Page 7 of Invisible String
“I’m Ana.”
“Not today. Maybe some other day.” My tone comes out gruff as she steps around me, speed walking toward the women’s lockers.
“You have a way with women, Max.” Bliss chuckles. I jerk my shoulder upward. He knows I give zero fucks when it comes to women.
Not that I’m disrespectful or abusive toward them. There’s no room in my dark soul to entertain that, and who would want a man as fucked as I am? On top of that, I’m not a fan of being touched. Those I allow are five people: Carlos, his wife, Mike, Drake, and, of course, the girl from my past.
Mike gloats over a woman’s touch. He explains it to be like a luxurious chocolate melting. On the other hand, I’m not craving it. I’ve had that once. It lasted a day before it was over.
Nessa carefully arranges a juicy steak,golden-brown roasted potatoes, and vibrant steamed vegetables into a red container. She seals it tightly before placing it next to a bag of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. At dinner with Carlos and his wife, laughter and conversation flow easily, creating a warm atmosphere. Despite the smiles, there is an unspoken understanding between them. Carlos and Nessa had once dreamed of having children, but after years of hope and disappointment, they had gently let go of that dream.
“Call us if you need anything, Max.” Nessa’s soft voice hums in the air as she envelops me in her arms.
“I will.”
“Did you check the fluids in the car before you head on a seven-hour drive?”
I open the driver’s door and place the food on the passenger seat. Shutting the door, I reply to the question. “Yeah, I did yesterday when I gave it a tune-up.”
“Good. Drive safe,mijo.”
I nod and start the car.
Waving them off, I back out and head down the highway. I’m unsure what I’m doing going to the cabin. For now, it’s better than sleeping in my car.
“Outcast”by NF blasts through the speakers. I’ve been running my entire life, on the go, on the streets. I’m ready for it all to come to a stop.
CHAPTER TWO
RAINEY
“You have an hour to finish your exams,” Professor Mills announces.
A student in front of me groans. An hour is a lot of time, but not for the amount of work we have. Final exams suck.
“Hey, I can’t wait until summer break. What should we do?” Lana whispers next to me.
“Girls, no talking.”
Forty-five minutes have passed, and I’m done. Physiology is my last class, and summer break begins. It’s been a heck of a long year. College is balls to the wall with work. Lana, my best friend, and I have been living together in an apartment next to the school. You would think we moved far from home, but no, we traveled thirty minutes from our home, Carson City, to Reno. “How do you think you did?” Lana skips out of class toward me, her blonde hair bouncing.
“Good, I think. I studied my ass off, so hot Mr. Mills better give me a passing grade.”
She snorts. “Show him your tits. That’ll do it.”
Taking a bite of my apple, I volley back at her, “Maybe if I rub them all over his face.” Fuck! My face heats when Mr. Mills passes us with a grin.
He’s in his early thirties and hot as hell. He gives me a wink. “Enjoy your summer.”
I’m going to pray we are not in his class next fall. Lana’s mouth is about to drop to the floor. I bend down to grab my bag and swing it over my shoulder.
“Go after him, Rainey.”
“Lana, stop shoving me. Why would I chase after him?”
“He winked at you.”
“So, I’m sure he was messing around trying to embarrass me. Also, he’s our professor.” I pull my hand from hers.
