Cherry Red Summer (Emely and Elyas Book 1) (25 page)

I listened to the first bars, which didn’t strike me as Elyas’s taste at all. The song was familiar, though I couldn’t say where I knew it from at first. Once the unmistakable refrain started, it clicked
. . .

“Cold as Ice” by Foreigner. Judging by the smirk on Elyas’s face, the song was about me. I had to grin, because this was totally typical of the jerk.

A few minutes later we turned onto the street in front of my dorm. I thanked him for the ride and got out.

In my room, I dove into my books and spent the rest of the morning, all of the afternoon, and much of the night reading. Now and again my thoughts wandered to other things, but I pushed those aside as best I could, focusing instead on what was important. I slogged on, fighting my way through articles and lecture notes, and managed to catch up on quite a bit of the material I had missed. It was another question whether everything would still be in my brain the next day, but I was optimistic.

I’d had the dorm room to myself all morning and afternoon, but Eva came back by dinnertime. She’d since gone to sleep, and her ever-present snoring proved counterproductive to my studying. That disruption was the end. It made no more sense to keep studying, so I closed my binders and books.

I shuffled, exhausted, into the bathroom and stepped into the shower. The stiff muscles in my neck enjoyed a little relaxation under the warm jets of water.

It was very late by the time I came back into the room, and I was in dire need of some sleep. Still, I sat down briefly at my computer and checked my e-mail, and I was in luck.

Dear Emely,

Well? How does a bewitching woman like you spend your Sunday night? If I know you a little, I’m guessing you’ve buried yourself neck-deep in books and haven’t taken a break in hours.

Did you at least make some headway, then?

I smiled at your theories about what I meant when I said I’d disappoint you. Your ideas are wrong—including your suspicion I have two heads!

But before you ask: no, I wouldn’t call myself ugly, if I can say that without sounding too full of myself.

What I was trying to get at was that you’ve surely formed an image of me. That’s normal; it happens automatically. What I’m afraid of is that I, the “real Luca,” won’t rise to the expectations of your “imagined Luca.”

I know you like my e-mails, but I wonder if you’d like me just as much if we were sitting face-to-face. Does that make sense?

Please don’t think I wouldn’t like to meet you. I would love nothing more than that. But I’d like to wait some. Or are you in a rush?

Have a good night! What a waste that you have to spend it alone. (And, no, that wasn’t a suggestive comment—just an observation. I hope you don’t take it the wrong way.)

Yours,

      Luca

I didn’t hesitate, and wrote him back right away.

Hey Luca,

You’re right, unfortunately: my head is spinning from all the books I read today. At least I got a few things out of the way, though I didn’t manage to study at all yesterday. I’ve mentioned before how my best friend can be persistent when she’s obsessed. I’ll leave what happened to your imagination.

But you can’t believe how relieved I am. (And don’t think it would be a bad thing if you had two heads. There would be certain advantages to that—I’m sure!) Your reasons for not wanting to meet took a load off my mind. To be honest, I feel exactly the same way. So, yes, it totally makes sense.

And, no, I have nothing against putting off our face-to-face meeting. Actually—how would ten years be?

No matter when it happens, I can tell your fears are unfounded. Whoever—or whatever—you are, Luca, I’ve already found a spot in my heart for you. We have so many things in common, it’s almost scary—and though I hardly know you, I like you.

So please don’t worry your—as you so arrogantly admit—pretty little head over it. There’s no reason to worry.

Now, my dear, one-headed Luca, I have to go to bed—alone, as you already observed. But I think I’ll survive.

You have a good night, too. Sleep tight!

Bye for now,

      Emely

Later in bed, I was unable to fall asleep, though I was tired as a dog. Far too many thoughts undulated back and forth, and I couldn’t stop them.

First there was my parents’ accident, which I still hadn’t worked through completely. Then there was school, which demanded
everything
from me at the moment. There was Alex, who had finally gotten her kiss and was happily in love, on the threshold of a promising relationship. After all the failures she’d experienced, it delighted me to see her find someone like Sebastian.

