“I’m fine. Just busy with school,” I told him shortly as he frowned. I knew that I wasn’t looking like a supermodel these days, but I never had. “I just need to get some food.”
“I haven’t talked to you in a long time. Is everything all right with you?” He fell into step with me as I held in a groan. I walked by some of the offerings, trying to decide what my stomach would allow right now as I looked everything over. Salad. I paused and ordered a small chicken salad with a cup of fresh fruit as my stomach growled. I reached into my bag for some cash, but Sterling surprised me by paying for it. “Let me.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” I chastised him as I took the bag that she offered me. I glanced around the large room to find a seat, angry when he started to follow me. “What do you want?”
I faced Sterling as he stared at me in shock.
“What’s wrong with you? I thought we were friends.” His voice reflected his shock.
“Are we now?” I asked as he scratched his head.
“We never stopped being friends.” Sterling looked down and then at the door. “I just wanted to talk. I’m sorry.” He turned and left the building as I watched, regret filling my body.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: Sterling
I didn’t know what was going on with Rosie. She didn’t look healthy the last few times I saw her. I understood that we were busy with classes, but she looked tired. More than tired. I gave up trying to talk to her that one day in the cafeteria but kept an eye on her. Violet wasn’t helpful at all. She just assured me that Rosie was fine, but I could see that there was more to it in her face.
I’d heard that she was seeing one of the basketball players through word of mouth but never saw her walking the campus with him. I did see Violet with another guy from the team a lot, so I wondered if the story about Rosie was just a rumor. I was pissed when I heard Grace talking about it at the party. I was jealous. I was feeling several emotions that were new territory for me. I wanted to get to the bottom of things, but she shut me the hell down.
It seemed like we weren’t even friends now.
I settled for seeing Holland, a new girl from one of my classes. She was an artist and quirky. She made me laugh and didn’t demand a relationship. Every time I was with her, I missed Rosie even more. I slept with a lot of girls, but I never had the connection that I’d had with Rosie. Maybe it was because we were friends beforehand or that we were so taboo in the eyes with our family. That was hot when we were sneaking away during the break to feel each other. I came harder than ever at those times, hating myself for having second thoughts while we were still back home. I could still have her in my bed and life had I kept my mouth shut.
My parents called me home one weekend to talk. I made the drive when I was finished with my day on Friday with some clothes to stay a night or two. Mom reheated dinner for me when I arrived, telling me that Dad was at a meeting.
“I could have shown up tomorrow, Mom. You made it sound like it was a critical emergency.” I looked at the plate of meatloaf and vegetables that she placed on the breakfast bar before I stared at her.
“I didn’t know that he’d be gone until after you’d left. Besides, I’ve missed you since you left last time.” She told me as I slipped into the seat and sipped the soda in front of me.
“Is everything okay?” I asked as she poured some wine. The house was quiet, and I assumed that we were alone.
“Sure. Callie moved out to the new place, and she’s so happy. They’re getting ready for their baby girl to arrive. Molly is Molly. She’s focused on school. Your brother is excelling at the hospital. He’s rising to the top.” She smiled warmly as she spoke, and I chewed a piece of the meat.
“So, why am I here?” I asked as she sighed and gave me a sad look.
The garage door opened, and Dad walked in. He looked us over and walked into his office.
“Nice greeting.” I muttered as Mom stared at the floor. Dad walked back out and got some water from the fridge.
“I’m glad you came, Sterling. I have a proposition of sorts for you.” I scooped some potatoes into my mouth and felt anxiety hitting me at his words. This was serious. “I have the opportunity to purchase a business here in town. It’s a wonderful, historical building, and I was thinking that I might hand it over to you. You could run the business in there for me, which is more than likely going to be an accounting firm. You’re good with numbers.”