My heart races, and Sophia ushers me to a bench to sit. It takes a few seconds for the words to come.
“Never,” I rasp, trying to catch my breath as though I’d just been drowning.
Her brow is pinched as she glances back at the glass doors. We’re out of sight from the press, but I’m unsure how long they’ll be outside the dorms. Will I have to deal with them tomorrow when I leave for class?
“You should call your father.” Sophia sits next to me on the bench, turned to face me.
“And say what?” I glance at her.
“That you’re off-limits to the reporters. You’re not a hockey player, Bristol. You don’t own the team. Them bothering you with a plethora of questions is just plain wrong!”
I can’t help but see a streak of Liam in Sophia; they are more alike than I ever realized. “He’s already made it clear that I’m off-limits. Apparently, it doesn’t seem to matter.”
“Well, maybe he needs to give them a reminder. We should also reach out to campus security.”
“What are they going to do?” I ask.
“Arrest them.” Sophia grins cheekily.
Will a bunch of reporters even listen to campus police? Who is to say they won’t come back tomorrow when it’s time to leave for class?
I don’t move from my seat on the bench, hands together, my head bent down as I stare at the floor.
“Seriously, call your dad.”
My cheeks heat just thinking about telling him what happened. “He’s going to be pissed.”
“Yes, but he won’t be mad at you, Bristol. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
We reach out to campus police, who offer to send out a patrol to talk to the reporters and insist they leave.
I don’t go anywhere near the front door.
Sophia glances by after thirty minutes. “Looks like they’re gone,” she says as she hurries back toward me.
I haven’t moved from the bench.
“Good.” I force a smile, but my stomach is roiling.
Sophia glances at her watch. “We missed the first hour of bowling, but we could still go hang out if you’re up for it?”
After the reporters, I don’t feel particularly safe wandering campus, even if Sophia accompanies me. “Not tonight.”
“I still think you should call your father.” Sophia doesn’t give up. “He should know what’s going on.”
I exhale through my nose and purse my lips together. “What good will it do?”
“Can’t hurt. Can it?” Sophia stares at me, and I glance away.
She’s right.
“I’d rather do that upstairs, in my dorm.” I don’t want to give any students anything to share with the press. If they’re bothering me, how do I know they won’t start harassing anyone they deem a friend or acquaintance?
Sophia is right at my side as I stand and head for the elevator. “Do you want company?”
“No, it’s all right. Go meet up with your friends.” I wave her off.
Sophia hesitates. “Are you sure?”