Nor could I stop thinking about Luca’s e-mails—and the question of whether we would meet. Finally, there was last night, which haunted me. Everything we had talked about, our battle over the ice cream, and the incredible revelation that Elyas had been in love with me. The idea that things might have gone differently made my stomach feel weird.

Apart from my broken heart—could things have been that different? Elyas had gone to England a few months later. We probably would have broken up then anyway. Even if he hadn’t studied abroad, who knew if he might have dumped me for someone else? The fact that he had feelings for me didn’t mean his had been as strong as mine. Although he did say his had lasted for two years.

Still, I couldn’t imagine it.

And how would things proceed from here? Would anything change between us now that we knew what had really happened all those years ago?

I sighed. Whatever he may have felt for me before was irrelevant today. He said he liked stubborn cases, and it would be silly to assume he had a hidden agenda.

But did that change anything for me? I had hated Elyas all these years for the wrong reasons. Why hadn’t he just talked to me back then? Men were so incompetent when their damned pride was injured.

Something
had
changed for me. It was more a feeling than anything tangible.

I was still tossing and turning a half hour later, so I finally threw off the covers, grabbed my MP3 player, and stuck the earbuds in my ears, playing “Just for Tonight” by Ville Valo & Manna. I took slow, deep breaths and closed my eyes, trying to bring my brain to rest. Soon my cell phone vibrated. I knew who it was before looking.

Could he read minds or something? I sighed and picked up the phone.

DON
’
T ANSWER

I can’t sleep because of you. My whole bed smells like Emely. How am I supposed to sleep here?

EMELY

Obviously I’ll pay for the steam cleaning.

DON
’
T ANSWER

Don’t you dare! However, you may need to stop by in the next few days to refresh the scent.

EMELY

You’d love that, huh? That was a one-time mistake due solely to temporary indifference.

DON
’
T ANSWER

Don’t be that way! And why are you still awake? Shouldn’t you have been asleep for a long time by now?

EMELY

No idea. I’m tired, but I can’t sleep.

DON
’
T ANSWER

Just say the word and I’ll be at your door in ten minutes.

EMELY

I’ve got two words for you: no, thanks.

DON
’
T ANSWER

How can you always be so cold? I miss you. But you won’t believe me anyway. When will we see each other again?

EMELY

You’re right about that first point. As for seeing each other, I’m afraid it will happen all too soon.

DON
’
T ANSWER

I’ve put all my hope on that! It’s not easy planning my schedule so I’ll be home when you’re visiting my sister. What are you wearing?

EMELY

Night, Elyas.

DON
’
T ANSWER

Have I ever told you I think you’re really funny? I love your sense of humor.

EMELY

That’s exactly our problem, Elyas. You think I’m being funny when I’m dead serious.

DON
’
T ANSWER

See? You made me laugh again. You’re so funny!

DON
’
T ANSWER

Why aren’t you answering? Are you rolling your eyes?

EMELY

Yes.

DON
’
T ANSWER

Will you send a picture so I can see?

EMELY

No.

DON
’
T ANSWER

Should I send you a picture?

EMELY

No! Don’t you dare!

DON
’
T ANSWER

Ha ha, are you afraid I’ll send you a picture of my love python?

EMELY

For instance.

DON
’
T ANSWER

Well, I’m sorry, but you’ll have to keep using your imagination. Although I know you’re curious enough to open the picture anyway.

Sweet dreams.

Sleep tight, my angel.

A moment later the phone buzzed again, announcing the promised image’s arrival. My thumb hesitated for a couple of seconds on the button until I finally pressed it and opened it. It was dark, but the patterns were enough to make out Elyas’s face and his hand, which he was using to blow me a kiss.

C
HAPTER
17

F
OREPLAY

I
sat with Alex in the student union on campus, watching all the goings-on. Alex lowered her head and whispered, “I feel so guilty. We’ve hardly seen each other lately.”

“Alex,” I said. “What kind of friend would I be if I held that against you?”

“Yeah, but still.”

