AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I mean, there are a lot of college guys around here. It’s a completely different ball game with dating and stuff,” she said.
Kayla smiled. “Don’t you want to know what it’s like to be with a man instead of some high school boy?”
Kristie grinned. “I sure as heck do.”
Kayla giggled. “And this way, you can date as many guys as you want! You don’t have to be tied down. In college, no one expects you to be. You could have four or five guys taking you out on nice dates and fawning over you and wanting to make out. It’s a girl’s dream out here, and having some high school boyfriend back home kind of ruins that. Don’t you think?”
I didn’t like how they were talking. Nor did I like the way any of this sounded. I expected it to grate against my ears. I expected myself to kick back and defend myself. But I found myself listening instead. Leaning in as they chattered on about stories they’d heard from friends. Romantic dates and never settling down. Trysts with professors and forbidden loves that made classes all the more exciting. I found myself hooked, listening to their stories. Meredith and I leaned in as Kristie and Kayla chattered on.
Kristie sighed. “And I mean, how in the world can I know what kind of guy I want in my life if I haven’t even declared my major yet? I don’t know what I want to do for the rest of my life, or where I want to go. Much less who I want to be at my side for it. No, no. Coming into college single is the best decision I’ve made.”
And holy fuck, did she ever have a point.
16
Clinton
Ally swallowed her food down. “Don’t worry, Rae will be fine. She’s always been independent like this. It actually shocked me when she was okay with the idea for all of us to come along with her.”
Mike nudged her. “No one said anything about Rae not being okay.”
She shrugged. “It’s written all over his face, Michael. I mean, look at him.”
I sighed. “I’m literally in front of you right now.”
Sitting at breakfast with Mike and Ally was awkward enough. But having them watch me watch the clock? That was just embarrassing. The minutes ticked by like quicksand, slowly swallowing me whole. Never going fast enough. Was Rae having a good time on campus? Was she okay? Did she feel overwhelmed?
Ally was right.
I was worried about her.
“Well, I don’t know what you’ve got planned for the day. But Ally and I figured we’d make it a hot tub and pool day. You in?”
I looked over at Mike, sighing. “Actually, there’s something I want to do before Rae gets back from campus.”
Ally cocked her head. “Oh? What’s that? Do you need any help?”
Mike nodded. “Yeah. I mean, we don’t mind keeping you company so you aren’t alone today.”
I snickered. “Thanks. I appreciate it, but it’s not necessary. I don’t need company. It’ll be quick, then I’ll join you guys at the pool. Okay?”
Mike smiled. “Good. Ally and I plan to be there around eleven.”
I nodded. “I’ll meet up with you once I’m done.”
I slammed back my last mug of coffee before I pushed out of the chair. I could’ve wasted all day just sitting and talking with them. But I had my mind made up. I walked over to the elevators until Mike and Ally turned their heads. Then I darted off toward the business center. I’d been working all morning on a rudimentary resume on my phone. It wasn’t much, but it was something. I sat down at one of the computers and logged into my email. I had to get the damn thing edited and professional-looking before I could print it out. Turns out, there were some decent jobs in the area I qualified for.
So why not put in some applications?
After printing a few of them out, I paid for them at the front desk. I didn’t want something like this being charged to Mike’s credit card. The last thing I wanted was anyone knowing what I was doing. Not because I was ashamed or shit like that. But because I didn't want anyone getting excited. Or getting their hopes up. I didn’t want them to be cheering me on and making plans only for me to disappoint them.
That petrified me.
I flagged down a cab and quickly got in. I had to pull up the names of the places hiring before I could rattle off the address. Thank fuck, I had enough sense to jam my wallet with some money. And then, away we went. I turned around and watched the hotel fall into the horizon. We made stops along the way, allowing me to get out and rush in to hand over my application. I knew I wasn’t overly qualified for the positions. But sometim
es that played in people’s favor. Sometimes, being overqualified was just as bad.
If I could sell myself as ‘room for improvement’ and ‘willing to be molded,’ I stood a chance.
