Page 37 of Freshmeet
With a pained smile, she said, “Just let it go. I have.” And then she averted her gaze, ending the conversation.
Then what’s bothering her?
I was stuck on the fact that I’d spent every morning for the past week working just feet from Sarah, but this was all the conversation I could get from her.
How creepy would it be if I brought her a coffee tomorrow?
Meg and Jamie came back and chatted mindlessly while I did my best not to stare at Sarah, and she pointedly ignored my very presence.
“I still can’t believe you got an ice cream sundae for lunch.” Meg gave Sarah a confused look after the waitress dropped our food off.
“This year’s all about new and different experiences. The fact that it’s surprising for me to have ice cream for lunch makes me feel like I’ve been living a pretty boring life.”
Meg shook her head, her cheeks turning pink. “I wasn’t judging, just surprised.” She looked at me and jerked her chin toward Sarah. “She’s like the mom of our pledge class. I swear, I would’ve starved that first year out of the dorms without her. She started something called the breakfast initiative and had the whole sorority eating a balanced breakfast every morning.”
“So, you’ve been saving lives from the jump?” Jamie smiled softly at Sarah, and her shoulders relaxed.
“I’m a regular Wonder Woman.” She finally took a bite of her sundae.
Meg and Jamie dug into their burgers as Sarah stared down at the table. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say, or what I wanted Meg and Jamie to tell me about Sarah. The more I found out, the more I wanted to know.
“How’s Camp College Bound going?” Jamie asked Sarah, and her eyes darted my way before returning to Jamie.
“It’s going pretty well. I’m just thankful Mona told me about it. I was scrambling, trying to find a job, so she was a real lifesaver.”
“If you need any references for tutoring, I’d be happy to help. You’ve made me an absolute math genius.”
Sarah chuckled. “Thanks, I might take you up on that when the semester starts. Although trying to manage work, life, and school is going to be rough.”
Meg set her mug down and laughed, flipping her wrist toward Sarah. “It’s hard to strike that balance, especially when you’re paying your own way. Right, Connor?”
“Um.” I wasn’t sure what was happening.
Meg chuckled. “I mean, not all of us have our parents paying rent or tuition. Sometimes I’m surprised I’m able to maintain my grades.” Her tone was light, but her stare was vicious.
Aren’t they friends?
“I’ve been lucky up until this point having my parents help. The last couple of months have been eye-opening for sure,” Sarah responded as if she had heard no barbs, just facts.
“I know what you mean. Connor delayed starting college to make sure Mom and I were good so that I could make it into college myself.” Jamie grinned at me, offering an onion ring that I happily took.
Sarah tilted her head, her mouth pinched as her gaze bored into me. With how hard she was staring, I wondered if she could read my mind.
“You’re a good guy, Connor.” Meg cupped my hand and squeezed. When I expected her to let go, she didn’t.
“We’re family. It’s what we do.” I slid my hand out and took a bite of my burger. Hand-holding was not on my list of activities I did with friends, and it irritated me that Meg wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“McCormick Construction,” Sarah said, lifting her chin toward the logo on the front of my t-shirt. “Are you guys working at Thousand Hills?”
Jamie nodded as he took a drink of his water. “Yeah. We were supposed to be out at the new hotel build, but the whole project’s on hold.” He leaned in. “A couple of weeks ago, someone dumped a dead body at the job site. Now our uncle is dealing with the cops and their investigation.”
Sarah glanced at me, her eyes searching for something.
“This town has gone absolutely bonkers this year,” Meg said, pointing a fry at me. “Ever since Emma died, it?—”
“I need to use the bathroom,” Sarah said, scooting until Jamie was forced off the seat.
The three of us watched her go. When the bathroom door shut, Meg said, “One of our sorority sisters fell off the roof of Frattic.”