“Not ‘still.’ You’re in love! It’s totally normal for you two to spend your days glued together, preferably alone.”

“But I feel so selfish.”

“Nonsense. You have my full understanding. Besides, I’ve been busy studying and catching up.”

“Then why do I feel like I’ve been neglecting you?”

“Because you’re silly?”

“Thanks a lot.”

I grinned. “I think it’s cute that you’re worried about this, but it’s unnecessary. You’re acting like we
never
see each other anymore. And that’s not true.”

“Ever since I moved to Berlin, we’ve done something together almost every day. Now that I’ve got Sebastian, what if you and I stop being friends?”

“You and I will never stop being friends! You even overdo it when you’re exaggerating!”

“I’m just afraid you feel neglected,” she said.

I patted her forearm. “I hereby swear and attest: I promise to notify you immediately the instant I feel the slightest twinge of neglect. Agreed?”

“I’m counting on it,” she said.

“Good. At the moment, ‘there’s nothing but green lights’ from me. Really.”

“OK,” she said. “Maybe we can do something together next weekend?”

“I’d love to. But, please, not just because you feel guilty.”

“Don’t be silly. I miss you. I miss Elyas, too, actually.” A traitorous spark that I didn’t like flashed in her eyes. “He asks me every day if you’re coming over.”

I sighed. Happily, I hadn’t run into Elyas since the movie night nearly two weeks ago. Although I wasn’t sure about the “happily” part. My mind was trying to pound “happy” into my heart, but when it came to Elyas, my mind and heart had major communication problems. Still, I had come to the decision that some distance couldn’t hurt. It couldn’t hurt
me
, at least.

“I know,” I answered. “He’s been sending me several text messages a day.”

“No kidding?” she said. “That’s cute.”

I snorted. “Well, you should read them.”

“Oh, Emely. Don’t be that way. Do you know what I think?”

I shrugged.

“I think he likes you but is too proud to admit it.”

Alex never was good at reading guys’ intentions. It was hard to take my hyperactive best friend seriously sometimes, especially now that she lived in a world where there were only relationships as happy as hers.

“On the subject of
liking
,” Alex said. “How are things going with Luca?”

“Very well,” I said with a smile.

“When are you two meeting in person?”

Shit, why couldn’t she just leave that alone?

“Oh, wel
l . . .
u
m . . .
i-in
person
,” I stammered, scratching my head.

“Yes, meeting
in person
,” she said. “That’s when real human beings stand close to each other in the same physical space and stop hiding like cowards behind their computers.”

“Smart-ass,” I said. “We vaguely set a meeting i
n . . .
a few weeks.”

“What does ‘in a few weeks’ mean?”

“Well, a few weeks. Neither of us is in any rush.”

She was standing now, hands on her hips, wearing an expression I didn’t like one bit. “Emely, you
know
what I think about that!”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, you’ve informed me several times.” Who did she think she was? My mother?

“Hey, what time is it?” she asked.

I pulled out my phone. “Almost 4:10.”

She slammed her hand over her mouth. “I was supposed to meet Sebastian in the parking lot ten minutes ago.”

“Chop-chop!” I said, hugging her good-bye. “Have fun!”

“I will! See you!” she called over her shoulder, already running toward the door with a lovey-dovey smile on her face. I watched her dash off, and then sighed.
I’d like a Sebastian myself.

I turned toward the other exit with mixed feelings and started back toward the dorm. I knew Eva fairly well by this point, and there was always the potential for a touchy situation with her. So I was sure to prepare myself before I arrived. What I found in our room exceeded my worst expectations.

Eva sat enraptured on
my
bed, deep in conversation with none other than Elyas Schwarz and his charming smile.

What the hell?

“Finally, there you are, dearest,” Elyas said. “Eva and I were just talking about you.”

I looked at Eva, wishing I could telepathically cause her excruciating pain. But she just kept staring into Elyas’s eyes.

I tossed my books onto the bed beside her. “Why would it matter to me what you two were talking about?”

