The professor is already scribbling on the whiteboard as more students file in. She’s odd — just as I would expect an art professor to be. She has wild curly hair and paint-stained overalls like she just came off the set of She’s All That. I already know I’ll struggle in this class, but it’s a mandatory course for all Graphic Design majors, so here I am.
I’m debating sneaking in a quick five-minute nap session when Shawna walks through the door to the classroom.
Holy shit.
Sitting up straighter, I watch as her green eyes scan the room from beneath her black frames. Her hair is piled into a messy bun on top of her head and she looks like she just rolled out of bed in her yoga pants and tank top. Still, I feel an uncomfortable pressure in my jeans.
When she spots me, she blinks, almost as if she’s unsure if I’m really there. Then, she smiles, and jogs up the stairs to my desk. I’m about to offer a hello when she throws herself into my lap, kissing me like we’re alone. Her hands are on either side of my face, mine find her hips. If it were any other girl, I’d be weirded out or pissed or both, thinking she was under the impression we were dating just because we fucked. But, oddly enough, I’m completely fine with Shawna kissing me where everyone can see.
“Is this how you say hi where you’re from?” I ask when she pulls back. She giggles and slides into the seat next to mine.
“I was just making sure you were still a good kisser. Sometimes when I’m drunk, I think guys are really great kissers and then they end up letting me down when I’m sober.”
“Well?”
She scrunches her nose. “Yeah, you’re still pretty good.”
I can’t help but smile at her. She’s unlike any girl I’ve ever met before.
“You never called me.”
“Well, you see, in order for me to call you, that would have required you actually leaving your phone number.”
She blushes, but just slightly. “True. Tell you what — I’ll give you my phone number, but you have to take me to dinner after class tonight first.”
“Is that so?”
She grins wider and nods. “Mm hmm. I mean, I probably should have made that a requirement before I let you see my nipple piercings, but I’m not exactly a traditional type of girl.”
“You don’t say.”
We’re both smiling, eying each other, sizing the other one up.
I like this girl.
The professor calls the class’ attention, so I lean over to whisper my response.
“Dinner it is. Where to?”
I’VE NEVER WATCHED A GIRL STUFF a fat, chili and cheese covered hot dog into her mouth before, but it’s oddly arousing. Maybe it’s just because I’m stoked she ordered more than just a salad, but I’m just watching Shawna eat, grinning like an idiot.
“What?” she asks around a mouthful.
I shake my head, dunking a French fry into the ketchup on my plate. “Nothing. I’m just impressed.”
“That I can eat a hot dog? What kind of weirdos do you usually take to dinner?”
“The wrong kind, apparently.”
“So true.”
Shawna winks, wiping her mouth with a napkin and taking a long pull from her soda before propping her elbows up on the table. “So, Clinton Pennington, AKA Bear, AKA birthday boy with a magical tongue — I never would have guessed you were an Art major.”
I cock a brow at her tongue reference. “Graphic Design, actually. Are you an Art major?”
“For now.” She smiles, her cheeks pushing her black frames up her face a bit. “Tell me more about you.”
“There’s not much to tell,” I reply, feeling a bit uncomfortable. I don’t really talk to anyone about myself other than Skyler, and that’s just because she pries it out of me. Watching Shawna’s lips press together, I have a feeling she and Skyler might have a bit more in common than I originally realized.
“Sure there is. What are your hobbies?”
“Sports, weight lifting, drinking, fucking.”
“All the essentials.”
“Exactly.”
“What sports?”
“Football mostly, but I like basketball, too. What about you?” I ask, popping another fry in my mouth and leaning back. The small diner she picked only has five booths and they’re a little too cramped for my liking, but I don’t mind being closer to her.
“I love to draw and paint, and listen to live music.”
“Favorite band?”
“Twenty One Pilots.”
“Nice. I’ve heard a few of their songs.”
