Page 18 of Out of Place

Bennett looks at me like he wants to say something but doesn’t. He turns and follows Camden.

Landon turns his attention back to me. “Are you sure you’re ok?” His dark brown eyes search mine, but I look away.

“I’m fine, and I don’t need you fighting my battles.”

“I’m not fighting anything. Cam was being an ass, and sometimes he needs to be put in his place. I’ve known him my whole life, so it’s better if it comes from me.”

“That’s great for you.” I grab the basket of half-cracked eggs and walk around him. “He seems like a really great friend.”

Landon laughs behind me. “Good night, sweetheart. See you bright and early tomorrow morning.”

I mumble, “Don’t remind me,” as I walk inside.

I should’ve said that I’m not anybody’s sweetheart, but for some reason, I don’t think he’d care. And if I’m being completely honest with myself, I kinda like when he calls me that. Probably more than I should.

* * *

Later that evening when I’m showered and in my favorite pair of pink pajamas, I call my best friend. I just need to hear her voice.

“Hey, girl!” she answers cheerily.

“Hey.” I try to sound happy, but there’s a definite wobble in my tone. Serena notices.

“What’s wrong?”

I lie back on the flat pillow in my bed. I knew I should’ve brought my own pillow. “What’s not wrong, Serena? I’ve been outside all day long. I was drenched in sweat and covered in dirt. I have to wear the most godawful, clearance-rack clothes that don’t even fit right. I got sunburnt on my nose, which is not a good look. And the worst part is everything around here smells. Like so bad.”

“Oh my god, honey. I’m so sorry. That sounds like torture. I seriously can’t believe your parents are making you do this!”

“I know!” The tears are falling now. I think I needed a good cry. I’ve bottled all this up, trying so hard to hold it all back since I got here. I hate this and don’t want to be here, but I don’t have a choice if I want my trust fund.

“Well, how was your first day? Something good had to have happened?” she asks. That’s Serena. Always trying to see the positive.

“No. Nothing good happened. Everyone hates me. I had to touch a gross cow. And my fingers are stained purple from picking blueberries.”

“Everyone hates you?” she asks. “I don’t think that’s possible. People love you!”

“Not these people,” I counter. “They all hate me. Well, one of them was kind of nice. He showed me around.”

“He? Is he cute?” She’s always looking for cute guys. Everywhere we go, that’s the first task on her agenda. Mine too, usually, but today. . . I’m just tired.

“I mean, yeah, I guess he’s cute in a rugged, dirty sort of way,” I answer, picturing Landon. He is attractive, but I’d like to see him freshly showered and not in work clothes to make my full assessment.

“Oooh, rugged and dirty. That sounds fun. Why don’t you try to befriend him? You could have a fun friends-with-benefits thing while you’re there,” she suggests.

“Trust me, he does not want to be my friend,” I mumble. “And anyway, I’m too tired to even think about opening my legs for anyone.”

Serena laughs. “Look at you. Growing up already. Listen to me, Liv. You can do this. Just get up every morning and do what they ask you to do. The faster you show them how responsible you are, the faster you can come home.”

I sniffle and wipe my nose. “I know. I will. I just hate this.”

“Me too, girl. Me too. I miss you already.”

“Miss you too. Alright, I should probably go. I’ve got to get up before the sun is up.”

“Ew!”

“I know.”