“It wasn’t anything bad,” Eva said. “I was
just
telling him about how you recently tripped in the student union and practically landed in the dean’s arms.” Eva blinked at Elyas, and they both began to giggle.

Why did I need enemies when I had friends?

“Thanks so much, Eva. And FYI, in case you were thinking of having Nicolas overnight again, you thought wrong.”

“Oh, don’t be angry, dearest,” Elyas said. “We think your clumsiness is nothing but cute.”

I crossed my arms, irritated. “What are you even doing here?”

“I missed you!” he said with a grin. “Eva was nice enough to let me in, even though she was just on her way out the door.”

Eva glanced at the clock. “Oh, my lecture. I’d better get going.”

“Sorry to have kept you,” Elyas said.

“No problem,” she replied, standing. As she slipped on her shoes, I caught her eye and desperately tried to communicate not to leave me alone with this jerk. She just shrugged, said, “Ciao,” and left.

Well, great! Note to self: Find new and better friends.

“Sorry,” Elyas said in a low murmur as he stood and approached me. “But two weeks without seeing you is way too long. I had to stop by.” He tried to do that thing with his eyes again. What was the word?
Hypnotize.
He was trying to hypnotize me. This time I braced my entire body and would not be lulled into anything.

“Don’t you have other women in your list of contacts who are just itching to bask in your sunlight?”

A corner of his mouth pulled into a half smile. “I’m seeing one of them right now.”

Smug as always. I snorted. What was he up to? And why was I getting upset about it?

“I’m annoying you right now, aren’t I?” He grinned.

“No. I gave up being annoyed by you a long time ago.”

“You’re so cute when you try to lie.”

I moaned.

“So, what should we do now?” he asked.

“Whatever you’ve got planned, have fun.
I
have to study.”

“What is this ‘studying’ I hear people talking about?” he said.

“I’ve got to read this book.” I pointed at one of the books on my bed.

He frowned. “You call reading a book ‘studying’?”

“I have to write a paper critiquing that novel by Monday, so it makes sense to read it first, don’t you think?”

“I get it
. . . ,
” he mumbled. He thought for a moment and said, “OK.”

“‘OK’ meaning you’re leaving?” I asked.

“No.” He laughed. “‘OK’ meaning I’ll keep you company while you ‘study.’”

Why me?
“Elyas, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Oh, come on. Hand me a book, and I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

“A likely story,” I grumbled, glaring at him.

“Come on, give me a chance. If I don’t keep my word, you can throw me out.”

“You’re just saying that because you know perfectly well you’re ten times stronger than me. I couldn’t physically throw you out, even if I wanted to.”

“That may be true,” he said. “Although I find the image of you trying extremely titillating.”

My next inhalation was very, very deep.

“Come on, dearest!” he said, batting his long eyelashes. “I promise I’ll bail the second I start bugging you.”

“Good. You’re bugging me right now. It’s been great. See you next time.” I strode toward the door and held it open for him, but he sat down on my bed, grinning.

I stared at him. There were cures for most ailments or infestations nowadays. Why nothing for him?

He lay down on his back, crossed his legs, and picked up a book. “What are you still standing there for?” he asked, batting his eyes. “I thought we were going to study.”

Grrr.

Not even the world’s largest horsefly could be as persistent as Elyas. Resistance was futile. I surrendered to my fate and sat cross-legged next to him on the bed. I put my hair up so it wouldn’t bug me while I read, and I focused stubbornly on the book in my hands. I ignored comments such as “Damn, I love it when you go all librarian on me” and somehow managed to make him keep his mouth shut.

But I didn’t make much progress. I was trying, but I couldn’t concentrate with Elyas lying beside me. Plus, all my recent studying had started to take its toll on my neck. I’d had my nose stuck in books more hours than not over the past few days. It had been only a question of time before my neck rebelled against my unhealthy posture.

