Chapter 22: Chapter 22

I push through the glass doors of the Union and into the warmth of the building. My scarf is wrapped around my neck to keep out the biting wind that whips through campus. The temperatures this week have been below average, and I can feel it in my bones. Spring break will be coming up soon, and I’m jealous of everyone who has plans to travel to tropical destinations for some R and R.

I could definitely use a little vitamin D right about now.

The chatter of voices fills my ears as I glance around the crowded space for Elle.

After running into her at Taco Loco, we made plans to meet for lunch and catch up. Even though we just met in the fall, she’s turned out to be a good friend.

She’s always bubbly and positive.

I caught her in Western’s production of Heathers last semester, and she was phenomenal. Her dream is to star on Broadway. With her talent, there’s no way it won’t come true.

When I don’t immediately catch sight of her dark head, I consider shooting her a text. It’s altogether possible she’s not here yet. Just as I reach into my jacket pocket, I see her waving from a corner near a long stretch of floor-to-ceiling windows.

My lips lift into a smile as I wave back and navigate my way through the lunch rush. The Union is always packed this time of the day. There are so many different restaurants to choose from. The options are practically limitless.

The moment I’m within striking distance, Elle tugs me into her arms and gives me a quick hug. “I’ve missed you, girl. We definitely need to do this more often.”

“Maybe if someone wasn’t so busy with another production and her hunky boyfriend, we could do that.”

The grin that lights up her face makes her appear even more beautiful than she already is. With her coffee-colored eyes and long straight hair that matches in shade, Elle Kendricks is absolutely gorgeous.

A few guys stare as she beams at me.

“Please.”

I unzip my jacket and loosen my scarf as we settle at the table. The bright sunlight that pours in through the eastern facing windows feels amazing. Even though it’s cold outside, there’s not a single cloud marring the cornflower blue sky.

She slides half a sandwich and a bowl of soup in my direction. “I arrived a few minutes early and bought lunch. I hope you like tomato bisque.”

“It’s perfect. Thanks.”

Elle unwraps her turkey and swiss before taking a bite. “I’m starving.”

I nod in agreement and do the same.

While we eat, she tells me all about the new campus production she has a part in. Even though Elle is only a sophomore, she’s been given a larger role in the spring play. This time they’re performing The Wolves, a story about a high school soccer team.

“So, what about you?” she asks. “Anything going on? Have you been out with anyone interesting lately?”

I glance away, unsure if I should mention my one-night stand that’s turned into a two-night stand. It’s not like we went out on a real date or anything like that.

When I remain silent, her brows shoot up. “I know that look. Spill.”

I nibble my lower lip as indecision spirals through me.

Elle narrows her eyes. “If you don’t tell me right this minute, I’ll call in reinforcements. Holland will tell me, for sure. And if she doesn’t know, she can help drag all the juicy details out of you.”

“All right, all right. Sheesh.” With a grimace, I roll my eyes. “I’m sorry I ever introduced the two of you. Every time I turn around, you two are plotting against me.”

She flashes a devilish smile. “Just remember that it’s all done out of love.”

I snort. “Oh, is that what you tell yourself to sleep better at night?”

There’s not an ounce of remorse in her expression. “I sleep just fine, if you must know.” There’s a beat of silence. “Now, tell me.”

Ugh.

I wasn’t planning to share the details with anyone until I get a better handle on the situation.

And just how I’m going to untangle myself from it.

A little pang of sadness fills me at the idea of never seeing Maverick again or feeling the way his strong hands stroke over me, leaving a trail of delicious sensation in their wake.

“You’ve left me with no choice. I’m pulling out my phone and calling⁠—”

“Fine… I’ll spill.” I scoot my chair closer to the table and tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear before dropping my voice. “I, um, hooked up with someone. Twice.”

Her jaw drops and her eyes widen until they look like they’re on the verge of falling out of her head and rolling around on the table that sits between us. “Shut up. You’re lying.”

Heat blooms in my cheeks. I wish I could be more blasé about the encounter, but that’s just not me.

And Elle gets that.

She was a virgin before getting together with her boyfriend, who also happens to be her older brother’s best friend.

“Like I’d lie about something like that.”

She presses against the edge of the table, attempting to bridge some of the distance between us. “Now I really need all the details.”

With a jerk of my shoulders, I glance around, hoping that no one is eavesdropping. “It was just a guy I met at a bar.”

“Umm…excuse me? Since when do you hang out at bars?”

“I was out celebrating with River after a game.”

It’s almost comical the way her brows skyrocket into her hairline. “And River let you go home with some dude? Color me stunned. Seriously.”

“He doesn’t know.”

“Well, that makes way more sense. Doesn’t he normally run off any guy who tries to shoot his shot with you?”

“Yup,” I say with a sigh before waving a hand. “It’s one of the reasons I’m here at Western.”

She takes a sip of her bottled water. “Then I should thank him. Otherwise, we would’ve never met.”

Some of the tension filling me drains away. “I suppose not. Although, it’s doubtful he’d appreciate it.”

“So, when are you going to see this mystery man again? Were numbers exchanged?”

“I just saw him yesterday.” Even thinking about the way he laid his hands on me is enough to have sparks of arousal detonating in the pit of my belly.

“Any chance this will turn into something more than casual?”

I shake my head.

