The Freshman (College Years 1)

I mean, seriously. What the hell?

“Text your boy,” Gracie encourages. “Ask him to come over.”

“Really? Aren’t you staying here tonight?”

She slowly shakes her head. “I’m going to a sorority party. Remember Baylee?”

Wait a minute…

“Yes,” I say slowly. “What are you scheming?”

“Nothing,” G

racie says with a laugh. “I ran into her on campus yesterday. We hung out. Grabbed a coffee. Talked a lot. I like her.”

“You do not,” I say immediately, making her laugh harder.

“I do! She’s nice. We don’t really talk about Caleb, because I feel like that’s something we both are trying to avoid.”

“That’s awkward.”

“Not really. I feel like I have a lot in common with her. She’s only eighteen like the rest of them, and after spending so much time with her, I feel almost—protective of her. I don’t know. It’s weird.” Gracie’s expression turns thoughtful for a moment, and then she dismisses it with a giant smile. “Anyway, she pledged a sorority, told me they were having a party and asked me to come! She said I could bring a guest, and I would totally bring you, but looks like you’re otherwise occupied.”

“I would so go but yeah, Tony.” I smile weakly, hoping everything will work out tonight. “I think it’s weird you’re friends with the girl Caleb tried to hook up with a couple of nights ago.”

“Caleb admitted to me they hooked up off and on a lot in high school,” Gracie confesses.

Now it’s my turn for my mouth to drop open. “Gracie, what the hell are you doing?”

“It’s nothing! I want to be her friend.” She grins. “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer?”

“I didn’t think you were interested in Caleb that way,” I remind her.

“I don’t know how I feel about Caleb. Or any man, for that matter. They’re all ridiculous.” She waves a dismissive hand. “Did you know Jackson’s performing tonight at Strummers? He’s the lead act.”

“Get out.” I remember how much I enjoyed his performance last time. “Maybe Tony and I can go in support.”

“Caleb said he’s going to try—and he invited me to go with him.” She rolls her eyes. “I declined.”

I’m proud of her. “Did it feel good, telling him no?”

“It felt amazing.” She leaps to her feet. “I’m going to take a quick shower and get ready.”

“It’s still so early.”

“I want to look extra fire tonight,” Gracie says, her smile turning wicked. “I’m in a mood to pick up boys.”

“Oh God.” I laugh nervously, though deep down, I envy her mood. I wish I felt as carefree as Gracie seems.

But I have to put on my big girl panties and take care of a few things first.

A few hours later my doorbell rings. Gracie is long gone, having left early to go to Strummers and watch Jackson with everyone else before she went to the sorority party. I texted Tony, asking him to come over and he agreed readily, which I found reassuring. But I’m also trying to find any sign as positive right now, so maybe I’m overcompensating.

When I open the door to find him standing there, wearing that leather jacket he had on the last time we went to Strummers, along with a black T-shirt and jeans, my mouth goes dry.

He is too handsome for words, swear to God.

“Hey.” He smiles. His dark eyes are warm as he takes me in and I stand there for a moment, soaking up his attention.