Page 7 of Study Buddies

Jayden followed Tori’s directions, his grip tightening on the steering wheel as he pulled into the laundromat’s bright parking lot. There were a couple of cars scattered around, including a blue sedan I recognized as Tori's.

“Do you want us to wait?” I asked. “We could follow you back to your friend's house.”

“I'm fine,” she said, “But thanks. I've got to get a load of towels out of there anyway.” She nodded toward the building.

Jayden twisted around in the driver’s seat. “I’ve got to be honest, Tori, I don't really like the idea of just leaving you here.”

“I'm fine,” she repeated. “That's my car, my clothes are in there, and my friend's waiting for me.”

She lowered her head, and even in the dim light I saw how Jayden's eyes followed her ponytail. “Thank you both—and Roger too. I really appreciate this. It feels good to have my journal back.”

“Anytime,” Jayden said.

“Seriously, Tori.” I waited until she looked my way. “If you need help, let us know.”

“I will. Thank you both. See you on Thursday.”

She opened the car door, gathered her things, and hopped out. Neither of us looked away until she was in the laundromat heading toward the back. Then I got out and moved to the passenger seat. Jayden and I exchanged a dark look. He'd been my best friend since the beginning of high school, and I knew him well enough to know that everything about this situation troubled him.

That made two of us.

3

TORI

I hoveredby a dryer until Jayden’s car pulled away. Then I dropped onto the hard plastic chair, burying my face in my hands. I took a couple of deep, shuddery breaths.

I hadn’t been mentally prepared to see Todd. Even after weeks of staying with Hailey and the big, strong guys she lived with, I hadn’t been able to shake the lingering fear. But aside from trying to call and text a few times, I hadn’t heard from Todd.

And I hoped I never would again, but Langley wasn’t a huge school. The possibility of running into him on campus constantly loomed in the back of my mind.

But it was done. Lucas, Jayden, and Roger had been great. More than just study group members, they felt like real friends—Lucas and Jayden especially. Tonight they’d supported me, and I was grateful.

My phone buzzed, and for a moment, I thought it might be Lucas. Which was ridiculous. Except for the group chat, he’d never messaged me personally. He was too focused during our study sessions to text me like Jayden sometimes did.

It was from Hailey.

Just wanted to make sure you got back okay from your study group, she texted.

Thanks, Mom.I grimaced slightly—my own mom used to check on me like that. Before she met Max.

Did you try the breakfast buffet yet? It’s pretty nice.

Hailey should know. She’d stayed at the hotel next to campus for a week at the end of the summer session.

Yeah, I love the pancakes.

You don’t have to stay there, she said for about the tenth time.You’re more than welcome to stay with us until your new place is ready.I’d told her that I’d secured a spot in a shared apartment with three other girls.

That’s very kind, but I’m good. Only a few more days before I can move in.I’d already imposed upon her enough. She lived with three guys in a bright, cheerful condo close to campus. I’d stayed with for a couple of weeks in August, and while everyone was kind, I felt I’d worn out my welcome.

Plus, I couldn’t quite figure out the situation there. Hailey had her own room with a huge king-sized bed. Then two of her roommates, Grant and Theo, slept in twin beds in the other bedroom. Ian took the couch.

During my time there, I’d slept in Hailey’s room. The bed was so big that I hadn’t even felt her roll over at night. It made me wonder if one of those gorgeous men regularly shared it with her before I intruded on them. Maybe Ian, that handsome medical student, since he was the one sleeping on the couch.

But Hailey had been tight-lipped about their living arrangement, and I’d detected a hint of relief from the guys the night they’d taken me out for a farewell dinner.

I’m fine. The hotel is lovely.

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