The Freshman (College Years 1)

“I can handle the crowd. I’ve been there before,” Gracie says tightly.

“There are some shady characters at Strummers,” Caleb says.

“Caleb,” Tony starts, but his friend keeps talking.

“You’ll need some protection tonight, a pretty little girl like you.” His gaze roams over her, as if he likes what he sees.

And, oh shit, that lights Gracie up like a Christmas tree. I seriously hate how he just called her a pretty little girl, but whatever.

“The teenaged girls that usually show up are pretty rabid,” Gracie says, and I can tell she’s going to cave.

“They don’t bother Robin though,” I add, and both Caleb and Tony swing their heads in my direction with questioning looks on their faces.

r /> “Robin?” Caleb asks.

“Who’s that?” Tony frowns.

“My boyfriend,” Gracie says weakly.

Now Caleb is looking at her. “You have a boyfriend named Robin?”

“His parents named him after their favorite Bee Gee.” Gracie sends me a murderous look. I didn’t realize I wasn’t supposed to say Robin’s name out loud.

“What the ever-loving fuck is a Bee Gee?” Caleb scratches his head. He appears genuinely perplexed.

“What time does it start?” Tony asks me.

“I’m not sure. This is all Gracie’s plan.” I am highly amused. I thought it would be a bad idea to have Caleb tag along, but he’s funny. And he’s got Gracie all flustered, which is kind of cute.

Maybe I should feel bad for Robin, but the guy gives me strong narcissistic vibes. He’s not a very good singer, though I can admit he’s a decent lyricist. My theory? He’s in a band for the girls. Plain and simple. Considering they’re mostly teens and he’s close to twenty-five, that’s super creepy.

Even twenty-year-old Gracie might be too old for him.

“I’m glad I ran into you.” Tony smiles, taking a step closer. I can tell he wants to touch me.

I want him to touch me too.

Should I be honest and admit this was no coincidence?

Nah.

“I’m glad too.” I smile at him in return. He reaches out and grabs me, pulling me in for a hug and I cling to him. He clings to me too, for a few extra seconds. My entire body lights up as if he flipped a switch inside me, and I want more.

When he pulls away, I feel bereft. As if I’m missing something. He looks a little lost too.

“Hey.” We both glance over at Gracie when she yells at us. Caleb is still standing next to her, grinning. She points at Tony. “Meet us at Strummers at eight, okay? Concert starts at nine. Don’t bring your friend.”

She jerks her thumb in Caleb’s direction.

Tony frowns. “You want us there an hour before it starts?”

“There will be a line,” Gracie says.

“The Bee Gee is that in demand?” Caleb asks incredulously.

Gracie sends him a death stare. “Come on, Hayden. We need to go.”

“But—” I start.