“Careful,” she warns me, sucking the fry salt off her fingertip. I’m momentarily distracted by her plump lips. “I’m a pusher. I’ll talk your ear off until I convince you to listen to their album with me and then go to their concert.”
“Hmm… dancing to good music with you all pressed up against me? Sounds terrible. Definitely don’t do that.”
She grins.
“Your turn. What’s with the phoenix?”
Her face scrunches. “How do you know about the… oh.” Shawna blushes a bit when she remembers exactly how I saw the phoenix tattoo on her lower back.
I just grin.
“It’s my only tattoo, kind of a metaphor to live by, I guess. Rising from the ashes and all.”
“How many times have you had to rise?”
She swallows, and I’m afraid I’ve maybe asked too much, but she still answers. “Enough times to know you never come back as the same person who went up in flames.”
She keeps her eyes locked on mine a while longer before taking another drink of her soda. I’m studying her, noting the freckles on the apples of her cheeks, the chewed nails of the hand she’s holding her cup with. Everything about her is so different than what I’m used to.
“So what’s your family like?”
I stiffen, clearing my throat. “Shitty. Well, most of them. All of them, really, aside from my little brother.”
Her mouth pulls to the side. “Shitty how?”
“Shitty like they’re druggies, they use me for money, they told me I was worthless growing up and now they think I’m arrogant.” I don’t know why I just opened up about all that shit. I never tell people my family drama — Skyler is the only one who knows.
I wait for Shawna’s mouth to drop open or her eyes to go wide, but she just offers a sad smile. “I’m no stranger to family drama, either.”
“What do you mean?”
Shawna crosses her arms over her chest. “Definitely not first date conversation material.”
“And mine was?” I ask, chuckling. She smiles, leaning forward over the table.
“I like that you opened up to me.”
“I’m still trying to figure out why.”
Her eyes fall to my lips. “Why don’t we go back to my place?” She flicks her eyes back to mine. “Maybe you’ll be able to hear yourself think better there.”
“Good thinking,” I reply, returning her smile. Calling the waitress over, I pay for our check and leave a cash tip on the table before grabbing Shawna’s hand and leading her through the door. She’s smiling wickedly at me, her green eyes curious yet challenging. And I know without a doubt that there will be absolutely no thinking going on once we make it to her place.
IT WOULDN’T BE A NEW SEMESTER at Palm South without an Omega Chi party. At least, that’s what everyone has been telling me all week. Since I bailed on Clinton’s twenty-first birthday party last Saturday, Skyler is dragging me to their house tonight and I know trying to get out of it is pointless. But, I feel more prepared tonight, less in a funk than I was last week. Classes are picking up and so far, I’ve been drama-free.
Knowing who will be at this party, I just hope I can stay that way.
“So is it weird doing interviews for the blogs and stuff?” I ask Skyler as we walk toward the O Chi house. Kappa Kappa Beta and Omega Chi are on opposite ends of Greek Row, but it’s a nice evening, cool without being too cold. The rest of the girls are already th
ere waiting for us, but Skyler had a phone interview with one of the top poker blogs and couldn’t reschedule, so I stayed back with her.
“A little.” She shrugs. “Mostly I’m just annoyed by them.”
“Really? Isn’t it good exposure?”
“Sometimes. I mean, I like when they ask me about how I started playing or what my advice for new players is. But, most of the time, they’ll ask me about shit that isn’t relative — who I’m dating, what my diet is like, what lotions or hair products I use.” She shakes her head, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. “It just sucks. Because I’m a female player, they’re less interested in my skills than they are in how I look.”
“Wow. That is shitty.”
She nods. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. I know that looks can be used as a weapon. When I walk into a room of guys who don’t know who I am, it’s easy to fool them into thinking I’m a novice. I can flirt them into folding or hanging on when I have a good hand. But still, I just wish they’d stop publicizing it all over and start taking me seriously.”
