We finished and stared at each other for a long moment before I paid the bill. We walked to the car as she smiled in my direction.
“Thanks for everything last night.” I touched her back, and she ducked her head down. I knew Rosie. She was embarrassed about what she did last night.
“It was great,” I assured her as we reached the car. I pressed my lips to her cheek as she closed her eyes.
We made it back to the dorms and sat in the car for a moment.
“I guess this is it,” I said as she nodded. We got out, and I watched as she stared at her building before smiling at me.
“Drive safe.” Her eyes were sincere as I stared at her, getting lost in their depth.
“You, too. I meant what I said. Text me if you need a break.” I smiled as she nodded. Rosie walked to the front door of her dorm and disappeared inside as I watched her. I never felt so empty in my life.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Rosalind
I walked into my dorm room and looked around for a moment. It was too quiet, and I sighed as I walked over to my window. I watched as Sterling walked to his own dorm sadly, playing back last night. It was so perfect and erotic, everything I wanted it to be for me. I just knew that it was over at least for this week. We might never have that kind of night again.
I looked at my purple duffel bag and headed to my closet to change into something for the drive. I selected some thick black leggings and a big burgundy sweater, braiding my hair over my shoulder. My phone rang in my purse and I walked over to check the screen, seeing that it was Violet.
“Hey, girl. How are you?” I asked as I sat down on the bed.
“Good. I got a break from everybody and wanted to call you. Are you at home yet?” She asked in a concerned voice as I sighed.
“No. I was leaving soon as much as I don’t want to,” I replied as I rolled my eyes. “Mom is pushing me to get there fast. God only knows what she has planned for me.”
“Oh, no. Maybe she’s arranging your marriage after graduation,” Violet mused as I laughed.
“Oh God. No way. I can’t even… it’s going to be a long week.”
“Call me as much as you need to. Take a walk. Go have a drink at the bar,” Violet urged me as I laughed.
“Sterling told me the same thing. Well, to call him for that.” I said as she went silent for a moment.
“You’re not driving together?” She asked, and I smiled sadly.
“No. No way. We need to pretend that we hate each other the same way our families hate each other.”
“Did you spend the night together? The room was empty,” she reminded me as I closed my eyes.
“Not here. We went to a hotel after dinner.” Violet sighed. “He made it romantic and perfect for me. I guess he just wanted to ease the pain of my visit.” I told her, waiting for her response.
“That almost sounds like a real relationship. I guess you’re not going to tell your parents about that.” I let my mouth drop open.
“No way. It’s business as usual at my house.” I assured her as she laughed. “I miss you. I can’t believe that you’re moving back there when school is over.”
“You can always come with me,” she reminded me as I walked back over to the window. I loved Washington. I was raised here. I didn’t want to leave, but I knew that I couldn’t live here if I wasn’t with Sterling. Last night proved that to me because it was the best one of my entire life.
“I know. I’ll see what happens.” We chatted for a few minutes and I promised to call her throughout the week. When we hung up, I stood and grabbed my duffel bag after slinging my purse over my shoulder. I walked into the hall, locking the door up
It was empty around here. I didn’t see anyone as I walked to the front door of the building, heading across the parking lot to my two-year-old Porche SUV. I rarely drove it, but it was nice when I did. I unlocked it with the push of a button and loaded the bags into the back of the car. I glanced around to see that Sterling had already left, smiling weakly.
I made the two-hour drive home listening to the radio, singing along to my favorite songs. My stomach was in knots as I pulled into the long driveway, seeing two more cars parked against the large garage. My brothers must be here. I eyed the vans slowly, turning off my engine and getting out of the car. The front door opened when I was pulling my bags out of the back and I glanced up to see Mom.