The Sophomore (College Years 2)

“That can mess with people’s heads, witnessing the fallout of their parents’ relationship,” Gracie says. “But hey, this is progress in your relationship with Jackson. Have you talked to him? You two been texting all day?”

I slowly shake my head. “We haven’t talked.”

“At all?” She sounds incredulous.

“Not at all. He’s supposed to pick me up from work tonight.”

“And you haven’t texted him to confirm that?” She makes a noise. “That is the perfect excuse. You need to text him right now. Pronto. Ask him if he’s still getting you.”

“Okay, okay, but he’s at practice right now. He won’t answer me.” It’s almost five o’clock. He’s still on the field.

“Whatever. He’ll get the text when he’s done and answer you. If he doesn’t, though...” She shakes her head firmly. “What a dick! You’ll know where you stand.”

Uneasiness fills me at the idea of him not responding. I would be devastated. “It won’t be too pushy?”

Ugh, I need to stop being so insecure. Two seconds ago I was feeling on top of the situation. I am on top of it. And Jackson is finally giving me what I want—his attention. Himself. I need to stop worrying over every little thing and stand up for myself.

I’ve got this.

“Push as hard as you want! It’s your right. He had his fingers between your legs last night. He’s seen your O face. Don’t you want to see his O face?” she asks.

Yes. Yes, I do.

“Right. Your lack of answer is a yes. Text him right now.”

I send him a quick text.

And hope I get to see his O face tonight.

Nineteen

Jackson

We enter the Doghouse Grill and stand in line, the guys joking and giving each other shit while I remain quiet. They ignore me, and I wonder if they can feel the tension radiating off of me in waves. I’m a strung-out mess.

All over seeing Ellie.

I need to get a fucking grip.

She’s not at the counter taking orders, which is something she does on occasion. It’s some other cute girl who is flirtatious with every single one of us, including me.

“Aren’t you Jackson Rivers?” she asks me before I even give her my order.

I can hear Eli snickering behind me. The asshole.

“Yeah.” I smile, not in the mood to lay on the charm, as usual.

“I love your songs,” she says, snapping her gum. “I listen to you on Soundcloud.”

“I’m on Spotify too,” I tell her.

“Yeah, but you’ve got a couple of covers on Soundcloud that you don’t have on Spotify. I like the covers a lot. Your Nirvana remakes are amazing.” She grins.

I check her out. I can’t help it. She’s cute. Tight little body. Nice smile. Good lips. Decent tits.

Not interested.

“Thanks,” I say. “I want a cheeseburger.”