“Come on, Mia.” Colton places his hand on her lower back and guides her to the door. “Chloe, get some rest. I’m going to send over some soup, meds, and Gatorade.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I’m your brother. It’s my job.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
And just like that, they leave to have the time of their lives while I sulk about mine.
5
Jake
My night has gone to shit. I thought by bailing on Colton I would finally be able to clear my mind enough to get some studying in.
Wrong!
Now I can’t help but watch the clock and wonder where they are and what they’re doing. Is anyone hitting on her? Is Colton watching out for her?
My phone starts playing “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra—a ringtone Colton set to remind me he’s graduating on time while I still have a year to go.
I answer hitting speaker. “What? You miss me already?”
“Fuck no, but I need you to do me a favor, it’s my sister.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I think she’s just rundown.” Colton mumbles. “Can you do me a solid and grab her some soup, meds, and maybe some Gatorade?”
“Yeah, I can do that.” I hop out of bed and pull on a tee. “Do you need me to stay and keep an eye on her?”
Please say no.
“Only if you think she needs it.”
“Okay, just text me the address.” I pull on a pair of jeans.
“Will do. Thanks, man.”
“No problem.”
So much for avoiding Chloe.
Chloe
I can’t believe I wasted an hour on trying to find something to watch. Figures when you want to binge-watch, nothing is worthy.
Knock. Knock.
“Perfect timing.” I run to the door and swing it open, expecting to see an Uber Eats driver. Jake stands there instead.
I can’t help but let my eyes roam. His hair is tucked beneath a hat flipped to the back, showing off his emerald eyes that glisten under the hallway lights. His broad chest pulls at the simple black t-shirt, his biceps filling the sleeves nicely.
His arm flexes as he shifts a paper bag to his other hand.
Is that a tattoo?