Page 51 of Devilry

“What?” She feigns shock. “You don’t want the all-American college experience?”

I laugh, enjoying how her humor matches mine. “I came here for the education and education only. I’m on a scholarship.”

“Thank fuck,” she breathes out. “Someone who understands why parties just aren’t on my radar.”

There’s no denying that every student that steps on this campus is smart, or has been accepted based on some intellectual merit, but not all students have the threat of being kicked out if they don’t maintain their grades at a ridiculously high standard all year round.

“How did you meet those two?” She points at Aiden and Callie who are animatedly arguing with one another.

“Aiden and I are roommates. You?”

“Callie and I take a Juvenile Delinquency class together.”

“That sounds interesting.”

“You can say that again,” she mumbles.

Something about her tone insinuates she’s not talking about the class. I give her a small smile, not really sure how to continue. I’m bound to make it awkward.

“I’ve heard a lot about Aiden. Callie is always talking about him.” We’re both blatantly staring at them as she keeps talking. “He seems intense. Are they together?”

“No.” I take too long to answer, my hesitation forcing Sophie to side-eye me.

“What is it?”

“Nothing,” I lie, rubbing the back of my neck. “They’ve been friends since they were kids, and moved here together. I can see how it looks like they’re together from the outside looking in, but they’re just really close.”

Watching, it’s obvious from their faces just how serious their conversation has turned, their body language has become more rigid, more tense. Aiden’s eyes catch mine, and I raise my eyebrows at him, hoping he realizes he’s starting to gain more than just me and Sophie as an audience. Placing a hand on Callie’s lower back he speaks directly in her ear.

Whatever he says forces a fake smile across her face while she quickly glances around the room. Locking eyes with Sophie and me, she straightens her back and confidently walks towards us.

“Because that wasn’t weird,” Sophie mutters to me.

Glad she voiced what I was thinking, I give her shoulder a nudge with my own. “I like you, Sophie. You should hang around us three more often. You could balance out whatever that,” —I tip my head to where Aiden now stands alone. — “Is.”

Looking past Callie, I catch Aiden watching her intently. When his gaze moves to me, he puts up a finger, signaling for me to wait. Back on his phone, it isn’t until mine vibrates in my pocket that I realize he’s the one who’s sent me a message.

Aiden: I’m going to head to another party.

I glance up at him and then to Sophie and Callie.

Me: Are you okay? Do you want me to come?

Aiden: Stay here, watch over Callie for me. I just need to blow off some steam.

Knowing I’m going to regret putting myself in between them like this, I tip my chin up at him and let him know I’ve got it covered.

My phone vibrates just as he steps out of view. Not expecting anybody else besides Aiden to contact me, I’m surprised to see an email notification pop up on my screen.

He replied.

11

Cole

“Ican’t believe I had to find out through the staff intranet that you were on a leave of absence for two weeks,” Harper whines.

“I was going to tell you. Both of you,” I emphasize, glancing between her and Miles. “You just beat me to it.”

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