Page 20 of Forbidden Obsessions

“I’d love to, but I have a lot of assignments coming up in the next couple of weeks.”

Tomas studies me. “You can go be a college kid, Liv. You don’t need me involved in every aspect of your life.” He squeezes my shoulder. I know he’s right, but selfishly, I want him by my side for everything.

If I stay with Tomas, I’ll never have the quintessential college student experience. My boyfriend will be too old for tailgates and raging frat parties. He’s too old for them now. It could very wellimpact his career. Our relationship could have ruined it. In fact, by all accounts, itshouldhave. We got lucky—verylucky.

“I know. It just makes me sad,” I tell him honestly. That’s a conversation for another time, though.

Mia looks at me with pleading eyes. She’s another area in my life that makes me feel guilty. I don’t spend enough time with her. We share some of the same hobbies, but I feel we’re drifting apart as I spend more time with Tomas. Sure, we pick up exactly where we left off, no matter the time frame we’ve been apart. I just feel like I’m not there enough for her.

“I’ll think about it.” I’m still hesitant to leave Tomas’ side. My mind instantly goes back to the fight with Nathan and how easily he could have been taken from me. I hate the phobia and wondering, if I leave him for class or something else, if I’ll ever see him again.

“Convince your girl,” Mia says as we walk out.

“You didn’t tell me you were planning an inquisition this morning,” I hiss.

“As you know, I’m not afraid of putting men in their place. I warned him to fuck around and find out when you two started dating. I’m willing to double down and continue the reminders.”

“I am vehemently against you assaulting my boyfriend, but for what it’s worth, Brent will always bail you out. He’s like, madly in love with you.” I laugh, glancing at my phone. I have an hour and a half before my next class.

“Brent? Who the fuck is Brent?” She looks at me like I have two heads.

My steps falter. “Bitch, do you have amnesia? Brent’s the one who saved me from Nathan at Spirit Weekend last September. His dad is Judge Adams. His dad is one of the most prominent judges in the county.”

“Oh, I know who you’re talking about. He’s not in love with me. I’ve met him like a total of three times,” she scoffs.

“You’re one-thousand percent his type. He asks whether you’re still with Matt every time I see him.” The second Matt’s name rolls off my tongue, a scowl sets on Mia’s face.

“I’m sorry I mentioned him,” I say softly. Once again, my friends are taking the back burner to my problems. I’m sick of being this fucking selfish. Half of the time, I don’t even realize I’m doing it. I hate burdening my friends, yet somehow, I manage to do it time and time again.

Mia waves her perfectly manicured hand. “Don’t be. We made our choices. I made mine. I’m fine,” she says brightly–too brightly. She’s overselling it.

“Mia Elizabeth Pryor, don’t you fucking lie to me. You don’t have to befine. You can grieve. I know he means a lot to you.” I respect her wanting to stay single and have fun. Deep down, she knows she’s lying to herself. Will getting her to admit it change anything? I doubt it.

“Well, well, look who’s writing checks they can’t cash.” She whistles. My mouth opens, then closes. What can I say? Like I can read her about Matt, she can read me about, well, everything.

“You’re right.” My admission catches her off-guard. Mia and I get along well, since we have so much in common. The fact that both of us are stubborn to a fault is only the tip of the iceberg.

“I do have to tell you about something unrelated. Please don’t be mad,” she winces.

“Confess, my child,” I proclaim, holding the door open for Mia. The campus cafe is overrun with students. We order and circle the cafe, searching for a table.

Just as we’re about to abandon hope, a stunning redhead gets up. “Hey, Mia,” she calls brightly, beaming at her.

“Hi, Dagny. Are you coming to tonight’s meeting?” Mia asks, using her hand as a shield from the sun.

I can see Dad’s office from here. Should I go see him? Would he be honest with me?He can wait,I decide. I should go see him and Mom soon, though.

The rich sweetness in Mia’s friend’s voice draws my attention back to their conversation. I try to pretend I don’t feel awkward standing in while they talk. Instead, I pick at my haggard nails, in desperate need of an intervention.

“Yep—looking forward to it. Oh, you and your friend can sit here if you want. I was heading to my psych class. I’m Dagny, by the way,” she says with a shy smile.

“Olivia. I take it you’re one of Mia’s many sisters.”

“Yeah, I’m a junior. We love having Mia. Have you considered joining us next year?”

“Not my scene,” I say, shaking my head.

“Fair,” she laughs. “Maybe I’ll see you at our masquerade mixer. I hope.”

---