Page 10 of The Casualty of Us
The posturing in his tone is not at all lost on me, neither is the way he practically puffs out his chest, and I roll my eyes at it. “We’re twins, Ollie, get over yourself.”
Another guy comes to stand in the doorway, completing the apparent party that’s happening, and I quickly take in the dark blond, noting his white button-up shirt and jeans along with the close-cropped hair on top of his head. The book in his hand and small glasses he wears add to the overall studious vibe he’s throwing off. Especially in comparison to my brother and Hayes. The brown eyes behind his glasses quickly roll over the guys before landing on me and widening instantly.
“Holy shit, you’re Ophelia Fitzroy.”
My face falls at the recognition, and Ollie immediately moves closer to me as that knot in my chest flares to life again before the numbness washes over it. Leaving me staring blankly at the guy who just called me out as he stands there with his mouth hanging open. I force my gaze over to Hayes and see the dawning realization there as he puts the pieces together.
In the lack of dimples or grin, even though he hides it a bit better than the other one.
Ollie finishes moving to my side, and I clear my throat before attempting to defuse the situation. “That’s me,” I offer blandly. “Thirty million dollar girl in the flesh.” I force my lips up into something I hope resembles a smile and toss out offhandedly, “Sorry, I don’t offer pictures anymore.”
The blond one’s face instantly turns red and he hurries out. “No, that’s not—” His words stop, eyes flicking to where Ollie is standing next to me and what I’m guessing is the glare he’s leveling his way. “Sorry.” He nods at me a few more times before getting out, “I’m Holden.”
“Right.” I nod back quickly, running my hands down my pants as the awkwardness sets in and muttering again. “Right.”
The resounding silence that follows makes my decision for me.
“So I’m going to head out.” I look up at Ollie to find him still scowling at the two roommates. “Hey, dipshit.” His eyes finally jerk my way with a flash of concern, and I bump his shoulder with mine. “I’m going to leave you to it and go find my own room now.”
“No.” He gives me an adamant shake of his head. “Well, yeah, but I’ll come with—”
“No,” I cut him off, sparing a glance for the other two and finding curiosity all over both of their faces before looking back to finish quietly, “I’m fine, Ollie, it’s fine. Settle in, and I’ll see you tomorrow for breakfast.”
He pauses, staring down at me dubiously. “You sure?”
“I’m sure.” I reach out to give his hand a quick squeeze while tacking on, “Just text me when you’re heading down tomorrow.”
Only waiting long enough for him to squeeze back before dropping it and starting for the door, not wanting to drag it out with an audience and make myself even more of a topic of conversation. Holden’s pink cheeks make me slightly more sympathetic to him in the whole situation, though, and I nod at him again before a hazel pair manages to snag my gaze.
The curiosity is front and center still, but the dimples are back as well, and he gives me a wink. “See you later, O.”
I roll my eyes at him while passing by and wait until I’m a few steps away to call out over my shoulder, “I told you to stop that.”
A puff of laughter follows that has me fighting a smile all the way through the living area until Ollie’s voice stops me. “O.”
I turn back to see him coming my way with an unhappy look on his face, but he doesn’t give me a chance to stop him before grabbing one of my hands. “Here.” He presses one ofthe Pinecrest cards we got into it. “It’s the extra keycard for my dorm.”
I swallow, staring down at the card as he wraps my fingers around it. “Ollie…”
“Yeah, you stop that too,” he grumbles. “It’ll make me feel better knowing you have it.” I look up at him, seeing the worry etched all over his face. “Promise me you’ll use it if you need to?”
“Yeah,” I scoff. “Because I’m sure your roommates will love that.”
He shrugs, seemingly unconcerned. “Holden’s so apologetic I’m pretty sure he’d do anything you want at this point, and the other one…” He blows out an irritated breath. “From what I just saw, the fucker would probably be hoping you’d stumble into the wrong room.”
“Be nice,” I scold. “He’s your roommate, you need to get along.”
“Promise me, O,” he demands seriously. “You’ll come get me if you need anything, even just some sleep.”
“I-I promise,” I swear hesitantly, not wanting him to worry but knowing that I’m going to try my hardest not to. “I’m fine, really, everything is going to be fine. Go make nice with your roommates, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
His eyes search mine for another moment, and I shore up the resolve in them before he sighs. “Fine.”
“Lots of fines,” I mutter dryly, reaching into my back pocket and pulling out one of my own keycards before passing it over to him. “Just in case you need me too.”
He stares at the card for a beat before that crooked grin grows on his face. “I knew you loved me.”
“Shut up.” I laugh, reaching down for my backpack by the front door and warning him. “Only for emergencies.”
