“That’s Kendall’s emotional support dog,” Kia blurts out.
“Her dog is allowed in the dorm,” I add.
“Damn, I didn’t know we could have pets on campus,” he says.
“We, as in the general student body, can’t have pets,” I correct him. “It’s an emotional support dog, kind of like a service dog. Kendall needs him. Her doctor probably had to write a special letter so she could get permission to bring him to campus.”
“Well, if that’s the case, I need the support of my Persian cat, Herman, too.” Freak bursts out in a fit of infectious laughter, which makes Kia laugh as well. I probably would have laughed too if the joke wasn’t so inappropriate.
“Emotional support animals are a real thing,” I try explaining, but then wave him off. “Oh, just forget it.”
“Maybe you’re the one who needs a hug from Kendall’s dog,” he teases, raising an eyebrow. “You’re always so tense.”
“Perhaps the real question of the day is how did you get past security?” I ask. “This is an all-girls dorm with pretty strict rules in place for a reason. You can’t just go gallivanting around the hallways. Visiting hours haven’t even started yet.”
“Some security,” he scoffs. “I know the girl working the front desk and she said I could go right up.”
“Of course, Freakazoid, why did I even bother asking how you made it up here?” I say mockingly. “You don’t live by the same rules that the rest of us muggles do.”
“Muggles?”
“It’s a Harry Potter reference? Didn’t you read those books as a kid?”
“Do you remember who you’re talking to? I was outside playing ball, not cooped up in my room reading.”
“They made the books into movies. You don’t watch movies either?”
“Not about muggles.”
“Let me guess, you’re an action flick kind of guy?”
“I think you’re starting to like me a little, Teach.”
“What makes you say that?”
“You’re giving me nicknames now? In fact, Freakazoid sounds a lot like love,” he teases.
“Oh, please.”
“And you’re still wearing my shirt, I see. You can keep it if you want. I’ve got like ten of those.”
Crap, I didn’t expect him to drop by early and unannounced, seeing me wear this again. The only reason I’m wearing it is because there’s nothing quite like a soft, broken-in sweatshirt. It feels so comfy and warm in our freezing cold, air-conditioned room… and it smells divine.
“That’s HIS shirt?” Kia asks in disbelief, as if she wants to rip it off of me and put it under her pillow.
“Hey, I’m Freak,” he greets her as she lustfully gawks at him. “I’ll introduce myself since your roommate obviously isn’t going to do it.”
“Hi, I’m Kia. Senior political science major. Scorpio sun. Sagittarius moon. I love long walks, sunsets and a good game of beer pong.”
Holy crap, is this “I’m going to serve on the Supreme Court one day” girl batting her eyelashes at a dude?
“Nice to meet you, Scorpio.”
I literally can hear Kia sigh like I imagine a southern belle would in a historical romance. It’s embarrassing. I told her not to act weird, and she totally is, but I suppose that’s one of Freak’s superpowers. The most sensible of women are prone to making fools of themselves when they’re in his presence. Kia is pre-law for God’s sake, and one of the toughest girls in this dorm, but for Freak she melts like a puddle of goo.
“What’s your sign, Teach?” He looks at me for an answer.
“What does it matter?”
