Page 44 of Only With You

Polly sits up, shifting her body to face me. “I know you guys have your…issuesand all, but think about it for a moment.”

“There’s nothing to think about,” I deadpan.

Gabby throws her braid over her shoulder, staring at me like she means business. “I’m serious. Set your pride aside andreallythink about it. Landon graduated valedictorian in high school. He’s insanely and ridiculously smart. And not only that, but he’s also patient. I know it’s hard to believe, but trust us, he’s your ticket to passing.”

“It wouldn’t work. We can’t be together for more than a few minutes without arguing. I’m sure someone would end up dead, and it’s not going to be me.”

Gabby snickers. “You’re so funny.”

I wish she understood how serious I am.

“You guys were together alone last week, and you both were fine and alive.” Polly gives me a pointed stare.

“That’s different. I was drunk for most of it. I wasn’t coherent enough to think.”

“Look, the only person I can think of who will definitely help you pass is Landon. I’m not sure how he manages to make it all make sense, but he does. I swear he will help you pass,” she reassures, her tone serious and void of any amusement. “He helped me and I aced that class. I know he can help you, too.”

Those yellow bright flags wave in my periphery again.

I should heed to the warning, but there’s a voice in the back of my head telling me I should go for it. Either I lose my pride and ask him for help, or I disappoint my father again.

“I’ll think about it.”

I’ve been thinking about Gabby and Polly’sgrandidea for two days now.

I know I’m making a bigger deal than I need to, but the thought of asking him for help feels agonizing and embarrassing. It’s like I’m willingly handing Landon something else to talk shit about.

In the grand scheme of things, if he’s as smart as my roommates made him out to be, then I’ll pass. Landon talking shit should be the least of my problems. Either way, he already does that now, so why does it matter?

Sure, I’m extremely self-conscious about my intellect, but it’ll be okay, because at least I’ll pass. Whatever jokes and smart-ass comments he makes will be brutal. He’s not one to hold back and never with me, but that’s okay because the price will be worth it, right?

“That concludes today’s meeting.” Sienna smiles wide.

I’m not sure when I zoned out and how long it was for, but I’ve been doing that a lot. I did that today with my students. I didn’t mean to, but the girls’ idea won’t leave my head.

I don’t waste time grabbing my things, but I slow down when a few girls make conversation with me. They’re sweet but I’m just trying to get out.

I don’t feel comfortable here anymore. At least not when Sienna is around. Anytime I’m around her, I feel like she’s going to spill all of my secrets.

There aren’t many of them, but they’re the ones that keep me up at night. Or ones I’m too embarrassed to talk about.

Luck isn’t on my side because right as I slip out of the sorority house, she stops me.

“Hey, can I talk to you for a second?” she asks.

“Sure.”

We step to the side, where it’s not crowded with girls.

I fold my arms against my chest, feeling the early October breeze pass by us. It’s only October first, but it’s colder this year than it was last year. That’s the thing about living in North Carolina. You never know what the weather will be like.

She bears a tight smile that doesn’t touch her eyes. “Isn’t it funny?”

I stare, puzzled. “Uh, what is?”

“How I said I was going to take Landon to semi and then you start hanging out with him.” She chuckles, but it’s bitter.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t hang out with him.”

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