Page 3 of The Backup

“Sloane Carter.”

His eyes widen. “Sloane. Hmm. Yeah, I’ve definitely heard that name. You’re a senior?”

I nod.

“Me too. Who do you hang out with?”

“I’m in Delta Nu.”

“Ah, I know some of those girls. Great girls. Maybe you’ve been to our frat? Sigma Gamma?”

My stomach drops. “Yeah, my…uh…” What do I call Joe now? Boyfriend? Ex? “I know some people there.”

“Cool. I live in the frat house.”

“Don’t you have a party going on right now?”

“Yeah, but parties aren’t really my thing. More of a library guy,” he says with a chuckle. “You too?”

“I guess you could say that.”

“I have a theory,” he says, leaning slightly forward. “Pre-game parties are the best part of the night. You’re with your closest friends, playing drinking games. Once you’re at the big party, everyone’s too drunk to have fun.”

I smile. “Fair. You must be an introvert.”

“Maybe. I just like talking with certain people. If someone’s not listening, I don’t bother. But I like to dance.”

“Me too.”

He studies me for a moment. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Are you seeing anyone?”

I hesitate. “Uh, that’s a good question.”

“How so? I’m not.”

“Well…I just found out my boyfriend is probably cheating on me.”

His expression softens. “That’s rough. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Sorry for the overshare.”

“No problem. If you want to get back at him, we could make out.” He grins, removing his glasses.

“That’s not really my style.”

“High-road girl, huh?”

“Yes.”

“So, you’re a good girl.”

I laugh. “Why does that sound dirty?”

He smirks. “Didn’t mean it that way, but if that’s where your mind went…”

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