Page 31 of Notorious Man on Campus

Grabbing a Kleenex, I blow my nose and calm myself. There’s something about the here and now of blowing one’s nose loud and long that brings life back into perspective, that cuts through the melodrama of the sky-falling mindset and lands one directly in the present. Where I land is back where I started. The need to save Brick from himself rears up and I take heart because I’ve made progress, haven’t I?

A smile forms on my face. He’s let the genie out of the bottle—or at least halfway out—and he can’t ever take it back no matter how much he pretends tomorrow or the next day because I know he will, that tonight was nothing, meant nothing. I saw him crack, I saw his feelings, if briefly. I know what’s inside him and, more importantly, he knows what’s inside him.

Settling into my bed, under my covers, I can close my eyes now and sleep because I’m suddenly exhausted and drained.

And hopeful. Optimism has returned because the lingering scent of sex surrounds me in my bed and I know I’ll dream about him, about us, and about all the things we didn’t get to tonight.

* * *

In spite of my rejuvenated optimism of last night, what I didn’t count on this morning, besides waking up at the crack of dawn after only a few hours of sleep, is the hangover.

Forcing myself out of bed, I throw on leggings, sports bra, and T-shirt. I need to go for a jog. It’s my standby cure for whenever I’ve had a drink too many, not that it happens often. Hardly ever. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been out drinking.

Thank god the kitchen is closed today and it’s every man for himself. No cooking or cleaning duty. Majik told me they have a professional cleaning crew come in to take care of the party cleanups. Just like the rich elitists they are. I sigh. Now who’s not being fair?

Careful to close the back door behind me quietly, I make my way through the trash on the back deck, the smell of stale beer coming strongly from the two kegs, then down the stairs and around to the front. The morning chill revives me and I take a left when I get to the street and start jogging, slowly. I don’t get far when I see another jogger coming the other way. She’s decked out in designer workout apparel and her ponytail is perfect and bouncy. I barely got my unruly hair inside a scrunchy at the back of my neck before I left. I smile as we approach each other and then my stomach drops like an organic chem textbook to my toes.

It’s Willow. Shit. My smile falters until, miracle of miracles, she smiles back. And stops, or jogs in place, so I do the same, except I stop without jogging in place because I need every bit of my energy to get my brain cells to focus on not being awkward.

“Willow. I hope you’re doing okay this morning.”

“Of course. Last night was crazy. I may have been too aggressive with Brick.” She rolls her eyes. “I should know better than to think he’s approachable.”

“Yeah. I get that Brick is a tough one.” I’m ridiculous because I don’t really understand her crazy threats, do I?

“Honestly, I don’t know why I bothered. Too many Jell-O shots and a bout of nostalgia maybe. We had a thing last semester.” She waves a hand. “But it’s over now. I’m so over him. In fact, I don’t know what I ever saw in him.” I know what she saw, because I see the same thing, and I’m not sure I buy into her sudden change of heart, but I can certainly empathize.

I open my mouth and am on the verge of telling her all about how much we have in common around Brick, but something stops me and I close my mouth. Call it instinct or maybe self-preservation—or maybe that deep-seated stubborn loyalty I have to Brick that won’t let me go against him. I understand him and can’t get past knowing where he came from.

Even though at some point he has to get past his past and move on, right now my heart needs to give him a bye.

“You know what, Nyla, even though you’re not our usual type, how would you like to rush for Kappa Kappa Gamma?” She doesn’t wait for an answer, assuming it’s of course, yes I would! “We’re having a rush party next Saturday night. I’ll let the girls know. I’m president and I’m sure they’ll go along with me on a last minute invite.” She smiles and it looks genuine if not kind. A part of me wants to nod and say yes. But most of me shrinks away from the idea. I don’t want to join Willow’s sorority. It would seem like betraying Brick. Not that he deserves my loyalty. Or does he, after rescuing me yet again?

And I can’t hold it against him for giving me an orgasm, can I? I was a willing participant, even a cheerleader.

I knew—know—that he’s not boyfriend material. Not for anyone, let alone me. He says it’s about Jimmy, but there’s so much more to it. And I know all about it. So it’s my own fault for expecting or wanting more from him than he has to give.

But I do.

And there has to be a way to get him to uncork all he has bottled up for the past fourteen years since his mom died.

“Thank you so much for the invitation, Willow, but I can’t. I’m going to a wedding on Saturday and it’s in Rochester, New York, so—”

“You’re not going to the Kace and Glory wedding?” She’s incredulous.

“Yes, I am. Are you going?”

Willow waves a hand, her smile faltering now.

“Everyone on campus knows about Kace and Glory and their wedding. He was a hockey star here just last year. Oh, but that’s right, you weren’t here last year, were you?”

“No, I transferred.” I’m wondering where this is all leading, because she has that speculative look on her face.

“I bet it’ll be fun. Lots of photos and merriment. All the guys from BMOC House will be there, probably.”

“I imagine. Sorry you won’t be going. I’m only going because Majik—Claire Majisky—invited me to come along.”

“Right. As her protégé or intern or whatever. Lucky you. Well, have a great time.” She smiles like she means it this time and I have an uneasy feeling, like she’s got some hidden agenda. Or maybe not so hidden. Willow is definitely a woman scorned in spite of her protests otherwise. As much as it pains me to think it, I believe she’s the type of person who might be interested in revenge.