Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 95340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 477(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“So? I’m tired all the time, dude. In case you haven’t noticed, we don’t have a lot of free time.”
“So?” he counters again. “That doesn’t stop no one from dating. And Carson got engaged last semester.”
“Well, Carson is going into the NHL, and he’s been dating his girlfriend since they were in high school, so he doesn’t have to worry about her being a gold-digger.”
Those are the facts. It’s hard to date when you’re at the top of your collegiate career, not knowing who’s in it to boost their social rating and who’s in it because they actually love you.
"Fair enough,” Sully concedes, plucking at the fabric of my bedspread. “But still, it's kind of weird, don't you think? Her talking about you the entire time."
I shrug, feeling a mix of amusement and curiosity. "I doubt she was actually talking about me the entire time.”
“I’m no mathematician, but it was at least eighty percent of the time.”
Eighty percent? “You are so full of shit.”
He throws a pillow in my direction, but it misses. “Why the fuck would I lie?”
Sully goes quiet for a few moments, and we watch the TV until he says, “So what are you gonna do about it?”
“What am I going to do about what? Lizzy?”
“Yes, asshole. What are you going to do about Lizzy.”
“Uh. Nothing?”
His brow furrows. “Why?”
“What do you mean, why? Why would I?” She didn’t agree to go on a date with me—she went out with him! And I have no way of knowing if he’s fucking with me or not, so I’m going with “he’s fuckin’ with me,” and I’m going to forget about it as soon as he walks out of my room.
“I think you should go for it.”
“Go for it.” Don’t make me laugh.
But we do both laugh, the tension of the moment dissipating like a fart being carried off by a breeze.
“Think about it,” he tells me as he pushes himself up and off the bed. His date clothes are a far cry from what I would wear, but whatever—that's just me.
“There’s nothing to think about.”
“Shh.” He presses a finger to my lips. “Don’t argue.”
Then his huge hand claps me on the back as he goes out my door, hurried footsteps fading down the hallway and down the steps.
I sink back onto my bed, the echo of his words still ringing in my ears. “I think you should go for it.”
Not likely.
Why would Lizzy be talking about me on her date?
Seriously.
I turn to stare out the window, unable to shake the feeling of unease that’s settled in the pit of my stomach.
I can’t help it. I replay our brief interaction in my mind; Lizzy's laughter, her teasing banter, the way she looked in that white tank top, how she eyed me curiously when I walked around my room as if giving me a once-over… the kind you give someone when you’re interested in their face and body. The kind of look you give someone when you’re trying to decide whether you think they’re good-looking or not.
But try as I might, I couldn't make sense of it. Lizzy was a puzzle—a vibrant, complex enigma that defied easy explanation. Yet despite my confusion, I couldn't deny the flutter of excitement that stirred within me at the thought of her possibly harboring feelings for me.
I rise from the chair and begin pacing back and forth across the room as I grapple with my emotions.
Emotions? What are those?
Not something I often have, ha ha—at least, not toward women. Too few of them cross my path, and when I’m at class, it’s not like I use the opportunity to hit on people. That’s not what I’m here for, duh.
Still.
Something has me reaching for my phone, my fingers trembling with anticipation as I tap out a message to the neighbor girl.
THIRTEEN
Brodie: Hey neighbor. Just checking in to see how it’s going.
Brodie: Squirrel wise I mean.
Lizzy: Oh hey! That’s so sweet of you—all is well, no animals staring straight at me after my shower tonight. THANK GAWD **fans self**
Brodie: That’s good.
Lizzy: Yup. Nothing to worry about—at least not right now. Everyone is home, so I’m safe. HA!
A few moments go by.
Brodie: Yeah, so I heard you were interrogating my roommate on your date last night. What's that all about?
Lizzy: Ha ha, yeah, I did do that. Ha ha oops! I couldn't resist asking about you. You know, since you barely spoke last night.
Brodie: I spoke!
Lizzy: Why did you move to the couch when you thought I was asleep?
Brodie: I wanted to give you privacy.
Lizzy: Said no warm-blooded male, EVER.
Brodie: I was being polite.
Lizzy: I know, I know. I’m just giving you shit. Anyway yeah, while I was with Sully, I was gathering intel for future reference.
Brodie: WHY?! What kind of questions were you asking?? He wasn’t specific, all he said was it was nonstop.