Page 37 of Sleepless November (Sleepless November Saga 1)

She rolls her eyes. “So, you’re telling me you’ve never done anything with him? Not even kissed?” I swallow, and Bree doesn’t miss my hesitation. “That’s what I thought.”

“I’m so sorry.” I cry.

“Look, it’s Sunday and the student housing office is closed, but first thing tomorrow morning I’m going there and requesting a new roommate. I’d appreciate it if you could find somewhere else to stay for now.”

The thought of having to find a new roommate makes me uneasy, but I decide not to fight her on it, wiping my tears and nodding silently. I don’t know where I’m going to stay, my friendship with Holden being questionable at this point. I wonder if my mom is still in town. Maybe I could convince her to extend her reservation at the Hilton so I can stay there.

I take out my phone and send a text to Holden, asking him if I can come over to talk. For a minute, I consider the possibility of him still being asleep, but thankfully he answers - letting me know he’s on his way to pick me up. I’m grateful I don’t have to walk, knowing it’s probably freezing outside.

The wait for him to get here is an uncomfortable one; the tension in the room is overwhelming. Saying Bree is angry would be the understatement of the century. I’m sad, because her and I were what I considered to be good friends, and now I’ve lost that. I don’t know if she will ever forgive me.

A text pulls me from my thoughts, knowing that Holden can’t possibly be here already.

Dawson: Movie tonight? I get off at 3.

A smile makes its way upon my face. I had nearly forgotten about the new barista friend I made during my twelve hour stay at the coffee house. I don’t know how, being as his ridiculously direct personality is so different from everyone else I’ve met on campus. If I’m honest, it’s refreshing to talk to someone who’s so blunt.

Me: Sounds great. ?

A few minutes later, Holden lets me know he’s outside. I mumble another apology to Bree just before I walk out the door, but it goes unanswered. As soon as I get outside, I’m even more grateful for the ride. Walking in this would have been brutal. It’s so cold I can see my breath. I rush towards the car, jumping in as soon as I get to it and embracing the heat.

“Thank you.” I say to Holden, completely forgetting our argument for a moment.

He turns up the heat as he sees me shiver, and pulls out onto the road. It’s not uncomfortable, per say. Holden hits his steering wheel to the beat of the song, mouthing along the words to She’s Kinda Hot by 5 Seconds of Summer. I’m kind of glad for the lack of talking, because if we start arguing again in his car, I’m trapped. I’d rather wait until we get back to the frat house.

As we pull up, the pledges are once again cleaning a mess from the night before. Cups are scattered throughout the yard, and for some reason the living room couch is on the front lawn.

“Do you guys ever take a night off from partying?” I ask.

“Nope.” He answers, popping the p. “Well, not on weekends at least.”

The two of us get out of the car and I follow Holden into the house. I expect him to go up the stairs and straight to his room, but he doesn’t. Instead, he nods toward the kitchen. I shrug, but follow him anyway. There are a few guys in there. One I recognize as Jason, but I don’t remember any other names. Regardless, they smile warmly at me.

“Want something to drink?” Holden questions.

“Sure. Thank you.”

I don’t know why I feel the need to be so proper and polite. This is Holden, not some new guy I’ve never been around. He’s seen me naked, more than once. It must be the way things between us are questionable right now.

He takes two water bottles out of the fridge, and then rummages through a cabinet before pulling out a small Lipton bottle. He opens both waters and squeezes a little of the liquid into each, putting the caps back on and shaking them up.

“Peach Iced Tea.” He says, handing one of the bottles to me.

I open it and take a sip. It’s really good, but at what cost? I subtly reach over and take the Lipton bottle, flipping it over and looking at the calorie content.

Zero Calories.

I look up at Holden and he winks at me as he takes a rather large gulp. I roll my eyes playfully and put the bottle back on the counter. Just as we’re leaving the kitchen, Caleb comes in.

“Ah, Holden. Did you take Hailey home yet?”

“Who?” Holden asks, seeming to tense up.

Caleb gapes, looking at him as if he’s lost his mind. “The girl who spent the night in your room.”

My stomach drops along with my smile and good mood. A girl spent the night in Holden’s room last night? I shouldn’t be surprised. He cheated on Bree, and him and I aren’t even dating.

“She left last night.” He answers coldly.

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