AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He nods, seeming to accept my explanation. Then he steps forward, leaning in for a hug, but I step back. He raises his hands in a placating gesture. “Can’t blame a guy for trying,” he says with a wink.
I spin on my heel, about to run in the other direction, when his voice stops me. “Oh, and Charlie? I really would suggest staying away from Lincoln and Trey. You never know what guys like that actually want from a girl like you—I’d hate for your relationship with them to cause you…problems.” Then he turns and leaves, walking toward the Elk Building, where all the athletes room.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHARLIE
As I enter the dining hall, I grab my phone from my pocket, curious about what time it is. Then I remember that I turned it off after I talked with Link outside the coffee shop. I hit the button to power it back on and glance around. This time of night, all that’s open are some self-serve cereal stations and several vending machines.
A few students dot the long rows of tables, most of them with laptops or books open, shoveling cereal into their mouths. I walk over and grab a bowl and a small carton of milk from the mini-fridge. I yawn, fill the bowl with Lucky Charms and walk over to a table, throwing down my backpack and taking off my coat.
I consider doing something productive like writing, but I’m suddenly so tired. Adrenaline was humming through my blood the whole time I was with Matt, so now that I feel safe, I’m just drained. At the same time, I don’t want to go back to my dorm. I know deep down what I want.
I pick up my phone and wince. I have nine unread messages, one from Trey and eight from Lincoln. I feel a twinge of guilt when I think about the way I reacted. For a long time, Seb was the only person who really cared enough to check in, and because I was so set on sparing his feelings, I learned to deflectand avoid questions and situations that might have made him think I wasn’t okay. I’m not used to anyone else caring, and it feels strange.
I open Link’s messages, and have to swallow the lump in my throat. He’s definitely angry, maybe even hurt.
Lincoln
Did you seriously just hang up on me?
Call me back. We’re not done.
I’m serious, Charlie.
For fuck’s sake.
Are you really going to ignore me?
Fine. Enjoy your date with that prick.
Just be safe.
Never mind. We’re headed back.
I stare at his last text.
They aren’t really coming back tonight, right?
I decide not to respond and open Trey’s message instead.
Trey
Bennett, that wasn’t nice. You don’t play fair. Text me when you turn your phone back on.
Is he okay? He said you’re coming back.
The three dots indicating Trey’s reply pop up on my screen, but they’re blurry as I stare at them, and I realize I’m crying. I sniff and glance around, but no one seems to be looking at me.
Why the heck am I crying, I ask myself.
If I’m being honest, I miss them, which is stupid since they only left a day ago. I wipe my eyes angrily.
Trey
He’s okay.
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset him. He’s just such an infuriating bastard.
