Page 35 of Choosing You

“My stomach’s still a little queasy, but I thought I should try to eat something.”

“I’m sorry about the taco—I mean I’m sorry about making you go to that restaurant.”

She laughs. “It’s okay. You can say the T word now that I’m feeling better. And it wasn’t your fault. I’m gonna get some food. I’ll be right back.”

Moments later she returns with a plate full of fruit and some dry toast. “So who was the hot guy I saw you with last night?”

“That was Garret. I told you about him.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t say he looked like that.” She takes a bite of her toast. “He’s freaking hot, Jade. And he’s on the swim team, right? I only got a quick look at him but it seemed like he has a good body.”

I peel my hard boiled egg. “He definitely has a good body.”

She reaches over the table, stopping my peeling. “Wait. Are you saying you’ve seen him naked? Already? You just met him. I didn’t even know you two were dating.”

“Relax. We didn’t do anything. And we’re not dating. I just went swimming with him so I got a good look at his body.”

I go back to peeling my egg.

“And? What about it?” She sits there staring at me, waiting for a description.

“He’s hot, okay? All muscle. Six pack abs. The works.”

She smiles like she’s imagining him naked. “When are you going swimming again? I might have to go with you guys.”

Just the idea that she’s interested in Garret irritates me. I know it shouldn’t but it does.

“So what’s the deal with you two?” she asks as she cuts her strawberries in half. “Has he asked you out?”

“We’re just friends. I really don’t want a boyfriend right now. I need to figure out college first.”

“What’s there to figure out? You go to class and study. That’s it. If you like this guy, you should date him. A guy that hot won’t be single for long.” She takes a bite of her strawberry. “And if he gets a girlfriend you guys won’t be able to hang out anymore.”

I hadn’t thought about that but she’s right. If I don’t date Garret someone else will and our friendship will end. The thought depresses me which is concerning because I shouldn’t even care. I barely know the guy.

Harper gets up from the table. “We should get over there. It’s almost 10.”

We put our trays away, then walk over to the Student Services building for orientation. People are already lined up inside to check in and get their orientation packet. Harper and I go to the back of the line and wait, the low roar of idle chatter all around us.

The building is hot and stuffy, like they don’t have the air-conditioning running. I’m already sweating.

“Are you signing up for any activities or clubs?” she asks as she takes an elastic from her wrist and puts her hair up.

“I don’t have time for that stuff. I need to find a job. Are you joining anything?”

“Probably. It’s a good way to meet people. In high school, I was in show choir, drama club, French club, cheerleading, student senate, prom committee.”

We inch up in line. “And you still got your homework done?”

“It doesn’t take as much time as you’d think. Plus I like being around people. I’m a total people person. I hate being alone.”

I gather my hair into a ponytail and hold it away from my neck, trying to get cool. “Do you have another hair elastic? It’s so hot in here.”

“Sure.” She digs one out of her purse and hands it to me. “You have great hair, Jade. I’d kill for thick hair with natural waves like yours.”

“Really? Because I’d rather have your straight hair.”

As I’m putting my hair up, she turns me around. “Check out the hot blond who just got in line.”

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