“You make me proud, Stevie. Every single day. Never forget.”
It would be impossible to. She is constantly boosting me up and very open with her emotions and her thoughts. “I don’t think you called me to tell me I’m amazing. What’s up?”
“I hate to ask this of you, honey, and I wouldn’t if I had any other choice.”
“What do you need?” Yanking the comforter off, I swing my legs out of bed.
“This is the first year of the new golf tournament, and it’s been a massive success. Tomorrow is the final day, and it’s going to be extremely busy. Unfortunately, a few of the servers have come down with a stomach bug, and I’m shorthanded.”
“When do you need me to come in?” I stand and arch my stiff back as I stifle another yawn.
I worked at the restaurant in the country club for three years, on weekends, during high school to save money for college. Mom got me the job after she started working there. She could quit now. We saved up enough money, Nana insisted on making a contribution too, and I have a steady income from my two jobs here, so there is enough to cover the rest of my college costs. Especially if I keep accumulating credits and I can finish in one year instead of the standard two that are left. But Mom is stubbornly insistent, and she won’t quit until I have my degree.
“Could you work a full day shift tomorrow?” she asks. “It will be at the premium rate, so it will be worth your while.”
I still have two assignments to finish before classes end in a week. Exams start shortly after, but I’m well prepared so I can afford to forgo one weekend of study.
Even if I was behind, I would still agree.
Mom has sacrificed so much for me, and I would go out on a limb to do anything for her. “No problem. I’m gonna grab a shower and something to eat, and then I’ll hit the road.” It’s a five-hour-plus car trip home, and I’d rather get into Ravenna tonight than get up early tomorrow and head straight to Sand Point. If Hadley is around, we could meet up for a drink. I haven’t seen my childhood bestie in ages.
“You’re an angel. Thanks, love.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
“Drive safe, and text me when you’re leaving and when you get home.”
“Aye, aye, Captain.” I hang up with her laughter ringing in my ears.
I wander out into our main living space, in my panties and silk pajama top, still yawning and rubbing my eyes.
“Ahem.” A pointed throat clearing claims my attention. My roomie is seated at the island unit enjoying coffee and breakfast with a good-looking guy with dark-blond hair and navy-blue eyes. Ellen’s lips twitch as she rakes her gaze over my bare legs and the tangled bird’s nest on top of my head. The strange guy sitting at the island unit beside her smiles behind his coffee cup.
“Shit, sorry. I didn’t know you had company,” I say, quickly backtracking. Mention of that word conjures up images of the hottie from the bar last night, but I punt the visual from my mind’s eye, unwilling to go there.
“This is Will,” Ellen says. “I did text you to say he was here.”
“The bar was nuts last night, and I didn’t get home until really late. I never thought to check my phone before I conked out.” I wiggle my fingers in the air and smile. “Hi, Will.”
“Hi, Stevie.” He’s fighting a smirk but purposely keeping his eyes fixed on my face, which I appreciate.
“I’m just gonna go put on more clothes,” I say, making a hasty retreat out of the room. It’s just my luck to meet Ellen’s new boyfriend when I’m semi-naked.
Grabbing the robe off the back of my bathroom door, I wrap it firmly around my body and slip my feet into slides before I head back out to the kitchen.
We were incredibly lucky to get this place this year because student rentals are in high demand in Eugene. All freshmen have to room at one of the residence halls, which sucked butt last year. Except it’s how I met Ellen. That was the only good thing to come out of it. We became instant friends, and it was a no-brainer to share a place off-campus this year. We both hated cramped dorm living and having to sneak guys into the building.
Our two-bedroom apartment is only a ten-minute walk from campus, and it’s in one of the newer buildings, so it’s modern and more spacious than a lot of student accommodations. We both have our own bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, and there is a large communal space, which is our kitchen, dining room, and living room.
“It’s nice to meet you, Will,” I say as I head toward the coffee pot. “I was beginning to think you were a figment of Ellen’s overly active imagination,” I quip.
“Nice to meet you too, Stevie. Ellen never shuts up talking about you.”
“That’s ’cause she’s my boo.”
Ellen smiles at me. “Ditto, babe.”
I race over and give her a quick squeeze. A look of amusement washes over Will’s face, and I’m not sure he knows what to make of us.
