Page 78 of Until Now

“I was helping a friend with some…stuff.”

“Anyone I know?”

“Nope, don’t think so.” His smile doesn’t quite reach his blue eyes and he looks exhausted. But, he changes the subject, “Hey, Lee was looking for you.”

“He’ll find me eventually, he always does.”

“Why don’t you just let him down, Nin? If you don’t want to be with the kid just tell him.”

“That’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“I am not going to pretend to be in love with you.”

“Not that! Weirdo. I was hoping you could point me in the right direction though. There was this guy at the party and—”

“Imagine that,” Jonas quips, earning a warning glare from Tobias. I hadn’t even noticed him standing there. Jonas Moreno — junior at Rosecliffe, Sigma Phi Epsilon brother, and not-friend. Jonas and I have never gotten along, but we tolerate each other for Tobias.

“He actually dropped me off at home, but I can’t remember his name. I know he told me, but it’s a little fuzzy.”

“I’m surprised. I’m sure you said it enough that night.”

“Do we have a problem, Jonas?”

“Just stating the obvious.”

“I think you have me confused with Teagan.”

“Drop the innocent act, Nina.”

“You’re not really one to talk, are you? Mister Two-Girls-One-Cup Remake.”

“Okay, enough,” Tobias tries to cut us off.

“I’m sure Lee would be interested to know you’re looking for some guy from a party when you’re supposedly dating him.” Jonas means for it to be a threat, but I don’t care. Let him say something to Lee, he’d be doing me a favor.

“Casual sex to let off a little bit of steam doesn’t mean we’re together.”

“I said enough.” Tobias steps between us. “Nin, I don’t know who you’re talking about. Do you remember what he looked like?”

“You all look the same,” I joke.

“Ha. Ha. Well, do you remember what he was wearing?”

“Jeans and a hoodie, maybe a jacket? It was kind of dark and I’d been drinking. But, he definitely had a buzz cut.”

Tobias shares a knowing look with Jonas, “Davis?”

“Doesn’t sound right.”

“Ethan?”

“No, definitely not.”

“Sorry.” Tobias keeps looking at Jonas — a conversation I’m not privy to. “Could’ve just been a friend of one of the guys.”

“No, he goes here. I’m sure of it,” I sigh. “He’s in one of my classes, but he’s been missing.”

“Sorry, wish I could help.” Tobias smiles, apologetic.

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