Page 17 of Always Be My Baby

“Grayson.” Gus’s smile was too big for his face. “Cammy. You’re here on time.” He waved and attention went to Grayson. “You should walk Cammy to work every day. Are you hungry, Grayson? I can whip you up something. I’ll even pile it on for you.”

I rolled my eyes at Gus, plopped my backpack under the counter, and checked the cash register to make sure it was all good to go. Actually, my nerves were fried. A part of me worried Lucas would find out I had eaten with another guy and might get mad. It was none of his business, I reminded myself.

“Actually, I’m going to skip. Cams and I had lunch, but thank you.”

Gus’s eyebrow hiked higher than I’d ever seen before. “Oh, really.” His eyes flashed to mine with a look that said, tell me more.

“Anyway.” Grayson shoved his hands inside his jeans pockets, and his lips perked as if he was either thinking of something to say or was wondering about something. “I had a wonderful time, friend. Maybe we can do it again soon.” The way his hands braced against the counter, his toned biceps were hard to miss when he leaned forward. Even Gus drooled from the other end. “Have a good day, Cams. See you in class. I’ll save you a seat.”

“You too. See you in class.” I tried to sound neutral and not flirty.

“Those were the sexiest words I’ve heard in a long time.” Gus stood next to me, staring at Grayson walk away. “And he’s got the sexiest ass I’ve ever seen.”

I’m not looking. I’m not looking. Shit, I looked, but I was already gawking.

I frowned. “Don’t you have work to do? Go back to your side.”

I had expected a sly comment, but instead, he was grinning and waving at someone. Grayson had turned back, his eyes set on mine, just before he exited.

The second he was no longer in the building, Gus shifted his attention to me. “What happened? How did you get a date with him?”

I glanced around the quiet cafeteria. “It wasn’t a date. We’re friends. We have a class together, and after the test, we went out to eat.”

I dusted a smudge from the cash register, keeping myself busy. I didn’t want Gus to see any expression on my face.

Gus lightly tapped my shoulder. “Was anyone else there?”

“It’s none of your business, but no.” I checked the containers filled with tomatoes, lettuce, onion, rice, beans, chicken, beef, shredded pork, and sauces.

Gus crossed his arms. “You keep telling yourself that. Oh, by the way, Lucas stopped by just before you came in with Mr. Hot Man.”

My eyes shot to him, my heart thundering. “What did he say?”

Gus took out the tortillas and placed them neatly on the counter. “Nothing much.” He scowled. “He was grouchy and rude. He wanted to know when you were coming to work. Because of his attitude, I told him you weren’t working today.”

I didn’t know whether to be annoyed with Gus or hug him. “Thanks,” I said curtly.

Gus pushed back his hair. “I don’t like bullies with attitudes, and I especially don’t like cheaters.”

I froze when I reached the register, seeing a customer heading toward us. “How do you know what he did?”

I wanted to hide from embarrassment. Though I didn’t do anything wrong, I suddenly realized one of the reasons why I couldn’t go back with Lucas wasn’t just because he cheated on me, but also because of my pride.

The whole damn campus knew what Lucas had done. Of course people would talk, especially among the fraternities and sororities.

Gus placed a soft hand over mine, and he gave me a compassionate expression. “I think you know the answer.”

Chapter Thirteen

Sick

Cammy

After working my eight-hour shift, I was beyond exhausted. The twinkling, beautiful stars were apparent in the clear night sky, surrounding the full moon. As I took in the serene beauty, I shivered and entered my apartment.

“Hey, Cammy. How was your day?” Leah peered up from her laptop and smiled.

I slouched next to her on the sofa with my legs apart. “I’ve never been this tired and cold. I think I’m coming down with something.”