“They will one day, Big,” I assure her, and I really know it to be true in my heart. Skyler is fierce, and even though I’ve never seen her play a game of poker, Clinton talks about how amazing she is all the time. “You’ll see.”
“I hope so, Little Nug.” She winks at me just as we reach the Omega Chi house. We push through the front door without knocking and filter into the crammed house. It’s insanely noisy, screams and music filling every room. I kind of miss the quietness of our walk.
Clinton scoops Skyler up in a crushing hug when we reach the kitchen, spinning her around as she pounds her baby fists on his chest. They’re both laughing, and I can’t help but notice how truly happy Clinton looks. I don’t think I saw that big of a smile on his face at any point last semester.
“Skyler fucking Thorne! Keg stand. Right now.”
Skyler laughs as he lets her drop back to the floor. “Done. Where’s the keg?”
“Follow me,” he says with a grin. Before we can exit, Skyler is scooped up in another hug.
“Damn, Bear. Not even going to let me kiss my girlfriend before you go stealing her away?”
Adam presses his lips to Skyler’s as she giggles and I tuck my hair behind my ear, looking at Clinton instead. I am definitely not thinking about how good Adam’s hair looks, or how his t-shirt is tight around his bicep muscles, or how his body wash smells the same as it did when I laid in his bed before Winter Break.
No, I’m not thinking about any of that.
“It’s an O Chi party, Adam. Not Alpha Sig. My rules.”
“Fair enough,” Adam concedes, pecking Skyler one last time before smacking her butt as she scampers off. “Don’t let me down.”
“What? You’re not going to hold my legs?” she asks, eyes wide and playful.
“Good point. I’ll be right there.” He turns to me as Clinton and Skyler make their way toward the keg near the kitchen. “Hey, Cassie.”
I swallow a bit when he says my name, nothing but kindness shining in his chocolate eyes. He’s looking at me like he’s half-worried, half-expectant. Of what, I can’t be sure. “Hey.”
“Did you have a good break?”
“Yeah.” I don’t know why I’m making this so weird when it doesn’t have to be. “I’m going to get a drink.”
Without another word, I slip away and head in the same direction Skyler and Clinton had. Skyler’s hands are already braced on the handles of the keg but I snake my cup in, quickly filling it before wishing her luck and heading off to find the other girls.
Jess and Erin are dancing in the living room, but I’m not quite on that level yet, so I wave at them before continuing to peruse the house. When I spot Ashlei and Bo in the hallway that leads back to the bedrooms, I make my way toward them.
“I told you I’m fine. Please stop worrying about me. I’ve got it under control, I promise.” Ashlei’s words catch in her throat when she sees me approaching, but Bo is still watching her carefully with a concerned look on her face.
“Hey girls,” I say tentatively. “Am I interrupting?”
“No way, roomie,” Bo replies with a smile. She cut her hair over Winter Break and I have to say it suits her. Her dark almond eyes and high bone structure are on prominent display. I didn’t really get to spend much time with her last semester, but we’re rooming together in the house this year, so I look forward to changing that.
“We were just talking about you, actually.” Ashlei smiles and Bo waggles her eyebrows.
Oh no. This can’t be good.
“Why do I feel like I should run in the other direction?”
They both laugh, and I notice Bo hooking her pinky in the jean pocket of Ashlei’s shorts.
“The Kappa Kappa Beta date auction is coming up. We think you should be one of the girls we sell.”
I blanch. “Um, absolutely not.”
“Come on!” Bo pleads. “You’re the only redhead we have and you’re smoking hot. I know you could bring in some big bucks.”
“Bo is Co-Community Chair this semester, so she really wants to try to outdo last year’s results,” Ashlei adds. “It’ll be fun, Cassie. Promise.”
I sigh. “Are you going to badger me until I give in?” They both nod, grinning, and I just shake my head. “Fine. But you two owe me.”
Bo squeals. “Yay! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She wraps her petite arms around me and I pat her back in return.
