I get what he’s saying, but the last place I want to be is surrounded by a bunch of drunk assholes. I’ve had my fill of that. But I guess I’ve got to think about “the team.”
“Yeah. Sure.”
* * *
“May I help you?”I’m doing my best to look past this tall girl to catch the eye of the petite brunette who Iknowjust saw me, then ducked into an office back behind the desk. Yes. I changed my mind about the library. After I left Coach Montross’s office, I decided I needed to study. Well, okay, I wanted to see if she was here.
“Yeah. Get Emma.”
“Oh, she’s about to leave. Would you like me to get a room with you?” She snickers. “I mean,foryou.”
“She’s off?” I take a step to my right to see if Emma’s come out of the office yet, but this chick keeps moving with me blocking my view.
“Who? Emma?” The woman’s voice sounds too high-pitched.
“Yeah.”
“Youwant to talk toEmma?”
What the hell is this girl’s problem? I finally look at the woman who’s doing her damn best to get my attention. She’s pretty, and a little too desperate. “Can you get her?”
Throwing her hands up like she’s frustrated, she stomps back to the office that Emma disappeared into. Moments later, Emma steps out, her cheeks are flushed a deep pink I’m starting to get used to. “Eli?”
“There she is,” I say with a smile. “You off now?”
“Uh, yeah.” Stepping toward the desk, she looks back at the other girl who’s following her so closely, I’m surprised Emma doesn’t feel her hot breath on the back of her neck. When she reaches the desk, she places her hands on the top and waits.
“Wanna get a cup of coffee?”
“Oh.” She looks over her shoulder again. That girl is still there, hovering.
“Do you mind?” I ask Emma’s rude coworker.
“No.” She shrugs and stays put. “Emma can go whenever she wants. Her shift is over.”
She didn’t get my meaning, but I don’t bother explaining. “Coffee?” I ask Emma again.
“If you don’t want to go,Iwill.”
I repeat. What is wrong with that girl? “I asked Emma.”
“Sure. Yeah.” Emma shrugs. “I could use some coffee, but I don’t have a lot of time. I’ve got a ton of homework tonight.”
“Emma.” The tall girl practically screeches. “You are the biggest idiot.”
“Hey!” I’m not going to stand here and let someone talk to Emma like that.
“What? The hottest guy on campus asks her out and she says she doesn’t have time?”
“It’s just coffee,” both Emma and I say simultaneously.
“There’s no such thing as ‘just coffee,’” the tall girl snaps.
Ignoring her comment, I look down at Emma. “Ready?”
“Let me grab my stuff. I’ll meet you on the main level.”
Finally.We need to get away from here as soon as humanly possible.