Sadness chases away any of the desire that had bloomed to life inside me. “I don’t think so.” The next words tumble from my mouth before I can stop them. “River would definitely have a problem with him.”

“Let’s be real here, River would have a problem with anyone you dated. That’s just facts.”

The girl isn’t wrong.

“You know that I went through something similar with Brayden? He lost his shit when he found out that Carson and I were sneaking around behind his back. It caused a lot of problems in our relationship. And theirs.”

When she ends her story at that point, I say, “You realize that what you’re saying doesn’t make any of this better, right?”

The edges of her lips quirk. “What has helped is time. He needed to wrap his brain around the fact that I was a grown woman who was more than capable of making her own decisions. And mistakes. River needs to do the same.”

“You’re right. It’s just not an easy conversation to have. He’s my twin and super protective.”

Any humor brimming in her expression or voice falls away. “After Dad died, Brayden felt like he needed to step up and into that role. It was only after he found out about Carson that we got into a massive fight and stopped talking for a bit. That’s when he finally agreed to back off. Sooner or later, River’s going to have to accept that you have your own life to live. And that you won’t be doing it in a convent.”

“He’d be thrilled if I did,” I reluctantly admit.

“That’s too bad. He needs to get with the program.”

Every time I try to tell him that, he refuses to listen. I can’t imagine anything I say having a big enough effect to change his behavior.

My shoulders wilt as those thoughts buzz around in my brain. “Like I said before, I’m not sure if it’ll go anywhere with this guy.”

She waggles her brows. “Well, I certainly hope you enjoy finding out.”

“Hey, Elle!” a curvy girl with bouncy brown hair calls out with a wave as she makes her way in our direction. The girl she’s with has long, straight hair that’s the color of mahogany.

“Hi, Brooke!” Elle glances at the other girl before smiling at her. “Juliette! I haven’t seen you for a while.” Elle turns to me before making introductions. “This is Willow. She transferred to Western last fall. Willow, this is Brooke and Juliette.”

“Hi, it’s really nice to meet you.” My gaze bounces between the two.

They both seem friendly and approachable.

Although, if they’re close with Elle, I can’t imagine anything else being true. She surrounds herself with good people.

My gaze resettles on Juliette.

There’s something strangely familiar about her. I don’t know if I’ve seen her around campus or if we’ve had a class together. Is it possible that she’s popped into the tutoring center for help?

The little tickle at the back of my brain refuses to be dismissed.

With a tilt of my head, my eyes stay locked on Juliette. “You look really familiar. Have we met before? Maybe had a class together?”

Brooke pats her friend on the shoulder. “Unless you’re pre-med, probably not. Little miss smarty pants here is heavy on the sciences, which is exactly why you won’t see her around at a lot of the parties.”

Guess I can cross tutoring center off the list.

She could probably work there if she had the time.

I can’t help but chuckle. “Then, no. We definitely don’t have any classes together. I’m in the education program.”

Emotion flashes across Juliette’s face as she nods. “I thought about teaching as well, but then decided in high school that pre-med was a better fit.”

That’s all it takes for my mind to tumble back to all the doctors and nurses who helped take care of me. They all have a special place in my heart. Without them and the marvels of medicine, I might not be here right now. I give credit to anyone who wants to pursue a career in the medical field.

“Juliette’s boyfriend plays hockey for the Wildcats,” Elle adds when silence descends.

Grateful for the change in topic, I say, “My brother plays for the East Town Rattlers.”

“We just played that team the other week!”

I nod and say lightly, “Yeah, I was there. It was a hard-fought game.” The last thing I want to do is rub the loss in their faces.

“Juliette’s brother also plays for the Wildcats,” Elle adds conversationally. “His name is Maverick.” There’s a pause. “Maverick McKinnon. Maybe you’ve heard of him?”

My eyes widen, and for a heartbeat, it feels like the air gets knocked from my lungs. “Yeah. I think so.”

Juliette shrugs. “My brother was pretty upset after that game. Actually, the entire team was. They took the loss hard.”

Apprehension skates down my spine.

She leans closer before lowering her voice. “There’s a player on that team that he’s always had issues with. It goes back to high school when the guy stole his girlfriend. Even after all these years, it still gets chippy when they play each other.”

“Oh, ummm…” I shift on the chair, only wanting to shut down this conversation.

With a tilt of her head, interest ignites in her dark eyes. “I’m curious as to who⁠—”

Before she can finish the rest of the sentence, I grab my phone and glance at the screen. A second later, I jerk to my feet. “Shoot. I have a meeting at one. I need to get moving or I’ll be late.” My gaze flicks to Elle, whose brows are pinched together.

“Really? I thought you were free for the afternoon.”

I shake my head as my heart pounds a painful staccato. “Yeah, I thought so too. I can’t believe I forgot about the appointment I set up with my advisor to discuss my summer class load.”

“Bummer.”

I gather up my bag before forcing a smile to my lips. “Brooke and Juliette, it was really nice to meet both of you.”

“You too,” they say in unison.

“Maybe we can all get together another time. You can meet some of our other friends. I bet you’d like them,” Juliette adds.

The sincerity etched across her face has guilt blooming within me.

As much as I’d enjoy getting to know these girls better, that’s not going to happen.

With a quick wave, I rush from the table.

It’s only when I’ve put some distance between myself and Maverick’s sister that a relieved breath escapes from me.