“Don’t worry, we’ll pay you back in the form of shots on your first Spring Break.” Ashlei winks, lifting her cup before taking a sip.
“That doesn’t sound like fair payment.”
“That’s because you haven’t been on a Spring Break yet.”
“Touché.”
Bo hooks Ashlei by the crook of her elbow, dragging her toward the living room. “Speaking of Spring Break, we need to sweat off some pounds. Let’s dance!”
Ashlei tries to grab my hand, but I pull back. “I’ll be right there. Just going to get a refill,” I say, wiggling my empty cup in the air. Bo blows me a kiss and then they disappear into the crowd and I lean back against the wall.
I’m not sure why I’m feeling so off. I haven’t seen Clay or Paris since I got back from Winter Break, but the wounds they inflicted still feel so fresh. Thinking of the talk I had with my sister when I was home, I push myself off the wall and head for the kitchen.
Don’t let anyone else have that much power over your emotions, Cassie. College is an amazing experience, but it’s up to you to ignore the drama and focus on the good. Avoid silly boys, ignore spiteful girls, and don’t be afraid to have fun.
I think it’s time for a shot.
IT ONLY TAKES ME AN HOUR to get into the party spirit. I guess whiskey will do that to you.
I’m already sweating from dancing with the girls, so I squeeze my way through the crowd to the back porch to get some fresh air. When the cool January breeze hits my skin, I sigh with relief, leaning my forearms on the railing.
“Water?” He asks, and I know it’s him before I even turn around. My heart picking up speed, I turn at the hips and take the water from Adam’s hand, offering a small smile.
“Thank you.”
“No problem. You girls are fun to watch.”
“Creeper.”
He smirks. “Can’t help it.”
“I’m surprised you’re not out there dancing with Skyler.” I don’t know why the words sound so bitter when they leave my lips. I don’t care that he’s dating Skyler. I’m happy for them.
Truly, I am.
“Sometimes it’s more fun to watch.” His eyes light with an intensity at those words, his white teeth blazing against his tan skin as he smiles wider. I quickly take a drink of my water.
“Congratulations on your rush. I heard it was the best Alpha Sig has had in a long time. Stole a lot of guys Omega Chi wanted.”
Adam beams. “Yeah, thank you. I’m pretty stoked about it. The pledges are al
l really excited to be here and to make a great name for our fraternity.”
“Must be your infectious attitude,” I tease. Adam smiles, but it fades after a moment and he just stares at me. I feel naked with his eyes on me that way.
“Why didn’t you return my calls over the holiday?”
I drop my eyes to my hands, picking at the nail polish on the fingers gripping my cup. “I just needed a break from everyone.”
“Even me?”
“Especially you,” I murmur, my chest tightening.
“What?”
I sigh, lifting my eyes to his again, somewhat thankful he didn’t hear me. “It’s nothing personal. I was just homesick, so I tried to focus on my family while I had them close.”
Adam’s brows are still furrowed, but he relaxes a bit. “Understandable.” For a moment he just watches me, and I really wish he’d stop. “I was just kind of worried about you, you know… after the way the semester ended.” I really, really wish he’d stop looking at me the way he is. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” It’s not a lie, not completely, anyway. I was far from fine over break, especially after Clay took my virginity and then embarrassed me in front of the entire school. But being home with my family really did help, and now that I’m swearing off boys, I know I’ll be okay.
“You know I’m always here for you.” His hand touches my arm just slightly with his words and I shudder.
“There you are!” Skyler bounds out the sliding glass door and throws her arms around Adam’s neck. His eyes are still on me, but his hands wrap around her small waist. “Come dance with me.”
Finally tearing his eyes from mine, he smiles down his nose at her, nodding. “Whatever you want, Poker Star.”
Skyler’s blue eyes dazzle in the low light of the night as she turns to me. “Coming, Little?”
“Yeah. Just give me a second.”
Palm South University: Season 2, Episode 1 (Palm South University #2) Page 3
