I Bet I Would

Chapter 70: It Was the Perfume

FRANZ

"Don't tell me you'll miss another Paideia dinner. You've only attended the first one. It's the last dinner for October. What's keeping you? Seems like the girls stopped attending too. ;) And also inform Ms. Josiah! If she's interested in the Humanities, she should attend. Oh, both of you should attend. Members should attend. :( "

I still haven't replied to Levi's text.

"Pau?" I whispered to her.

"Yup?" She turned to face me.

I like Sociology classes because I get to sit beside her and be this close to her.

"Okay, you're cute," She said before returning her gaze to the professor.

I'm cute.

Cute?

Really?

That's freaking lame.

"I'm beyond cute," I replied.

She chuckled.

"Pau?" 

"What is it, Franz?" She rolled her eyes at me but her lips were curving into a smile.

"We have Paideia dinner this Friday," I said to her.

"Oh" was the only thing she said in response.

"Oh, so?"

"I can't," She answered with a frown.

"Oh, why?" I asked.

"Because Ashton invited me to a party at Eric's."

"Oh."

I regret asking.

I could feel my blood pressure rising, but, I tried to keep my cool.

Why does Ashton always get in the way?

Well, I won't mind a truck getting in the way, just not Ashton.

"Why are they throwing a party?" I went on to ask, realizing I am not invited.

"Aren't you invited? It's the band's founding day."

"A small party probably, haven't heard the entire school talking about it yet," I said, trying to sound as casual as I could.

"Probably" was her only answer. She's busy taking down notes while I'm busy conspiring.

Conspiring on how I can make her go to the Paideia dinner instead.

Well, anyone in her place would choose Roll the Dice's party over a lame ass dinner while discussing stuff on Humanities.

I could crash at Eric's. I'm pretty sure the band with the exception of Ashton would not mind. 

I don't want to keep Paulene off my radar.

My gaze fell on my phone, on Levi's text.

Levi's a friend.

He wants me there and I've been missing the dinners.

Why would I squeeze myself in a party that doesn't welcome me?

Paulene.

I heave out a sigh.

"Anything wrong?" Paulene asked.

Yes.

I want you.

I want you all to myself.

I shook my head, "Naahh.."