Page 41 of I Blame the Club

I smile, “If they have protein shakes, lead the way.”

Falling in step beside them, I take the chance to look around my old university. Not much has changed, Taber’s limited budget was never anything impressive, so the overall structure and classroom layout appear to be the same. The only difference I can see are the event dates printed on the colourful posters hanging from the wall.

“You know, I heard a rumour the other day.”

Tearing my gaze from the Punk Rockers banner hanging off the music hall’s doorframe, I turn to see Stella grinning at me.

Cody snorts, “It’s all she’s been talking about for the last two days.”

Stella ignores him and gives me a bright smile, “I heard that a certain lacrosse goalie might be into you.”

“Really.”

She slaps my arm, “I get enough sarcasm from Lou, I don’t need it from you too.”

Cody looks at me quizzically, “You don’t seem surprised.”

My mind flashes back to the groping session that went down in the locker room the other day. I lied when I told Nico our make out was unmemorable. The memory of his hands running down my bare chest and his tongue in my mouth is something that’s been hovering over my head like a persistent storm cloud.

Always in control. Typical.

Clearing my throat, I shove the memory and Nico’s words to the back of my mind.

“Montez has made it very clear what he wants from me.”

Stella gives me a sly look, “Maybe you should go for it. Nico has quite a bit of experience under his belt.”

I ignore her as we hop in line behind a group of girls also waiting to order, the short spandex shorts and team t-shirts making it easy to guess they came from the university’s volleyball court. A few of them cut glances my way, giggles rising up from the group when I give the tallest one a wink.

Stella rolls her eyes, “They are way too young for you.”

I give her a pointed look, “They are probably the same age as Montez.”

She waves away my comment, “Nico is mature for his age.”

Cody laughs, “Not sure about that one, Stel.”

I give my friend a nod, “Exactly.”

The line shuffles forward and we place our orders. Reaching for the largest protein shake on the counter, I find a receipt with a number waiting for me.

Cody grins, “Good to see some things don’t change.”

Stella shakes her head with a sigh, “And here I was hoping some things would.”

I don’t say anything as we make our way over to a table, leaving the receipt untouched on the counter.

You and me both.

Nico

I fucking jinxed it.

Hiding my grimace behind the stack of moving boxes in my arms, I try to keep my voice as upbeat as possible, “It could be worse, Lace. You could have your brother as your roommate.”

“I guess.”

Lacey looks sullen as we place the last of her stuff on the Styrofoam mattress this university calls a bed. Thankfully, I’d thought ahead and purchased the necessary 4-inch mattress topper so my favourite girl wouldn’t wake up crippled tomorrow.

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