The Freshman (College Years 1)

He scoffs. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”

“I don’t think it sounds like a bad idea at all,” I say, pausing outside the building where my class is. “I’m guessing you two have more in common than you think.”

“Sorrento is an underhanded bastard who will rob and steal to get the deal,” my father says.

I laugh. “You’re a poet

.”

He sighs. I can tell his anger has diffused somewhat. Go me. “You’re exasperating.”

“It’s your favorite quality of mine,” I tease. He chuckles. I turn serious. “Who told you Tony and I are seeing each other?”

I don’t bother trying to hide it, though I’m not fully admitting it either. What’s the point? I know Tony’s father doesn’t know it’s me, that Helena is trying to hold that over Tony’s head. But fuck that. We’re adults. We can see who we want. Helena has no business trying to threaten Tony.

“Lauri,” he admits. “She said Helena told her. Which is another issue I have. I don’t like that those two are still friends.”

“You can’t tell Lauri who she can and cannot talk to. She’s not your child,” I remind him.

“Looks like I can’t do that either.”

“Because I’m not a child. I’m a grown woman.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“I have class in two minutes, Daddy. I have to go,” I tell him, glancing around as people rush past me, either exiting or entering the building.

More like seven minutes till class, but he doesn’t need to know that.

“So that’s all you have to say? You’re not going to deny that you’re seeing that kid?” he asks.

A sigh escapes me and I lean against the wall. “What does it matter? I have no clue what you do at work, and Tony doesn’t know what his dad does either. We’re not trading business secrets. We could care less. We’re just hanging out and having fun together.”

“That’s code for you two are a serious couple and you care about him,” my father says. “Be honest with me, Hayden. You don’t need to gloss over this situation.”

Huh. Guess he has me figured out more than I thought.

“It’s not that serious,” I say, raising my voice when he tries to talk over me. He goes quiet. “Tony and I, we have an understanding. Like I said, we’re having fun, but we both know it’s probably going nowhere.”

“Whatever you say.” His tone is sharp, and I can tell I’ve irritated him. “I’ll let you go. We’ll talk later.” The call ends.

An irritated sigh escapes me and I glance up to find Gracie standing there, so close, I know she heard every single word I just said to my father.

Oh, and Caleb is standing right beside her. Watching me. His eyes dark with unmistakable disgust.

Shit. Shit, damn fuck.

I try to play it off with a smile and a wave. “Hey guys. I thought you two were mad at each other?”

“We talked,” Gracie says, her expression pleading. “And we worked it out.”

“Friendship still intact then?” I say lightly.

“Definitely,” Caleb says with a glower aimed at me. He turns to Gracie. “I need to go. See ya later.”

He walks away without another word.

Gracie approaches me, her expression worried. “Who were you just telling that you and Tony have an understanding?”