Chapter 38

    Chapter 38: if a guy wants you, you will know

LYRIC SPENCER POV

    He handed me his cup, and I took a small sip. The sweetness of the caramel hit my taste buds first, followed by the richness of the coffee. It was a perfect balance of flavors. I couldn't help but let out a small sigh of pleasure.

    Gavin smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "See, I told you it's good," he said.

    I nodded, handing him back his cup. *It's really good,* I typed on my phone.

    He grinned, taking another sip of his coffee. "I'm glad you like it," he said. Gavin took a bite of his creamy, chocolate cupcake, he swallowed and said "Let me order you the same. "

    I signed a thank you.

    Fortunately, Gavin understand some of my simple gestures. It would make tutoring him better.

    We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, sipping our coffees and enjoying each other's company. I couldn't help but feel a sense of ease with Gavin that I hadn't felt with anyone in a long time.

    As we finished our coffees, Gavin glanced at his watch. "I should probably get going," he said. "I have a lot of work to do tonight."

    I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. I didn't want the evening to end. He stood up from his chair, his eyes lingering at the transparent door.

    "Can I walk you out? '' he asked, an uneasy look on his face. It seemed like he was contemplating his decision. He paid for our food.

    Hesitating, I nodded.

    We walked out of the coffee shop together, the cool evening air hitting us as we stepped outside. Gavin turned to me, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

    "Thanks for the coffee date, Lyric," he said. His hands shut to his hair, they were now dry "I had a great time."

    A date? Did he just say a date?

    I smiled, feeling my heart flutter in my chest. *I had a great time too,* I typed and showed him my screen. His smile grew wider.

    Gavin leaned in, his face inches from mine. My heart started to race, as he was so close to my face, I could feel his breathe on my lips. Instead of kissing me, he rubs his cheek with mine "I'll see you soon," he whispered.

    My heart skipped a beat as he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there feeling breathless and confused. What just happened?

    I watched his long legs walk away for sometime before I swirled and trek back home. He most have left his car home. The cafe was closer to my house than his. I felt guilty watching him trek home but I didn't have a car.

    ##

That night, I went home and searched the meaning of a ' date ' to make sure I was not missing you that word. G****e said ' a social engagement or appointment between two people, often with romantic intentions (e.g., dinner date, movie date). '

    Often? Meaning it could have been a platonic date?

    My felt a stink in my chest after analyzing. I look at my ceilings , feeling a sinking feeling in my stomach. I didn't like it.

    Hopping of the bed, I grab my laptop and texted Viktor.

    Me: What does a guy mean by a ' date ' ?

    My worry filled me while I waited as he typed. What if he was the petty type and leaves me on read too?

    I hope not. I needed his help. A guy perspective.

    Viktor : Time spent together with someone you are romantically involved with.

    Me: what if you guys are not dating nor have intentions too?

    Viktor: Did he say ' let's hang out or a date ' ?

    Me: A date

    Viktor: Men hardly play games. He must have meant a date. Was he friendly, overly friendly or flirty?

    I took time to go over everything he did or said. I could not find anything that was directly flirty.

    Me: He teased me and said he would see me later.

    Viktor: Sexually?

    Me: No

    Viktor: It's a tricky. Are you seeing a mathematics teacher why is he so complicated? I can't even figure him out and I am a guy.

    Me: Is my friend not me. I just wanted to clarify her doubts.

    Viktor: If a guy wants you, you will know. He would never give you a reason to doubt his intentions. If he is acting like he doesn't give a fuck he truly does not. Don't take everything as sign is usually not. Guys hardly play games

    I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Was I over reading everything?

    This was Gavin Hawkins. He never took any relationship serious out of the concept of sex. I was overthinking this.

    Me: I want. Thank you;

    The typing caption floated below my screen, I felt anxious wondering if he wanted to ask about my behavior yesterday. I wanted to close my computer and go to sleep to avoid talking about it.

    Viktor: Good night Bunny.

    My shoulders sagged in relief. He had never given me a nickname before so I gave him one too.

    Me: Good night Vik

    ###

    The next day was a Tuesday. But it was a different from the others. I had to tutor Gavin after my shift at work. I had asked for all morning shirt to accommodate Gavin.

    Afterall, he was going to pay me by the hour. He was paying seventy dollars per hour way more I was earning at my work. I initially wanted to ask for twenty-five dollars but he brought up the price and I could not say no.

    I was going to teach him for four eyes three times a week for two weeks. That was six times. I was going to tutor his six times meaning I would make four hundred and twenty dollars. That was bonkers.

    I was excited!

    I went home after work for a shower before taking the bus to his house.

    As I stepped off the bus and walked towards Gavin's house, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I had never tutored anyone before, let alone someone as charming and intimidating as Gavin.

    I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. Gavin answered, flashing me a bright smile. "Hey, Lyric! Come on in."

    I followed him into the house, taking in the sleek, modern decor. We settled into a cozy study room, where Gavin had set up a desk with textbooks and notes.

    I pulled out my own materials and began to organize them, using hand gestures to communicate with Gavin. He told me wetr the last tutor ended, she covered the bulk so I was left with remnants.

    "Okay, so what's the plan for today?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.

    I held up a whiteboard marker and began to write on a nearby board. "Algebra."

    Gavin chuckled. "Ambitious, I like it."

    I shot him a stern look, trying to maintain a professional demeanor. But it was hard to resist his charming smile.

    I pointed to the first equation: ∫(2x^2 + 3x - 4) dx. I raised an eyebrow, asking him to solve it.

    Gavin picked up a pen and began to work on the equation. I watched as he applied the power rule of integration, then the constant multiple rule.

    I followed him through his steps, he started out great until he made a mistake halfway through. Gavin did not notice, so he continued to arrive at the wrong answer.

    I tried not to look disappointed.. rather I smiled.

    Asked for his attention, then began to solve making sure he followed me all through. While the robotic voice on my phone went on about what I was to say.I solved a few more using past questions of previous CAs in mathematics.

    If he could answer every question for the last three years, he would not have a problem in mathematics.

    "I think I got it now. Can you give me an exercise? ''.

    I nodded, appreciated his enthusiasm.

    I wrote out the next equation: Find the derivative of f(x) = (3x^2 + 2x - 5) / (x + 1). Gavin's brow furrowed as he worked on the equation.

    I could see the wheels turning in his head as he applied the quotient rule of differentiation.

    After a few minutes, he looked up, a triumphant smile on his face. I looked over to his work,"f'(x) = ((6x + 2)(x + 1) - (3x^2 + 2x - 5)) / (x + 1)^2!"

    I smiled, giving him a thumbs-up. Slowly, he was getting a hang of it.

    I left him with homework for our next class. As time went on, it was easier for him and me. We fell into a cycle.