me," I hold back a smile. Obviously if he wanted nothing to do with me, he wouldn't be seeking me out. "I was kind of a mess last night. I don't usually drink that much...or at all really. I'm sorry."

Blake smirks. "Liv, stop, really, it wasn't a big deal. I've worked at the bar for two years, I've seen far messier than you," he chuckles. "You're a cute drunk. Even held your liquor and everything."

I can't even begin to describe how thankful I am that I didn't barf all over his car or on him. I guess he's right, it could've been worse.

"So statistics, huh?" Blake changes the subject, pulling my homework in front of him. "I took it last year, hated it. Passed it, but hated every second of it."

I giggle. "You sound like everybody else in my class. I took an introduction class senior year so I was a little prepared. It's not entirely difficult."

"I literally wiped this clear from my brain, I don't remember any of this otherwise I'd offer some help," Blake says, reading my equations.

I push up from my chair and lean over him, explaining what I'm solving. He listens like it's the most interesting topic, when I know it qualifies as the opposite.

His hand finds my waist and guides me to sit on his lap so I'm not hunched over. I think Blake being so cool and collected helps me not freeze up like a moron.

"This stuff comes easy to you, doesn't it?"      

I shrug. "I study a lot, I mean, that's what I'd usually do on a nights like last night."

"Or tonight?" He grins.

I nod. "Yeah, but that's what I'm doing here in between classes so I don't have to worry about it later," I smile.

"I've only been in the library a few times, I had a tutor last year for an English assignment. He wasn't as easy on the eyes," Blake jokes, making me laugh. "I guess I'll let you get back to it. Pick you up later?" He checks, his hands lingering on my hips as we stand to keep me steady.

"Just don't let me get white-girl wasted tonight," I tease.

He chuckles. "No promises."

***

"Are you sure that your parents don't mind you staying over again?" I ask Tawny, Jessa's friend.

I'm frantically scrambling to get ready for tonight by myself since Keely and Monica both ditched me for guys of their own. Not that I blame them. I'm on my own for my hair and make-up, so I'm just going to keep it easy.

Tawny looks up from my bed. "It's just my mom and I, she's a bartender and mainly works nights. Besides, she'd be happy I'm here, you're much more nurturing than her," she explains casually, flipping through a magazine while I battle my unruly hair.

I should've just left it in it's natural curly state. I've basically been straightening my hair since I got home from my classes. I thought I'd finished up my homework in the library earlier with plenty of time for this.

"You gave your mom my number right?"

"She didn't even ask for it, but yes, I left it on the fridge," Tawny assures me, appearing amused.