I need to stop thinking about Caleb.
So I shower, change, and make the short drive to campus.
I only park near the gym because I have to. Not because I want to see if I can catch him working out those muscles—that ass.
I don’t see him, though.
Not that I look. I really don’t look.
My phone buzzes in my back pocket, and I pull it out, seeing that it’s Caleb’s aunt calling.
The universe obviously doesn’t want me to stop thinking about my roommate.
That much is clear.
I swipe at the phone as I lean against a lamppost right across from the gym. I don’t stop here, hoping to catch a glimpse. This just happens to be a good place to stop.
“Hi,” I say softly, feeling my chest constrict.
“Hi, sweet pea. Just calling to check in. How are you?”
I hold my breath a moment, unsure what to do with this. My parents never call just to check in. They always want something.
“I’m good. Just busy. Mostly with classes.”
“Oh, tell me all about it. I have about five minutes before I have to head out.”
And so I do, relaying the five courses I’m enrolled in plus the debate club, and when I finish and hang up, I feel odd. But good. Like, maybe my whole life, this is what I’ve been missing.
But I shake it off as I continue on my way to the campus cafeteria, definitelynotlooking everywhere for Caleb as I walk.
“Why are you rubbing your neck like that?” Bev asks when I approach their table. Kate and Magnus are also sitting there, each of them watching me intently.
“Oh…” My hand drops, and I feel my cheeks heat. “No reason.”
Kate bites back a grin and then whispers something loudly to Bev. So loud that I can hear it.
“Probably from craning his neck to get a look at his roommate’s ass.”
My mouth falls open, and I sputter slightly, but Magnus saves me by tugging me into the seat next to him. He’s wearing a cute pink shirt and dark pants with suspenders.
He’s always so bright.
“Ignore them. They’re awful today. Real pieces of work.”
Bev and Kate make appalled faces and gasp loudly, but they let it go. I think they know I’m at my wits’ end. Magnus touches me gently, like I’m about to break, and then leans toward me.
“How clean is the apartment?”
“It glows.”
His lips curl up as Bev interrupts.
“Alright, since Whit is finally here, want to quickly review our notes from our last meeting?”
“Please,” I say, and she pulls out a piece of paper and starts going over things. I listen intently, making sure not to turn my head any which way. Just in case he happens to be here.
I won’t injure my neck again.
