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“Oh my god, that stuff was so heavy,” she groaned before her expression brightened. “Hi! Emmy, right? It’s awesome to finally meet you,” she said, not waiting for me to answer and pulling me into a hug.
I shot a look at Ivan who frowned at us, maybe trying to figure out if we knew each other before being roommates, despite her greeting. The answer was no, we didn’t know each other.
I gave her a few awkward taps on the back, unsure of how to handle the impromptu hug. “It’s good to finally meet you, too, Delaney.”
She pulled back, her face reddening slightly. “Sorry, I know we only talked a couple of times over the summer, but I’m a hugger.”
I smiled and patted her on the shoulder, looking to put her at ease. “It’s okay, I was just surprised. I’m glad you’re here. Are your parents with you?” I said, looking at the door.
“No, I live close by. My mom just blubbered for a million years before I left, so I figured I’d save myself, and everyone else, the misery and drive over here alone,” Delaney replied laughingly, her light brown eyes lighting with humor.
“I hear that. You thankfully missed my mother, who did the same thing even though my sister went off to college two years ago.”
She laughed again, then darted a curious look at Ivan. At my lack of response, she extended her hand in his direction. “Hi, I’m Delaney.”
I jumped, feeling like an idiot. “Oh, I’m sorry, this is Ivan. He’s…” I fumbled.
“Her boyfriend,” Ivan finished smoothly while shaking Delaney’s hand and giving her the barest of smiles. You’d think the simple act of smiling caused him physical pain.
Delaney’s eyes widened. “Oh, wow, I didn’t know you had a boyfriend. You didn’t mention that over the summer,” she commented, her enthusiasm undimmed by Ivan’s subdued response.
I shot him an uncertain glance. I was a terrible liar and being unprepared only made it worse. Why hadn’t I planned to answer questions about our pretend relationship?
“We just got together,” Ivan said, once again replying for me. He walked over to put his arm around me, as if that was undeniable proof of our relationship. My muscles instantly relaxed under his touch.
“Oh, so you just met?” Delaney asked, curiosity burning in her golden-brown eyes.
“Uh, no, we’ve actually known each other a while. He wanted to date me for a long time, but just recently worked up the courage to ask me out, right, honey?” I said cheekily, staring up at him.
He looked down at me and gave me a reprimanding squeeze. His expression was deadpan, but I swear I saw a sparkle of humor buried somewhere in his emerald eyes. “That’s right, neposlushnaya devochka.”
Delaney gasped in delight. “What language is that? What did you call her?”
“Yes, honey, what did you call me?” I asked, shooting him a pointed look.
Ivan looked at Delaney and answered politely. “I called her ‘sweet girl’ in Russian.”
Delaney covered her mouth. “You speak Russian? That’s so hot! You’re so lucky, Emmy!”
I cast a dubious look at Ivan. Sweet girl, my ass. I was going to have to try and remember what he’d said so I could look it up later in my Russian dictionary. “Yes, I’m very lucky.”
“I wish Drew would learn a foreign language so he can sweet talk me.”
I had a hazy recollection of Delaney mentioning a boyfriend the last time we spoke. No offense to her, but she drops a lot of information when she shares, so I sometimes forget the details.
“He goes here, right?” I asked, hoping I was remembering correctly.
Ivan removed his arm, most likely sensing our conversation was rapidly evolving into girl talk and that he had nothing to contribute on that front. I knew it was supposed to be for show, but I already missed the comforting warmth of his arm around me..
“Yes. He’ll probably come by later to say hello after he gets settled.”
“Oh, right, now I remember, he lives off campus, right?”
“Yeah, he has older friends who go here, so they all got a place together.”
I nodded. “Oh, cool. My sister is staying off campus, too, but with her boyfriend.”
Laney held up to crossed fingers. “Maybe that will be me and Drew next year!” She grabbed her keys. “Well, I’ve got to get the rest of my stuff.”