Showing up and getting stopped in the foyer to talk to Ashton wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t what I wanted.I didn’t show up tonight to party.
Stupid of me, I know.I showed up at a party, not to party.Don’t ask.I didn’t say my decisions made sense.
I showed up to see Luca.
The party was at his apartment, and I was a little more than curious to see his place.Not that I expected the grand tour or anything, but I was hoping to spend a few minutes with him.
Ever since he showed up at lunch, I can’t get him out of my head.
Stupid hormones.
I’m probably reading too much into his friendliness.I tend to do that, think that a guy who is being approachable actually likes me.
I just have to keep reminding myself that he’s friendly with all the girls at school.I’m nothing special.
Besides, I’m not even looking for a relationship right now.
My studies take priority, it’s why I’m here; I’m on a scholarship and need to keep my grades up.I cannot fuck this up.
Ashton steals my attention, keeps me from wandering off as he keeps talking to me, making jokes; clearly, he’s interested.
He’s nice enough, but I don’t date athletes, and I’m pretty sure he’d be more interested in a one-night stand than anything long term.
Not that it matters, because I don’t have those feelings toward him, the ones that give me butterflies or make me feel like I’m floating on air.
That’s how I’m beginning to feel around Luca.
I’m not sure when it happened.Sometime between us grabbing a bite together and seeing him walk downstairs with another girl, my stomach tangled into a knot and all I felt was devastation, hurt, anger, and so I ran.
I didn’t expect him to chase after me or kiss me into silence.
Staring up at the ceiling of my dorm room, I lie on my mattress, contemplating everything I could have done differently, and I grab my phone, cursing under my breath.
Kensley.
I left her at the party and didn’t even say goodbye.I shoot her a quick text, letting her know I went back to the dorm.
Ten seconds later, my phone rings.
“You bailed on me?”Kensley asks, and I can hear the pulse pounding beat through the phone.She’s still at the party, but it’s more muted than one might expect, like she’s locked herself in a closet or bedroom to chat with me.
“Long story,” I say with a sigh, not wanting to elaborate.
“You should come back out.Luca seems pretty down, and I'll bet you might be able to cheer him up.”
I scoff at her suggestion.“Plenty of other girls for that, like the one he hooked up with earlier.”
Silence fills the space, although it’s more like muffled music blaring through the phone.“I’ll come over,” Kensley says.
“Don’t.”I hesitate but know it’s better if she stays out and has fun.“It’s late.Enjoy the party.I’m just going to get some sleep.”
“I’m sorry.”
“What?”I ask.Why is she apologizing?It isn’t her fault in what happened tonight.“It’s fine.”
There’s commotion in the background, and then I hear his voice, the one that sends tingles right into my stomach.“Can we talk?”Luca asks, his voice soft, warm, inviting.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” I snap hastily.“I’m hanging up now.”
