Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“Hey! We’ve made our friendship work, and even though we’re no longer roommates, you’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
He smirks. “Well, damn. I was hoping…”
“Jackass.” I toss a wrapper at him. “Don’t finish that sentence!”
We grin at each other, calling a silent truce, and then finish eating. Kael pulls us into a conversation about the best pizza in town, and everyone has different replies except for Austin and me. “Angelo’s!” we say at almost the same time. Angelo’s is a little hole-in-the-wall place off the beaten path that we walk to whenever we’re bored with campus food.
I wink. “See, I told you we have more in common.”
He clinks his cup against mine. “We both like to stuff our faces with good food.”
After soda refills, we head out with the others.
“So hey, don’t lose that flower. That’s your ticket to getting in on Thursday.”
“I’ll try not to,” he deadpans.
“Whatever happens, happens, but you never know,” I reply, hoping that for once I’m right. “At least come hang out with me.”
6
AUSTIN
It’s the night of the mixer at Poli House, and I’m nervous as shit, despite being 99.5 percent certain that guy is not showing up. I didn’t see him in my line last shift, not that it’s a sign. There are other coffee carts, after all.
But it’s more than that. Being social is awkward for me, especially something like this, where there will be a lot of people. Thankfully, Kael is going with me and is currently putting up with my many shirt changes.
“That’s the one,” Kael says as I glance in the mirror. “That shirt slaps. You sure you don’t want an edible?”
“Think I’ll pass.” No way to gauge how it’ll make me feel, and I need all my faculties tonight.
I can admit I look pretty good. My hair is styled a bit differently, and I’m wearing clothes I bought on an outing with my mom. She insisted, and this time, I didn’t push back.
The blue shirt brings out my eyes. I stare harder at myself, at my copper-colored hair and freckles, wondering what anyone might think of me from a distance. Maybe Dex is right. Maybe I can be someone’s type.
My renewed confidence fades the closer we get to Poli House. I’m holding the damn flower like it’s a treasure, though it only came from Dex. Okay, I sound ungrateful. He didn’t have to give me one at all. Kael has one too, and we both show them at the door to gain entrance. There’s also a donation bucket to help the needy, so I add a couple of bucks. Dex will be proud.
Speaking of Dex, he’s standing near the door like he’s part of the welcome committee, and he looks very handsome. He’s always handsome, though, and he doesn’t even have to try. He’s naturally lean, with wavy dark-brown hair and eyes nearly the same shade. Kind eyes, I always think, as they crinkle at the corners upon seeing me.
It helps me relax. Just a little. God, maybe I should’ve taken the edible.
“You’re late,” Dex says as we make our way through the crowded front entrance.
Kael smirks. “That’s because he changed a dozen times.”
“I can’t help that I’m nervous.”
“Just be yourself.” Dex squeezes my shoulder. “That’s good enough.”
“Gee, thanks.”
He sputters. “What I mean is, you are enough. Even though you have your doubts. You’d slay even without the new clothes, but I must say you look nice.”
“Mom talked me into them. You know how she gets.” Still, warmth crawls across my cheeks because I enjoy the compliment. “And besides, you have to say that as my best friend.”
“No, I don’t. Any guy would be lucky to date you.”
“That’s what I told him,” Kael says, and my chest clenches. It’s nice to have supportive friends.
Some strange emotion flits through Dex’s eyes, and I wonder what that’s about. Is it because I have a new friend in Kael? Isn’t that what he’s always hoped for me? Confusing.
“Where’s Angelica?” Dex asks Kael.
“She had to bow out—stomach bug. She lent me her flower.”
“Bummer about her being sick. But glad you were able to come.” Dex smiles. “Come on. I’ll show you around.”
We follow him into the dining room, where the food and drinks are set up on the long table. I have trouble making eye contact with the people I pass, but how else will I know if the guy shows? With my luck, he’ll bring his girlfriend or maybe a boyfriend. No way he comes alone—or at all, for that matter. I need to stop obsessing.
I point to a large bowl on a side table, surrounded by cups. “What’s that red stuff?”
“Punch.” Dex winks. “You might like it.”
“Maybe it’ll help me relax.”
He uses the ladle to pour the concoction into three cups. We say cheers and start sipping. I wince when it burns going down. “This is strong.”