Stupid Girl(56)

I’d just finished U.S. and Texas Government and was headed to the library to study when my cell phone vibrated in my bag. I stopped on the walkway, fished it out, and just seeing the name SOUTHIE on the screen wiped away my trepidation about Kelsy. I read the text and in no way could help the smile it put on my face.

BRAX: Hey gorgeous. Be out front of Oliver at six p.m.

ME: And why would I do that?

BRAX: Because u wouldn’t wanna miss the bad ass pitcher waitin for u on a sick bike that’s why.

ME: Ego.

BRAX: u like it

ME: yeah I kinda do

BRAX: u got a dress? Wear it if you do.

ME: u drive a motorcycle bone head.

BRAX: so? Bone head? That’s gonna cost ya Sunshine.

ME: that’s a weird request. But ok. Cost me? Not scared in the least. Anything else?

BRAX: Yeah. I can’t wait to c u

ME: Me too.

BRAX: l8tr beautiful

ME: sweet talker

BRAX: ☺

The smile still pulled at my mouth as I entered the cool interior of Winston’s massive library, and for the rest of the afternoon I poured over my notes for my first big test in Government in a small corner table in the history section. I loved the library and did most of my studying there. It was quiet. Peaceful. And there was just something about the smell of paper and books that set my mind free. By five p.m. I gathered my stuff and headed back to the dorm. Excitement fluttered through me as I pondered what Brax had up his sleeve for the evening. A dress? What in the world?

As I hit the front walk leading up to my dorm entrance, eyes followed me. Subtle at first, but soon I began noticing sets of eyeballs all over the place giving me the twice-over. Was this what Tessa referred to as epic? If so, I could handle it. They were probably just curious to see who Brax was now dating.

The thought skated through my mind that I was really just a novelty and he’d grow tired of me. He seemed so genuinely intrigued by everything I did, it was hard to imagine Brax was like that. Despite Tessa’s initial judgment of him, I’d grown to know him and although he had a healthy dose of arrogance and ego, he was as real as they came. Straight forward, no holding back. I just didn’t feel in my heart like he was leading me along just to get in my pants. He had his pick of a gazillion girls, on and off campus. So why bother with me unless he truly liked me. The thought made me feel so light on the inside, and my family crossed my mind. I couldn’t wait to introduce Brax to them. Jilly would no doubt put him through the ringer, but Brax could handle it.

I took the steps in the stairwell two at a time and hurried down the corridor to my room. I shoved the key in and opened the door to find Tessa sprawled on her bed, books opened all over the place. I threw her a skeptical look.

“Now this is something new,” I said, and dropped my pack to the floor. “What, did you find your parents installed a nanny cam or something to keep track of you?”

Tessa looked up from her studying and stuck out her tongue. “Very funny, chica.” Then her eyes scanned the room. Searching.

I laughed and went straight to my closet and started sorting through my clothes. I’d only brought two simple sundresses, just in case I decided to go to church or, I didn’t know. Something came up that wasn’t jeans-appropriate. Choosing the red floral shift, I tossed it on my bed.

“Where are you going?”

I peeked around my closet door. “I honestly don’t know. But I’m meeting Brax downstairs at six.”

“I still just can’t get over it,” Tessa huffed. “It’s not that I don’t think you’re gorgeous or worthy—you know that, right?”

I smiled. “Yes, I know that. No need to explain.” I grabbed a few under things and headed to the shower.

Tessa stopped me, and she set her pen down and sat up, sitting cross-legged on her bed. “What about your ring, Liv?” She nodded her head toward my finger. “Has sex even entered your conversations with Brax yet?”

Heat rushed to my neck. “No, it hasn’t.”

Tessa’s eyes bugged. “You mean not at all? He hasn’t even tried to—”

I gave an embarrassed laugh. “No, he hasn’t.”

“Okay,” she said, and gave me a stern look. “You remember all that stuff I told you about Brax in the beginning? It wasn’t all fable, my dear. Ask anyone. He’s used to sex and plenty of it.” She cocked her head. “That doesn’t worry you?”

I studied my roommate for a moment. We’d grown pretty close in the short time we’d known each other. I mean, living with her day in and day out, I felt I could trust her. Yet, just like with Brax, I still hadn’t divulged my secret to her. Was I making more of it than I should?