Page 704 of Filthy Elites

Gwen grinned widely. “Thanks. I’m happy too. Are you coming to watch the game?”

Kelsey nodded. “We wouldn’t miss it.” She glanced at the line. “We better order or we’ll be late for class.”

Large coffees in hand, Kelsey, Janie, and Gwen left the coffee shop and headed toward the academic buildings. They had to cross the huge student lot before making it to the grassy courtyard.

Kelsey spotted Adrian closing his car door and shouldering his bookbag. She refused to acknowledge that she watched how his shoulder muscles rippled and stretched across his back when the heavy bag settled against him. She also didn’t want to admit that she had been wondering if she would see a glimpse of him before her class.

Gwen nudged Kelsey. “Something got your attention?”

Kelsey ripped her eyes away from Adrian. “What? No.”

Gwen smirked. “He does make pretty sweet eye candy. Maybe you should try a sample.”

“No way! Not going there.”Well, not again,she thought. Kelsey didn’t think she would get the chance to sample him again.Unfortunately.

Gwen shrugged. “Maybe not now, but who knows…” Gwen could see the interest in her friend’s eyes and decided that fate might need a little help.

* * *

Adrian was watching the clock,waiting for his business class to end. It was normally interesting, but he had no patience for it. He wanted to go for a run before his next class. He had about an hour so a quick lap around the campus would work.

It had been days since he jogged, and he needed the rush from exercising. He also needed to clear his head and running was the next best thing to rowing. He didn’t have enough time to get his boat onto the water. That would have to wait for the weekend.

He was the first one out of the room the minute the class ended. Stopping at his car, he grabbed his running gear to change in the locker room.

All morning he had tried to figure out what he should do, and he came up with nothing. Adrian had no idea what he should do next. Maybe running would provide an answer.

* * *

Maggie joggedup to Kelsey and Gwen when they were leaving class.

“Hey, Gwen. Can I have a word?” Maggie motioned for Gwen to follow her.

“What’s up?” Gwen liked the athletic trainer. “My wrist is feeling a lot better. Those exercises you gave me work well. Thank you.”

Maggie smiled. “I’m happy to hear that. Pulled muscles can get much worse if not taken care of.” She paused. “That’s not what I wanted to talk to you about though.”

“Oh, okay.” Gwen crinkled her forehead.

Maggie took a deep breath. “You’ve been through a lot these past three years. Most wouldn’t have made it like you did. I admire your strength and perseverance.”

“Thanks. Things are good now.” Gwen had no idea where Maggie was going.

“I know they are. I can see the happiness in your eyes.” Maggie looked away from Gwen and stared out at the parking lot. “You gave up everything when you came here as a scholarship student, leaving your wealthy family behind and starting over. Not a lot of people have done what you have and made it through without becoming bitter or angry at the world.”

Gwen eyed her. She could feel Maggie was getting at something important. “Okay…”

“You know what it’s like to have no one and have to start over with nothing. Others could benefit from your experiences.”

Gwen scanned the lot to figure out what Maggie was watching. Adrian. He was making his way toward the athletic building. “You want me to help Adrian.”

Maggie turned to her with a huge smile. “He needs a friend.” She glanced back at Adrian. “I think he’s been sleeping in his car. The jerks in his house kicked him out.”

“What? They can’t do that. Why didn’t he just stay there anyway?”

Maggie raised an eyebrow. “Would you have stayed under those conditions?”

“No. I wouldn’t.” Gwen frowned as she watched him. “Why isn’t he staying at a hotel or another apartment?”

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