Page 24 of Frat House Fling

“Both,” he said. “Probably bad for me, because maybe the entries were stronger this year. But good for the field of architecture overall.” He looked uncertain despite his straightforward answer.

“I hope you win.”

“Thanks. Me too.” He stared past me, his eyes unfocused. Just when I turned back to the dishes in the sink, he elaborated. “Winning would mean that I have talent on my own. That I have what it takes and that I’m not just following along in my father’s footsteps.”

“You want to prove yourself.”

He nodded. “To my professors, and the top design firms… and yes, also to me. I want to prove to myself I can do it.”

His honesty touched me. “Well, you’ve got my vote.”

He grinned, but before he could answer, someone else chimed in.

“Mine too.” Ian stood in the doorway. “How’s it going in here?”

“Good,” I said. Ian’s question had been friendly, but I didn’t know him as well as I did Theo, and I was aware that I wasn’t looking my best at the moment.

“We’re good,” Theo echoed.

“Just wanted to make sure.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Ian tilt his head to the side, as if asking a silent question. Theo shook his head once in reply.

I was too tired to figure out what that was about. These guys were really hard to read.

“Well, have a good night, then. Thanks for dinner, Hailey.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to answer. It was still upsetting every time I thought about the things Bennett had said. The way he’d looked at me. The way they’d picked at the food.

“Hey, are you okay?” Theo looked concerned.

I was concerned, too. I didn’t know how long I’d be able to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. “I just need…”

“Wine?” he asked with the ghost of a smile. I shook my head. “A bubble bath?”

That was kind of stereotyping women, but it actually did sound good. Not that I had time for that. “Maybe later.”

His intense eyes drilled into me. “What else then. Some space?”

A sigh escaped me. “Yeah, kind of. I mean, you’ve?—”

“I get it. I’m distracting you from the task at hand.”

“Well…”

He grinned. “It’s hard to do dishes when the most talented and good-looking member of the fraternity is standing right next to you.”

The corner of my mouth tilted upwards. “Well, exactly.”

“Then I’ll leave you to it.” He leaned down and planted a quick kiss on my forehead. Then he moved back before I could even process what had happened. “It’ll get better, Hailey.”

Then he said goodnight and left.

I hoped he was right, but even if he wasn’t, he’d already managed to make me feel better.

I’d be really glad when this night was a distant memory. All except that last part with the kiss. That part I wanted to remember.

After studying until 3 a.m., I could barely stay awake the next morning in class. One time, the guy next to me had to elbow me when Professor Whitmore asked me a question.

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