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Kyler laughs once more before he walks toward the hallway, pausing before he leaves the room. “Oh hey, Thea? You should be careful about some of the guys on the hockey team. They’re not all as nice as Jude, Devon, and Nolan.”
“Okay?” I answer, but it comes out more as a question, given I’m not sure where this conversation is heading. It also doesn’t escape my notice he left his own name out of his statement.
“All I’m saying is, make sure you have your roommates’ numbers saved in your phone.”
“Well, I already have Devon and Nolan’s, so I guess I just need yours . . .” My reply leaves me wondering how he’ll handle the fact I’ve effectively asked for his number.
Kyler reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his phone, tapping on the screen before continuing. “Here,” he says, holding his phone out to me. “Send yourself a text and then you’ll have mine.”
I reach for his phone, do as he suggests, and send myself a text simply saying “Kyler’s number” before handing it back to him. He takes it and puts it back in the pocket, then wishes me a goodnight and leaves the room, walking upstairs quickly.
“And now you have my number,” I say quietly to myself, wondering if this is the progress I need in cracking the tough skin of my fourth roommate.
* * *
The weekend comes along quickly and before I know it, it’s Friday afternoon and myself and Millie are in my room getting ready. The guys have decided to throw a party at the house tonight in honor of me moving in, and to celebrate completing our first week at NU. Instead of providing food, we’re ordering takeout from one of the pizza places on the Boardwalk. Millie managed to get us a discount because she knows one of the guys who works there. I’m excited not only for the party, but also because Adam is currently on his way to Northport and is staying for the weekend. I know it’s only been just under two weeks since I’ve seen him, but I’ve missed him terribly.
“So, you and Adam, I need some deets,” Millie says as she finishes off her makeup and lies on my bed. Honestly, she’s a pro at getting ready in record time, while I’m still here sitting in front of my mirror, trying to do a perfect cat eye. I give her the CliffsNotes version, because honestly, there’s nothing out of the ordinary to tell her about our relationship.
“We went to the same school, started dating at fifteen, he was a quarterback, I was a cheerleader. We were prom king and queen, and he’s the love of my life, what’s more to tell?”
“Sounds very PG-rated, High School Musical.” Millie laughs. “I mean, no scandal at all?”
I pause for a beat, because the scandal that bypassed our relationship is not my story to tell. “Nope, nothing. Sorry to disappoint.”
“Huh,” is all I get in response.
“What about you?” I ask her. “Anyone on the scene who’s taken your interest? Nolan seems to like you.”
“Ew, please. Me and hockey players are not a good match.”
“Sure, Mills, whatever you say,” I tease her. I’ve seen her shoot Nolan the odd look here and there and I can tell it’s reciprocated. I’m guessing it won’t be long before those two get a little closer. Maybe I should play matchmaker for them.
“Who is saying what now?” Adam’s voice comes from the other side of the door before he knocks and opens it. “Everyone decent?” he asks before stepping in.
I squeal a little before rushing over and jumping into his arms. Like the good quarterback he is, he doesn’t miss a beat and catches me easily, and I start to pepper his face with kisses.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I say as he kisses me back.
“I’ve missed you too.”
“Ahem.” Millie makes a noise while still lying on my bed. “Not sure if you’re the type who likes an audience but I’m still here. I’m Millie by the way.” She stands up and holds a hand out to Adam, who takes it and shakes it firmly.
“I’m Adam. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“As I have about you. And far be it from me to ruin this little reunion, so I’m going downstairs to check on what the others are doing. Nice to meet you, Adam.”
Millie leaves the room leaving the two of us alone. After catching up properly I tell Adam about my week and how my classes have been going. He listens intently and updates me on how things are going with his internship. Evidently, it’s harder than he thought it would be, and thinks it’s because his dad is working him more than the other interns, given he’s going to inherit the business someday.
“He’s put me on a team working on a brand new project,” Adam tells me. “And it’s great, you know, because of the experience. But, man, I can’t help but feel the other guys think I’m getting preferential treatment because I’m Carl Nelson’s son. But this project, it’s huge. And it’s going to be successful, bringing a host of new jobs for those who need them, especially as it’s in a non-affluent part of town. It’ll be good for the exposure of the area, and I can’t lie, I’m proud to be a part of it.”
“Adam, this is amazing,” I tell him. “Especially since it sounds like this project will make a real difference.”
“Yeah, it will, but it does mean my time here is short this weekend. I’ll need to head back tomorrow night instead of Sunday. Dad needs to shuffle some things around because my brother wants to meet us on Monday.”
I sigh quietly. I can’t say I’m not disappointed. I was hoping to spend as much time as possible with Adam. Alas, it’s not the first time plans have been ruined by his wayward older brother.
“Is everything okay with him?” I ask, mainly because any trouble Austin causes can have an effect on the rest of the family, and that’s the last thing anyone wants.
