By opinion, she really means praise.

I met Annabelle at one of the school’s gallery exhibits last year. She had a couple of pieces on display that were beautiful. That was a remark I made out loud, only to find that she, the artist, was standing just a few feet away. I showered her with compliments, not knowing what it was about her paintings that I liked so much, simply knowing that I thought they were attractive.

Little did I know, that knowledge about art would not necessarily make me more appealing to Annabelle.

But we aren’t dating anymore.

Still, I’m nowhere close to being with the girl I’m actually interested in. Maybe Jasper is right. I’m not planning on getting back together with Annabelle. That would be a disaster. But going out on the weekend instead of holing up with a book or my sketchpad is probably a healthier choice for my psyche.

“Okay, yeah. We’ll stop by. Do you still live in the same place?”

“Yep!” Annabelle grins up at me, almost as if she expects something.

“All right … see you Friday then.” My hand curves in an awkward half-wave, and I make a move to leave as Jasper finally lets me go.

Annabelle’s touch stops me as she grips my arm. “I’m glad you’re coming. This’ll be so fun!” She lifts up on her toes and presses her lips to my cheek. Then, she skips away to a group of friends I only now realize have been waiting for her.

“She’s definitely still into you.” Jasper claps me on the shoulder, smirk back on his face.

I resist the urge to wipe the back of my hand over my cheek. “So what? I ended it for a reason.”

But, now, I’m going to a party she invited me to, probably giving her the wrong idea. We’re not a possibility anymore. Took me some time to realize, but Annabelle isn’t long-term for me.

“That was stupid. I shouldn’t have agreed to go.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Just because she’s the one who invited you doesn’t mean you’re going there for her. You need to have some fun. Parties are a good place to do that.”

“Doesn’t work so well when you can’t drink.”

Jasper shrugs and then winks. “There are plenty of other fun activities you can participate in.”

I give him a shove before moving forward. “You know I don’t just hook up anymore.”

“Yeah, I still don’t understand it though. Just because your kidneys are out of whack doesn’t mean your dick is.”

There’s a gasp, and we both turn to see a freshman girl staring at Jasper with shock before she shakes her head and power-walks away.

“You just destroyed her innocence!” I grab his upper arms and shake him in mock outrage.

“Shut up.” He’s grinning as he shrugs out of my hold. “But really, man, there’s sure to be plenty of girls there on Friday. Find someone to take your mind off her.”