The Freshman (College Years 1)

nnerved. “Pretty sure we’re the only two people the same age at this fucking disaster of a party,” he says.

I glance around, mentally noting that he’s right. “Why is it a disaster?”

“The roses. Misti went overboard, as usual. She has no restraint. Not like my mother.” He sips from his lowball glass, the liquid a warm, golden brown. No champagne for him. “My father hated them on sight. Told her they’re tacky.”

“They are,” I agree.

Joseph barely cracks a smile. “Misti grew up in a small town north of here. They’ve been married for two years, but she’s not used to this sort of thing.”

“She told all of her friends your father loves the color of blood. It reminds him of money,” I feel like a snitch, but I figure he’d find it amusing.

“She would say that.” He rolls his eyes. “But I don’t want to talk about her.”

My tone immediately changes. “What do you want to talk about then?” I fall into my old habits so easily. Flirting with boys. Playing coy. I’m not interested in him. Not at all.

“I was hoping we could talk more last night at the club, but you disappeared with Sorrento.” His expression is neutral, but the eyes…

They give away everything. Like he knows my leaving with Tony was a secret.

I stand up straighter, trying for nonchalance. Probably failing. His observation rattles me, just like he knew it would. “I left the party on my own.”

His smile is sly as he brings the glass to his lips. “No, you didn’t. I saw you.”

I’m quiet, my brain scrambling for a response. An explanation.

“I was in the lobby when I caught sight of you two outside. A car pulled up, and you both got in the backseat.” Joseph is now full-on grinning, and he rocks back on his heels, confident while I squirm. “I’m guessing your dad would shit a brick if he knew you left the club with his enemy’s son.”

“How do you know the Sorrentos are my father’s enemy?” I ask, hating how in the dark I am over all of this. I suppose this is what happens when I leave for college and don’t pay attention to my father’s business dealings.

Really, when did I ever pay attention to them? Never. I didn’t care growing up, despite him trying to explain what he did. I still don’t care. The moment I could get away from my father, I fled as fast as I could.

Though I am rather curious when it comes to Tony and his family, and what they mean to my father. Why all the hate for them? I don’t understand.

“Lauri told me,” he says. The second the words leave him, his lips tighten, and I see something in his gaze. Something that tells me he probably shouldn’t have revealed that.

“You two are very friendly.” Now I feel like I have something on him.

“She’s friends with Misti,” he says as his answer, which isn’t a good enough reason for me.

“How are you two so close, when you’re supposed to be away at Harvard?” I ask, my tone one of pure innocence.

“I—ah—ran into a little trouble last summer, so I’m home for the semester.” He stands up straighter. “I’ll go back in the spring.”

“What a shame.” These men who are all bluster and swagger, but beneath it all, it’s bullshit. I am so over being played.

Maybe this is why I’m drawn to Tony. He didn’t lie. Oh, he could’ve. He could’ve made up some bullshit about how he attends Stanford or USC. He could’ve said he was a famous athlete, or brilliant beyond measure and poised to be the next Steve Jobs. They all say this sort of thing, when it’s so unnecessary.

I like honesty in a man.

I also like forbidden things I’m not supposed to touch.

Like Tony Sorrento.

Seven

Tony

I slept in way too late. By the time I get out of bed, it’s past ten and the house is eerily quiet. Considering there are twin toddlers in this place, you’d think I’d hear them screaming and babbling in the halls.