As unpleasant as the soreness in my neck was, it couldn’t hold a candle to the primary nuisance in the room—aka Elyas Schwarz—who merely pretended to read one of my books, for all of ten minutes. After ten minutes he set the book down and resumed his apparent true objective of driving me crazy. Every time I felt his stare burning my skin, I glanced up from my book and found myself staring directly into his eyes. As if that weren’t enough, I kept smiling at him. I was about to start pulling out my hair.

“Say,” he started. “Aren’t you supposed to be turning pages?”

I checked my page number, which hadn’t increased in some time now. My cheeks got hot, and that only made Elyas’s grin wider.

“I would, in fact, be able to turn a page,” I hissed, “if you’d stop driving me crazy!”

“Does it annoy you when I look at you?” he asked.

“No. It drives me
crazy
! That is the mental state right before someone goes on a murder spree.”

He grinned. But then the smile disappeared. He watched me for a long time, and the twinkle in his eyes grew duller and duller. He lay back and patted the pillow next to him. “Would you like to lie next to me?” he asked.

Goose bumps ran down my back.

The mere idea triggered nervous tingling in my stomach. How would it feel to lie in Elyas’s arms? How would it feel to have his fingers gliding up and down my back?

Dammit, what was I thinking? I frowned. “Elyas, why don’t you just go into the bathroom and pull one out?”

He stared at me and sighed.

Had I hurt his feelings?

God, what was wrong with me today? Imagine me, hurting
Elyas’s
feelings. Ridiculous. I took a deep breath and returned to my book. But the words registered as little as they had before, though I was remembering to turn the pages now.

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you for two weeks,” he said after a while. I looked up from my book to find his eyes directed at the ceiling.

“I mean, suddenly finding out after seven years that everything was a stupid misunderstanding,” he said. “It leaves a bitter aftertaste in my mouth that I can’t get rid of.”

I didn’t say anything.

He eventually looked at me. “You know what I’m saying?”

Did I know what he was saying? Well, yes. One might say that very topic had played the lead role in my thoughts for two weeks as well.

“More or less,” I mumbled.

“It sounds stupid,” he continued, looking back at the ceiling. “But I keep asking myself what we could have had together if I hadn’t been so dumb as to take Sören at his word.”

That, in turn, would have kept my first time from being with Sören Nordmann. But I kept that to myself.

I slowly traced the smooth spine of the book with my finger. “It wouldn’t have lasted more than six months in any case,” I said.

“Why do you say that?”

“That’s when you went to England.”

“Emely,” he said wistfully. “You were the main reason I went abroad.”

I stared at him.

“I’m not kidding,” he said. “I couldn’t stand running into you every day, with that ridiculous Simon in tow.”

I considered correcting his “Simon” to “Sören,” but thought better of it. What Elyas said had completely caught me off guard.

“You’re exaggerating,” I finally said.

“It’s true. Why should I lie?”

Because it’s easier to have your way with women by saying things like that?
I kept my commentary to myself and shrugged.

“Emely, you broke my heart. Why don’t you believe that?” Elyas looked at me as though he could find no explanation for it. Fundamentally, I lacked the power of imagination to suppose he had loved me that much.

“Elyas, are you seriously telling me I was the reason you went to England?” More and more wrinkles covered my forehead. Without batting an eye, he confirmed with a nod.

“You were my first great love,” he said.

My throat turned dry and seemed to close in on itself. Elyas seemed so sincere, so honest. Still, I couldn’t allow myself to forget he would probably say anything to talk me into something. Thinking back to our reunion four months ago,
everything
pointed to his trying to pull one over on me.

“It can’t have been much of a love,” I snorted.

“Why?”

“Because you didn’t even recognize me when I helped Alex move.”

He grinned. His smile implied the same underhandedness I had detected four months ago in Alex’s room. “That bugged you, huh?” he asked.

Yes, dammit. It way-more-than-bugged me!

“I might have been annoyed for two or three seconds,” I replied, turning up my nose.

Elyas laughed softly. “You should have seen your face.”

Fine, maybe I had looked stupid at first, but that was because of the
shock
. Seeing him again after so long, only to have him not even recognize me—anyone would have had a dumb look on her face!