Page 46 of Freshmeet
“And I assume you don’t like me.”
Time to be honest, which I had no problem with, but she probably wouldn’t appreciate what Mom called “my lack of tact”.
“Not in that way. I told you that weeks ago.”
“Yes, weeks ago, when you didn’t know me. Before we became friends.”
“Exactly, we became friends. You’re my friend.”
She shook her head. “I feel stupid.”
I stopped and gently caught her elbow. “Hey, can you look at me?” She let out a little puff of air, then tilted her chin and made eye contact with me for the first time since she had asked me to walk her home. She was a beautiful girl, no doubt, but she didn’t tug at my soul like a certain blond who didn’t even want to talk to me. “You’re not stupid. If anything, being this direct is great. We got it out of the way, and now you know where I stand and can go out and find yourself another hunky bartender.”
She laughed. “I never said you’re hunky, because who the hell says hunky anymore?”
“My mom.” I gave her a big smile. “So, friends?” I held out my hand.
Meg sighed and took it. “Friends.”
“Great! Let’s get you home.”
The rest of the trip was silent. Not awkward, but more like resigned. I knew this would be the last time she asked me to take her home, and I was relieved, because seriously, her house was on the other side of campus.
“Thanks for walking with me.”
I shoved my hands in my pockets and rocked on my heels. “Anytime.”
She ran up the porch stairs, throwing a good night over her shoulder.
Blowing out a breath, I tried to relax my shoulders. I checked my phone and found back-to-back missed calls from Jamie. Panic seized my chest, and I quickly dialed him back.
“Con?” Thumping music and yelling voices drowned him out.
I plugged my free ear, as if that would help me hear better. “Yeah? What’s up?”
“Can you?—”
I didn’t catch anything he said after that.
“Go outside!” I yelled, glancing around the dark, residential street.
“Huh?”
“I said!” I’d made it to campus and felt a little better about shouting. “Go outside!”
“Imma go outside. I can’t hear you.”
I laughed as the noise died down on his side.
“Can you hear me now?” Jamie slurred.
“Yeah. What’s up?”
“I hate to ask after you just got off work, and I bet you’re in your bed, all cozy and?—”
“Get to the point, Jamie.”
“Right. Sorry. I need you to come to the Gamma house on Elson. I’m very drunk and can’t go back to my dorm room.”
