Julian (Trinity Academy 4)

Jamie: I didn’t drink, Julian. The last I remember was when I went for a jog.

Julian: If that’s really the case, you should make an appointment to see a doctor or go visit the campus nurse. You were totally out of it last night.

I stare at his reply, my worry morphing into full-blown anxiety. How can I not remember an entire evening?

I open the message from Lisa.

I hope you’re feeling better. Should we meet at eight again?

Meet again? Did I see her last night?

Jamie: Did we meet up last night?

Luckily I don’t have to wait long for her reply.

Lisa: Yes, for your first lesson. You didn’t feel well, and Mr. Reyes helped you get back to your suite. Are you feeling better now?

Crap, this is not good.

Not good at all.

What the hell happened last night?

I wasn’t well last night, and this morning I have a hangover, but I didn’t drink.

Was it food poisoning, perhaps?

I search for the symptoms and seeing headache, dizziness, and nausea, I let out a sigh of relief. That explains why it feels like I have a hangover.

Now that I know what was wrong with me, I glare at the messages from Julian.

Jamie: I had food poisoning, jerk. Next time leave me to die, why don’t you.

Julian: Food poisoning? In that case, I apologize. Keep yourself hydrated.

I’m not one to curse, but what an asshole.

I slump back on my bed, relieved to know I’m not losing my mind because I can’t remember the night before. Still not feeling a hundred percent, I pull my pillow closer and shut my eyes. All I have to do is sleep this off. I’ll feel better once I’m rested.Chapter 8JulianFeeling guilty for not taking Jamie to the hospital, and instead, just tucking her in bed when she was sick, I stop by the store to grab a couple of bottles of Gatorade for her.

I might not get along with her, but I did promise Carter I’d look out for her.

When I get to her suite, I knock on the door. I wait almost a minute before I pull my phone out and dial her number.

It rings for a while before her groggy voice comes over the line, “What do you want?”

“Open the door,” I say, just managing to not snap at her.

“Get lost, Julian. I’m trying to sleep,” she complains.

Clenching my jaw, I growl, “Just open the damn door. You’re wasting my time.”

“Jerk.”

The line cuts out, and it has me scowling at the phone until the door opens.

“What?”

I’d give her a piece of my mind, but she looks like shit, so I keep it in, and instead say, “I brought you Gatorade.” Shoving it at her, she quickly wraps an arm around the six-pack. “Drink it. Don’t let yourself get dehydrated.”

I begin to walk away, when she asks, “Are you actually being nice to me right now? I can’t tell whether you’re a jerk by nature, or just socially awkward.”

God, help me.

Glancing at her from over my shoulder, I reply, “You just have this uncanny way of bringing out the worst in me.”

Walking away from her, Jamie calls after me, “Aww… glad to hear I get under your skin. Thanks for the Gatorade. It shows you care.”

“I don’t,” I snap as I press the button for the elevator.

“You keep telling yourself that,” she taunts me before I hear her door click shut.

Shaking my head, I step onto the elevator. When I reach the ground floor, the elevator opens, and I nod when I see a janitor replacing one of the lightbulbs in the lobby.

“Morning, Mr. Reyes,” he says, smiling at me.

“Morning.” I walk out of the building and head straight for my car, needing to get to work.There’s a knock at my office door, and then Mason walks in, followed by Stephanie.

I get up from behind my desk and walk over to the table for the meeting.

Sitting down, Mason says, “I brought the financials for Trinity Academy as well.”

“Good.” When we’re all seated, I glance at Mason. “You go first.”

“Okay.” He shuffles his files in order. “Trinity is bringing in a good profit. Extra staff has been hired to see to the maintenance of the grounds. They have asked for an additional lecturer for the Arts and Culture department.”

“I’m aware of that. If it’s within budget, they can go ahead with advertising for the post.”

“Next, I have a proposal from a shipping company,” Mason continues.

We work through everything on the agenda, and when we’re done, Mason stays behind as Stephanie returns to her office.

“How are you doing?” I ask.

Mason nods slowly, “I’m finding my feet.”

“Good. I remember how hectic it was when I joined the company. It takes time to get used to all the procedures.”

“That’s for sure.” A worried look flashes across his face. “Kingsley called earlier and mentioned Jamie is sick.”