Page 22 of The Off-Limits Play

Adjusting my position on the bed, I gaze across the room at her wall of photos and try to figure out what I’m going to do while I wait for her to get back. I should probably replenish my candy stash in case things go badly for her. I can feed her chocolate while she blubbers about not being on the same page as Mystery Man. Or maybe it’ll go great, and she’ll give me all the swoony, heart-melting details while we sit on her bed, giggling and high on sugar.

My lips toy with a smile as I imagine how it will play out… unless things go, like,really welland she doesn’t even come back to the dorm tonight. Am I seriously just going to lie around here waiting for her?

That’s bullshit, Nylah, and you know it.

With a huff, I check my phone again. Still nothing from Hayley. Dammit.

I can’t just stay here on my bed, procrastinating on homework and dodging memories of the worst night of my life.

Get your ass up and go out, girl. Don’t you feel sorry for yourself. I won’t have it.

Grandma’s voice rings in my head, and she’s so right.

I didn’t fight to get out of home and live the college experience only to stay locked up in my dorm room.

What else am I gonna do with my time? Watch a movie?

That will only make me think about a guy with messy blond hair and an inability to say goodbye.

I can’t waste any more thought or angst on Carson McAvoy. There is an entire university full of interesting people out there for me to meet.

It’s a Tuesday night. Surely something is happening on campus.

I haven’t been to Offside yet. People talk about that sports bar all the time. They let college students in; I just can’t buy alcoholic drinks. No big deal. I’ve been waiting for someone to go with, but I could be waiting all year at this rate.

“Ass off the bed, Jones. You can do this.” I give myself a standard pep talk, checking my reflection in the mirror before grabbing my denim jacket and heading out the door.

My leg is a little achy, so I order an Uber, my insides starting to tremble and flail the closer we get to the bar.

Man, I used to be the most confident girl in the room. I wasn’t afraid of anything. I was friends with my entire senior class. I never missed a party.

But a year stuck in recovery stole so much of who I used to be.

And it’s about time I find myself again.

Fisting my fingers, I stare out the window and prep myself for a good night. It’s all about how you approach things, right?

Tonight is going to be awesome.

I’ve just made the decision that it will be.

And I won’t let these doubts festering in my belly stop me.

CHAPTER8

CARSON

Offside is lit for a Tuesday night. I’m surprised it’s so busy. Actually, I’m more annoyed that it’s so busy. I came down here to chill with my buddies for a minute. You know, procrastinate on my assignments for another hour or so… and try to stay out of the house, thanks to Zander’s girlfriend and kid. I mean, what the actual fuck!

I can’t even chill in my own house.

It’s not right.

So I’m out here, restless and antsy.

I’m not really in the mood for any more car sex, but the idea of downing a few beers with Grady and Wily was appealing enough. Which is why I said yes when they invited me.

And then, of course, Grady told me Teah would be there.

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