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“Yeah, I wanted to stay on top of everything.”
Nodding, Blake sat down, moved the books, and put the pizza on the coffee table. He had a bag in his hand, and he pulled out paper plates, napkins, red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, and a couple of sodas.
“Wow, you thought of everything.”
Blake shrugged and opened the box to show a side of combo supreme for him and extra cheese, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and pineapple for me.
“You remembered?” I gazed at him, stunned.
“Of course, you always had the weirdest order.”
“It’s not weird, it’s delicious.”
“Pineapple doesn’t belong on a pizza.”
“Oh, so you’re one of those people.”
Blake’s head snapped back and looked offended, but it was all good-natured. “Those people, what’s that supposed to mean?”
Laughing, I grabbed a plate and took the biggest slice from my side of the pizza. “Nothing,” I chimed as I took a big bite and moaned, and Blake gave me a disgusted look.
We laughed and both dug into our slices. Easing into a conversation, I relaxed into the couch cushions feeling happy. My friend had come back to me.
“There’s so much politics and things behind the scenes of being a frat dad I never knew about or even considered.” Blake grabbed his fourth slice while I got halfway through my second and sipped on my soda. Thankfully, he’d gone and gotten me a glass. He knew all my quirks. “I always thought the frat dad just lived with them, but no. I must approve everything, maintain the household, watch after the guys, and be a middleman in their grades, sports, and lifestyle. I even have to monitor if they’re partying too hard.” He took a huge bite and leaned into the couch as he chewed. “I didn’t have a clue as to what I signed myself up for.”
“Yeah, I can see how that’s a big job. Especially on top of being a teacher’s assistant and going for your master’s degree.”
Blake didn’t listen to what I said because he continued whining about his new title. “It’s like being their bitch and having no real authority to punish the bastards because their daddies bail them out of scrapes. They donate another million to the school or pledge to build a new wing for the live-in staff.”
The way he chewed his pizza like a hyena protecting his food, he showcased his hatred with flying colors. The easygoing atmosphere we’d had earlier had disintegrated in a finger’s snap, and I wished it’d regain that, or he’d leave, and I’d get to hit the books.
“I miss being the spoiled little shit and not having to take care of them. Fuck, I might have to get used to it if things don’t work out because this could very well be my future. I’ll be taking care of the rich instead of being one.” His head rested against the sofa cushion, his eyes shut, and I laughed.
“Oh, come on, Blake. None of that will happen. You’re going to be fine. This is all a learning experience.” I shoved his shoulder, and he snapped his head over and gazed at me.
A flicker of something passed in his eyes as he leaned into the bag, pulled out a couple of little whiskey bottles, and poured one into a glass. He lifted the other to me, and I shook my head.
When he sat back, he moved closer than earlier, and I scooted toward the other end, keeping space between us. I didn’t want to be rude, so I faked it was me trying to get comfortable again.
“I made an appearance tonight at the party. You looked gorgeous, Chan.” The tumbler at his mouth didn’t hide the smile he gave.
There was a subtle shift in the air, and I smiled weakly. “Thank you.”
“No, I’m serious. You’ve grown into such a beautiful woman.” He reached over and traced a finger along my arm. My stomach flipped, and not in a pleasant way. I wanted to be sick. I shuffled my butt on the couch to get away from his reach.
Blake’s eyes skated over me, and there was a momentary scowl as he must’ve realized my clothes were far too large for me and were for a male. It would only make sense that they’d be Abel’s clothes.
As soon as he caught me noticing my attire, he put on a fake smile, which had me cringing. I was far from comfortable, and I wanted him to leave. He licked his lips and leaned over. Deer in the headlights panic rolled over me and I froze, my wits scrambling for a way out. The only thing I could think of was to bounce to my feet and announce I needed to go to the bathroom when Ella waltzed into the room. I wanted to kiss her.
“You said I can stay with you? My roommate is being awful.”
Launching from the couch, I rushed over, almost tripping and face-planting, but I wanted any excuse I could get to get as far from Blake as possible.
Blake sighed and sank into the couch. I had hoped he’d leave now.
Ella’s gaze jumped between Blake and me. Her eyes had many questions, but she didn’t say a word. Instead, she stayed on topic. “I hate to ask.” Her quiet voice and body language told me she wanted out of the room, and I didn’t understand the weird awkwardness.
“Stop it. You don’t need to ask. You’re welcome here anytime. Move all your stuff in and stay forever.”
