Page 62 of Sticking Around

“Love you too.”

He frowns for a second and I don’t know why but a burst of unease moves through my veins. He looks like he wants to tell me something, but isn’t sure how. “Brady?”

He blinks, and focuses back in on me. “Have a great day, and see you tonight.”

“Okay. Talk soon.”

I end the call and step into the hall. I hear little Camryn laughing from her wing of the house and a small pang of envy tightens in my stomach. My God, what is going on with me? I swore a long time ago that I’d never bring kids into this world, but I never thought I’d be in such a loving relationship either—with a guy who is adamant he doesn’t want kids either. Maybe I’m emotional because I’m missing him so much.

I push those thoughts to the back of my brain and hurry down the stairs. Outside I walk to my car as more dark clouds move in and I hold out my hand, catching a few light drops. Even though the air is colder, I enjoy the cool drops on my flushed face.

In the car, I turn the music on and enjoy the drive into the city. Once I reach my campus, I park and instead of going to the library to review my notes before class, I head to the financial payment office, to get my final payment invoice.

“Hey, Jenna,” I say to the elderly lady behind the counter. I’ve gotten to know her over the years, as she’s helped me with my payment plans. Her smile is bright and contagious as she pushes her glasses up and grins at me like she knows a secret I don’t. “Do I have food on my face?” I swipe at my mouth and laugh. Maybe she’s noticed the dark circles under my eyes, but surely to God that wouldn’t make her smile.

“What are you doing here?” she asks, and picks up a pile of papers and shuffles them to straighten them into a nice, neat pile before she slips them into a manila folder.

“I wanted to get a printout of my last payment.”

She angles her head. “You’re all caught up, sweetie.”

I stand there for a second and then glance over my shoulder. Is she talking to someone behind me? Since no one is standing there I turn back to her. “What are you talking about?”

“Your final tuition has been paid in full.”

“That can’t be right.” I point to the big monitor in front of her. “You’ll have to check again.”

“Do you want to pay it again?” she asks, in a teasing singsong voice.

“No, but I mean, there has to be a mistake.” God, it can’t be paid. There’s obviously a mistake and I need to get to the bottom of it. Can you imagine if I didn’t pay because of a mistake and ended up not graduating?

“Honey,” she begins and leans forward. “One very hot hockey player came in here the other day and paid off your balance. If I were you, I’d be hurrying home to thank that big hunk of hotness.”

My blood drains to my toes and I grip the counter. I’m not sure if I’m lightheaded because I just found out Brady paid my tuition, or if it’s because of this damn persistent headache.

Jenna’s smile collapses. “Honey, are you okay?”

“Yeah, just fighting a flu.” I push off the counter. “Thank you.” My knees are wobbly as I walk down the hall and find the library. My brain is still racing as I drop down into a chair and pull my phone from my bag.

Brady paid my tuition? What the hell?

As I try to wrap my brain around that turn of events, I slide my finger across my phone, ready to call him and yell at him. Lord knows I don’t want him to feel responsible for me, but I pause, because he’s currently preparing for a game. Could this be what he was trying to tell me earlier? Maybe he knew how I’d react and didn’t want to say anything before his game.

I set my phone down, deciding what I want to say in a conversation for when we’re in person. I mean, I am touched by his generosity, but it also upsets me. I don’t want him to feel like I’m his responsibility. I would have found a way to make the payments. I always do. It’s just been a little harder with the missing shifts.

In the library, I try to study, but can’t seem to focus, and when it’s finally time for class, I pack up and walk down the hallway, meeting up with Tania and Trevor. They’re still talking about my celebration party at the Nook. I try to stay engaged and not distracted as we talk, and soon enough, I take my seat in the class.

The professor, who I adore, seems to drone on a little bit longer today, and by the time he’s finished my appetite is back, the muffin I’d eaten for breakfast doing little to sustain me through the day. I hurry from the lecture hall once he finishes and make my way to the bathroom to fix myself up before meeting Brighton. Since makeup is doing little to hide the dark circles, I head back to my car and drive to the Italian restaurant Brighton chose. Apparently, she’s been craving pasta.

Rain is falling hard by the time I park, and since I didn’t have the foresight to bring an umbrella, I’m pretty soaked by the time I make it to the restaurant. I glance around inside and I’m a bit surprised to see that Brighton has brought Dani along.

The hostess leads me to the table, and Brighton jumps up to hug me. But then she pulls back abruptly. “Are you okay?”

I use the rain as an excuse. “I know I’m a mess. I forgot my umbrella.”

She smiles, and waves her hand toward Dani. “I hope you don’t mind that Dani is joining us.” Dani gives a feeble smile, like she’s worried I could be upset that she’s here.

“Of course not. I’m so glad you could join us, Dani.”

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