Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
For some reason, I trusted that Henry would stop acting like he didn’t know me. He seemed sincere. How that would translate at school, I didn’t know, and that probably accounted for my unsteady stomach as I walked toward the main building, waiting for the bell.
I was way more comfortable around the dance students, though I suspected some still saw me as the scholarship kid, even if they never uttered it aloud. Being gay wasn’t a problem in the program either. Not like the class differences might be. I almost felt like I had to prove myself to the others, that I had every right to be there.
Emil was standing under a tree with another student and waved me over.
“This is Lark,” he introduced me. “Lark, this is Jonah. He’s in band with me.”
I gave him a wave. “Nice to meet you.”
I listened as they discussed their practice schedule and the upcoming football game. “The band practiced on the same field as the team in high school too.”
“It’s only a couple of days a week.” Jonah threw Emil a look.
“What?” I asked, glancing between them.
“Most of the players and staff are nice, but some act like they’re God’s gift.”
That made sense. To be honest, a couple of the older dance students acted that way too. Snooty and arrogant. Pretty sure they wouldn’t give football players the time of day.
“That doesn’t surprise me.” I smirked. “Henry too?”
“Henry?” Jonah asked. “Do you mean—”
“Henners,” Emil responded, then looked at me. “I thought you knew him.”
“That was a long time ago. Back then he was really nice.”
“He’s still nice, but quiet,” Emil replied. “Not cocky, but confident—as a quarterback should be.”
“Team captain too,” Jonah confirmed. “I can tell the other players respect him even though they all give each other shit.”
Interesting. Maybe that was the other reason he didn’t want to lose their respect. Though I didn’t know why I cared so much. I’d chalk it up to curiosity.
Jonah glanced at his phone. “We have to get to class early, remember?”
“We have a project to turn in,” Emil explained as they waved, then strode toward the building.
Left to my own devices, I took my time inching toward the student center. I could’ve also gone into class early, but it felt too nice in the cool morning air. That was probably why most students stayed outside. Winter would be a whole other thing.
In my side view, I saw Henry approach me. Looking behind him, I didn’t spot any of his teammates around, so that must’ve been the reason.
“Good morning,” he said with a smile.
“Oh, is this the first day of our new friendly status?” I teased.
“Suppose so.” His cheeks turned ruddy. “How do you get here every day?”
I motioned over my shoulder. “I catch a bus.”
“Oh, okay. You don’t have a car?”
“I could borrow my mom’s, but honestly, I couldn’t afford the gas,” I said bluntly. Now that he knew, it felt freeing. “How about you?”
“I do, yeah,” he said, not meeting my eyes, as if embarrassed that his car was likely in the lot, along with the other expensive sports vehicles and SUVs. “So if you ever want—”
“No thanks, I’m good.”
Besides, I didn’t want him to see where I lived. So much for not hiding stuff. I was no better, was I? I shouldn’t be ashamed, but with this crowd, why stick out more?
“Bet it’s nice living on campus. To roll out of bed and get to class,” I said as we got closer to the building.
He arched a brow. “Do I look like I just rolled out of bed?”
“Well, now that you mention it…” I looked him up and down, and when his face fell, I burst out laughing. “Got you. You always look put together.”
“So do you.”
“Please, you know I can’t dress as well as you or the other students.”
“Who the hell cares?”
“Uh, plenty of people.” When I threw him a pointed look, he seemed to remember the critique I’d received my first day.
“Hey, at least you don’t dress like a slob. A couple of my friends could use some tips.”
I smiled. “Eh, better than a hospital gown, right?”
“Ugh, I hope to never spend weeks living in one again.”
I snickered. “Right?”
Some days we wore sweats, anything easy to slip on and off, and mostly for warmth, but most days we were too sick to care.
“Who do you room with on campus?”
“My best friend, Spence.”
By now I’d heard all the popular players’ names, and Spencer—or rather Spence—sounded familiar. I lowered my voice. “Does he know about you or your past?”
“No, we met on the field the summer before freshman year and became fast friends.”
“Still, it must be hard not to have anyone to talk to about that stuff.”
He smiled. “Well, now I have you.”
I ignored the warmth that flooded my stomach.
“Your friends might wonder what’s up, our past connection and all.”