“I’ll miss you, sweetheart,” my mom cries into my shoulder, hugging me tight.
“I’ll miss you, too. Call me when you get home,” I instruct them and she nods her head.
“Only one semester left. Stay focused, no distractions,” my dad says before wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me into a big bear hug. “By the way, tell Rob we’re sorry we missed him,” he whispers in my ear and when he steps back, he winks at me.
“I will, Dad. I’m sure he’s sorry, too,” I lie. Rob isn’t exactly the guy you bring home to meet your parents, and I don’t think he really cares that he never got a chance to have the uncomfortable conversation with my dad on his intentions of dating me. Although my dad has never asked me to change anything about myself, I secretly know he doesn’t understand my piercings or why I cut my hair so short. I think the only thing he’s on the same page as me is my tattoos. My dad has a half dozen of his own, but all are in discreet places that can be covered up for his business affairs.
“I love you.” He winks at me one more time, grabs both his and my mom’s bags and they both walk over to the skycap.
“Love you, Dad. And you too,” I say to Sam, reaching over to hug her.
“You know I like what you’ve told me about Rob but Grant, he’s the one for you, Jessa.” Sam has always spoken her mind, so I shouldn’t be surprised she’s doing it now.
“Just go back home and don’t worry about my love life,” I joke, pushing her lightly toward the skycap.
“I love you, big sis,” she sing-songs. “See you at spring break.” She waves her hand and turns around toward my parents. Once they’re all at the doors, they turn around for one last wave and my mom blows me her signature kiss, and then just like that they’re gone. I miss them the minute the glass doors slide shut.
Chapter 2
Grant
I’ve filled my time this past week by working almost every day at Barbells, a health club at the edge of town that caters more to bodybuilder types than runners. On most days, the weight section of the club overflows with guys who possess huge biceps and chests. They all talk about how much they bench or what protein supplement works for them. Although I don’t have much in common with them, they keep me entertained and the pay is good. My freshman year, I came across an ad from Barbells looking for someone to wipe down machines and check memberships. During the past four years, I’ve moved up to membership supervisor and Chuck, the owner, has even allowed me do some of the marketing and advertising. It’s great experience for when I graduate.
I finish signing up a new guy, who was referred from one of our longtime members, when Emily walks in. She’s been coming here for the past few months and I’m pretty sure she’s in my sister sorority, but I’ve been skipping some events lately so I can’t be certain. The redhead is much too cheery for me, but she’s cute, curvy, and most of the guys from the weight room admire her. On more than one occasion, I’ve seen a line of guys in the doorway watching her do crunches. She acts as though she doesn’t notice, but trust me, she purposely swings her ass back and forth walking away. She knows exactly what she’s doing. I’m about to rush to the office in order to dodge her, when she calls out to me.
“Hey, Grant, nice to see you here,” she says from across the counter.
“I work here,” I respond flatly.
“How come you’re in town?” she asks with that annoying high-pitched voice.
“I’m from here. Born and raised,” I answer, not willing to give her any further information about myself.
“I just got back from being home. I thought more girls would be back, but no one’s here. What are you doing tonight?” She shuffles from side to side, stretching her arms back and forth, preparing to work-out. I would rather she just go and do her thing.
“Going to a friend’s party.” As soon as the words cross my lips, I automatically wish I wouldn’t have revealed my plans. After not hearing from her for the past week, Jessa texted me the address this afternoon. When I saw her name light up the screen, I think I smiled for the first time since I said good-bye to her on Christmas.
“Oh, can I come?” Her voice raises another octave. “Please, Grant. I don’t want to be alone on New Year’s Eve,” she begs in the most annoying baby voice.
“Um…it’s not a Greek party,” I admit, hoping she’ll back off.
“That’s okay. Come on, Grant. I don’t want to stay home by myself on New Year’s. You know whoever you kiss tonight, you’re supposed to spend the year with,” she whines, giving me the most flirtatious eyes as she cocks her head to the side.
“Alright,” I give in, releasing a breath.
“Great,” she exclaims. “Pick me up?’
“Sure,” I say, rolling my eyes. How she doesn’t notice my annoyance baffles me. “Where do you live?”
“You’re so silly, you know where I live.” Oh shit, I don’t want to admit that actually I have no fucking clue where she lives. “DDE,” she tells me and I’m relieved she gives me the information anyway.
“I’ll be there at ten,” I say, walking backward to the office, hoping to find my escape from her.
“Oh, I’m so excited, Grant. Who knows, maybe it will be me next to you at midnight,” she says, winking at me before walking away toward the treadmill, swinging those hips. I have to admit, she may be annoying, but she’s got a great ass.
Jesus, what the fuck did I just do? I’m barely going to fit in at this party, let alone Emily. The two of us will stick out like a runner in the weight room at Barbells. When Jessa invited me, there was no way I was going to say no. Lately, I think I would throw myself into a snake pit just to spend a second with her. Even though Rob will be with her tonight, I pray that he’ll do his usual disappearing act, which in turn will give me some alone time with her. Of course, now I have Emily to deal with as well. Fuck me.
It’s cold as hell tonight. Not wanting to draw more attention to myself, I opted for a pair of jeans and a Henley. My hair is probably too styled for this bunch, but I’m not ashamed of myself and I’m not about to change my appearance to suit them. I can say one thing; I’m not as noticeably different as Emily. Her micro mini pink dress with platform heels is making all the heads turn as we walk up to the door. Fortunately, it appears the guys like what they see and therefore are disregarding me, making me hopeful that I won’t get into a fight tonight.
The party isn’t too crowded, so Emily and I are able to make our way to the kitchen to grab a drink fairly quickly. I breathe a little easier when I find Brady and Sadie standing in the corner while Trey, their roommate, pours himself a beer from the keg.
“Hey man, glad you were able to make it.” Trey puts his hand on my shoulder before giving Emily the once-over. His eyes peruse her body and the sly smile that comes across his face makes me pretty certain he’s imagining her without the dress.
“Yeah, Jessa told me about it,” I say, scanning the area for her. Trey cocks an eyebrow at me when I turn back around.
“Well, her and Rob got held up at home,” Trey informs me, giving me a look of curiosity, and I automatically assume he’s noticed too much between us.
“But they’ll be here soon,” Sadie chimes in, giving me a hug. “Hi, I’m Sadie and this is my boyfriend, Brady.” She holds her hand out, greeting Emily.
“Hi, I’m Emily,” she says, limply shaking Sadie’s hand while gawking at Brady.
“How do you know Grant?” Sadie asks, possessively placing her arm around Brady, while he mimics her motions. If Sadie only knew she has nothing to worry about with Emily.
“I’m in his sister sorority,” she says in her high octave voice, hooking her arm through mine.
“Oh, that’s nice,” Sadie responds, looking toward the floor. I don’t know all of Sadie’s story, but I know she was in a sorority at her last school, and that there’s a reason why she came here her senior year, just like Jessa. Apparently, they were both running from something in their past. Why else does someone transfer schools a year before they’re going to graduate? As curious as I am about Sadie’s reason, I want to find out what happened to Jessa even more.