Jake raises a brow. “Who are you texting over there?”
“Um, just Ana.” I give him a sure smile and look back at the screen. Em gives me a knowing look. She believes I was texting Nick…if only she knew the truth.
The trees have finished changingcolors, the fall air is crisp, right on the edge of being too cold to enjoy, and the little lake on campus will be freezing over soon. The mountains surrounding us make the autumn colors more vibrant. I wrap my hands around the cup of coffee that’s keeping my body temperature from plummeting while enjoying the view.
My first class of the day is with Cameron and we haven’t seen each other since his teasing session this past Friday. He texted me again yesterday to meet up, but I was busy all day with my regular classes, along with my Zumba ones. Then, I met up with Emma, Zoey, and Luna. We had dinner on campus and during an awkward conversation, Zo apologized for what had happened at King’s Wolf. I forgave her, and I meant it, although I don’t think I’ll be going out with her to party one-on-one any time soon.
Speaking of King’s Wolf, I still haven’t heard back from anyone about the internship. I really do hope I get it. There are so many ideas I have that could expand and improve their social media platforms along with their website.
I’m about to enter the building when I remember Professor Mills’s stupid rule about no drinks in class. I chug the rest of my coffee, which has luckily cooled down, and throw it out while making my way to my seat and see that Cameron is already in his. I raise both brows at his timing.
While putting my things down, I look over at him, but he doesn’t glance up from his phone. His eyes are hyper-focused on whatever it is he’s doing which seems to be texting someone back. My notebook slips off the desk onto the floor, and as I bend down to pick it up, my phone buzzes. Taking it out of my pocket, dread looms over me as I read the message.
Unknown: Kami. Why did you block me? Don’t tell me I annoy you, it’d hurt my feelings. We need to talk soon. –David.
After reading it for the third time, I slam my phone down on the desk. It’s the second text I’ve gotten from him within the past week and third in the semester. What else could he possibly want? More than scared, I’m pissed that he won’t just leave me alone. He might’ve tried to talk to me before the past two weeks, but I wouldn’t know. I blocked him and all of his friends I knew on every platform.
What does he mean bywhy did you block me?
Isn’t it obvious, you narcissistic psychopath?
“Kamila.” Cameron’s stern voice drags me back to reality.
I don’t turn to meet his gaze, but I still feel his eyes on me.
“Yeah?”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m good,” I say clearly unconvincingly.
A hand grazes my chin, and two fingers gently shift my face to the side. “Look at me, Kamila.”
My eyes move to lock on his. “What do you want, Cameron?”
His eyebrows crease. “Jesus, I’ve never seen your skin so pale.” He frowns. “What freaked you out so much?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” My lie comes out cold and easy.
His jaw tightens, his brown eyes laced with concern.
Why does he care? “No, I’ve seen you scared before, Kamila, and?—”
“It’s nothing, Cameron.” My hand reaches up to pull his down from beneath my chin.
He lets out a huff of annoyance and doesn’t push any further. “Look. I know we’re not really friends, but if you need to talk?—”
“I said I’m fine, Cameron.” My command is stern and final. No, we aren’t friends, so this is none of his business.
He shakes his head. “Whatever.”
I take a deep breath and exhale quietly practicing the techniques I learned over the past couple of months. All thoughts of David begin to fade as usual until someone drops their steel water bottle, scaring me and taking me out of my trance as David enters my mind again.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
I need a distraction. A good one and class can only help so much. The lectures are important, but honestly, everything Mills says is in the textbook.
Taking a quick glance at Cameron, I find him doodling. We’ve been teasing each other all weekend through text messages. I’m pretty sure he didn’t sleep with anyone else, and I didn’t either.He’sthe perfect distraction.
