Page 91 of Endless

“How’d you know?”

Doug really was tall. He had a sweet smile and skin that had seen the brunt of adolescent acne, but he was a cutie. Gave him character. His green eyes, though, those were the scene stealer. Like rainforest-trees green.

“Professor Jandson has been teaching that class forever. Same stuff, too. Everyone who wants an easy A takes her class in the summer. Movies. Reports on movies. Doesn’t get much better.”

“Sweet. I’ll take it.” The bookstore came into view. And so did the line. “Crap!”

“Yeah, that’s the kicker. Damn book lines.”

“I thought I’d be the only one actually buying books. Seems like everyone else does it online.” I slouched as I stepped through the line to at least gather my books. Hopefully the line would thin out some while I was shopping. Otherwise I’d be standing back at the coffee shop, the line looked so long.

At least there’d be coffee.

“You need any books?” I asked.

“No. I’m one of those digital people.” He nudged me with his elbow. “Don’t hold it against me.”

“Figured masters classes you’d want books. You know? Make notes. Keep them forever. I can’t believe you’re going to fully manage Angelina’s hotel.”

“Her dad’s hotel.”

“Same diff.” I moseyed down the aisle, searching for my books.

“So. You miss New York?”

“Nope. Minnesota rocks.” I peeked at my phone, wondering how Damon was doing on his adventure. Strange, he was on his, and I was on mine. Kinda wished he were here with me, though. Doug was nice and all…

“Here.” He held up my book. “Found it first. What do I get?”

“To pay.”

“Funny. I’m making intern wages right now. Catch me in a few months, though, and hell yeah, I’ll buy your books.”

I snatched my other book, a couple of school T-shirts, then I trekked to the front of the store and to the back of the line. Sarah worked her way through the people in our direction. Must have been newbie day on campus. I chuckled, realizing I’d looked like that a few minutes ago with my map out.

“So. What are you doing the rest of the day?”

“Just getting ready for school. Then meeting up with Damon.”

“Drunk guy?” Doug’s eyebrows furrowed. “Really?”

“Yes. But he’s not drunk today, so don’t worry about the puking.”

“Good. Cost two hundred dollars in carpet cleaning and rebooking an event because of the smell.” We stepped up together. “Hope it was worth it.”

“I’ll repay the hotel. I—”

“Was it?” he asked. “Worth it?”

Anger spiked deep in my chest. “Of course it was. He’s better.”

“Let’s hope it sticks, Lizzie.” He bumped my chin with his forefinger. “You’re way too sweet to be wasting your time with temporary.” He looked over his shoulder. “Your friend is back. I leave you in good hands.”

“Okay now, what’shisstory, girly?” Sarah hip-checked me, then sipped her mocha. “Angelina knows him, they’re all tight, but now he’s giving you eyes, girl.”

“No. He’s not.” My voice hitched.

I was still whirling from what he’d said about Damon. It was a slight, that was for sure, and it pissed me off. But it also scared me.

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