“Not much to say,” I stuff more muffin in my face to avoid answering, my eyes watching her though, knowing she is on to me.
“No way, Gin. It was Dom, wasn't it? What happened last night? He was so pissed after you left. Did you guys have a fight?” Hartley is nosy as all heck and raises an eyebrow in question, waiting.
I finish my mouthful of muffin with a roll of my eyes, breaking off more, before having a sip of the short black she ordered me. I don’t do a lot of coffee, but when I do I need it old school, original, a throwback to my Italian heritage.
I am pretty sure my shoulders slump and Hartley just watches me with an amused, expectant look sitting on her pretty face as she waits. “Yeah, Dom came over this morning, we chatted, snuggled, slept and then he left. Honestly, Hartley, there is nothing to it,” I say quickly before taking another mouthful of food to try to stem her happy interrogation.
“Gin, you seem to be attracting a fair bit of attention. I can’t even have a coffee with my bestie without you being watched,” she smirks, the move kicking up the side of her pink lips.
“What?” I say probably louder than I intend, my eyes popping wide in question.
“Why none other than, our very own illustrious student pres, as well as St Joseph’s best student for the past three years,” she goads through a light laugh before continuing, “Although, I think Hunter ate something that doesn’t agree with him, his face is nothing but sour!” Hartley smirks, as I start choking on my muffin again.
“Fuck, Gin, are you okay?” she says in fake concern, dripping in her obvious enjoyment, before starting to laugh. “Now stop trying to get out of telling me what happened with Dom, spill. And don’t think I missed you saying sleep,” she finishes, her joy clearly written all over her face. Sassy Hartley is very funny Hartley.
“Okay, let me just get a juice,” I respond before jumping up and all but running to the fridge. I stand there trying to gather my thoughts as to what to tell Hartley and also wondering why Connor and Hunter are watching us, before I realise that the latter is now standing next to me, pretending to choose a juice flavour also.
“Thought I was pretty clear last night Gigi about what the rules are and yet not even a few hours later there is someone in your bed? That’s fucked up, you know that right?” he snarls under his breath before leaning down and pulling the fridge open, grabbing a drink. He turns to me then and I know that Hartley and Connor are watching, so does he. A huge smile breaks over his face and he drops a laugh, handing me a juice, like we have just shared a joke. I am so thankful that my back is still to our friends so they can’t see my confusion. Hunter turns back to look at the fridge again and the smile instantly drops from his face. I watch him out the corner of my eye.
“Last warning Gigi. Next time, shit gets real,” and then he saunters off very relaxed.
I go up to the counter and swipe my card, even though we don’t have to, the admin likes us to do it, apparently, it is easier for stock ordering. Either way it gives me a few extra seconds to settle myself before I have to face Hartley’s questions, made worse because I really don’t understand the game that Hunter is playing.
I sit back down and Hartley smirks again before leaning in close, “He is so damn hot that boy, what did he say to you Gin? He jumped up as soon as you moved.”
“Just instilling the benefits of a mixed juice. Said it looked like I was too sweet for just apple or some shit. I really don’t know Hartley, I was honestly thinking about other stuff,” I offer back with a grin, and she seems to settle for it.
“Okay, now Dom,” damn, she is persistent today.
“Ummm. I, look Hartley, you know if there was anything I would tell you. Honestly, it is probably more than what you think it is. We had a ‘disagreement’ last night, he came to apologise and we chatted. Either way, he is going to be my friend, I told him that is all I can do and he was okay with that,” I look at her, holding her attention. I speak, so we don’t have any cross wires.
“Why just friends? Have you seen him? He is a fucking stunner. This school is full of hot guys, who all seem to have a thing for my best friend. Hmmm,” she pretends to think as she taps her light pink nails against the side of her head, “this might just work in my favour. I’ll have your scraps babe, not that they are really scraps. Holy smokes,” she laughs loud enough for people to turn and look. Ignoring them, she starts to gather her stuff.
Her words for some reason, really, really, piss me off. I want to scream at her to go find her own guys, but that is just fucking weird. I have no hold on either of them.
“You’re off already? I just sat down,” I say after taking a deep settling inhale, watching her closely.
“Sorry lovely, I signed up for the Social Committee, we have our first meeting this afternoon to talk about the Saints First Party that is a couple of weeks off. Apparently it is huge, like one of the biggest of the year. And hello, I am not missing out on that. Catch you girl, see you maybe for dinner,” she finishes, coming in close for a one-armed hug before she throws her bag over her shoulder, shuffling her way out of the cafe.
I sit and people watch out of the window that runs around the cafe while finishing my juice. My mind is a buzz with Hunter’s weird threats, my new friendship with Dom, Caleb and Drew, and the girls as well as the amount of work I need to do before Monday’s classes restart. With my thoughts scattering and zinging everywhere, swirling around, looping and looping, my focus is shot. Eventually, I catch sight of a happy couple walking out of the cafe through gardens and it gives me an idea. Maybe some time alone, away from all of today’s drama, walking, will help soothe my fuzzy head.
The weather has certainly changed in such a short amount of time, it’s cold here already, but I like it. I walk the gardens and they are beautifully peaceful, the crisp afternoon air seems to sweep through the cobwebs in my head and each step brings peace, helping me feel more like myself. Only now I am so damn pissed off, for acting so silly but Hunter makes me lose my mind, my confidence, and my focus. I need it to stop or it is going to affect my friendships and my goals here.
I find a secluded sunny spot on the lawn around the side of the main buildings, away from prying eyes and quickly sit down, using my pack as a pillow. I grab the IT notes from our earlier lecture and start from the top again. I need to understand this. Outside, in the open, away from the looming expectation for greatness that saturates every surface at St Joseph’s, I take my time and review the notes and examples until the day gets even colder, as the light dims to dusk. I pack my notes and my bag and close my eyes for a moment, enjoying the tranquility. I did great work this afternoon, and even better, it makes sense. I feel settled, which is important to me. Now I can chill.
