“Why?”
I look at her. “Why was I talking to Slater?”
“Yes.”
“We had a run-in earlier this morning; well, and yesterday. So, we’re just getting it sorted.”
Her eyes widen. “You had a run-in with him?”
I keep walking. “Yep, but it’s all fixed now.” She talks the rest of the way to our dorm and even inside, but I don’t catch a whole lot.
“Are you listening to me? You look like you’re zoning out.”
I cringe. “I’m sorry. I worked all last night, and I’m so out of it.”
“Oh, man. Go sleep. I’ll bug you later.” She smiles and waves and walks to her room. I finally make it to my room and sigh when I see it’s empty. Stephanie is usually working in the afternoons, which is nice for me. I drop my bag on the floor as exhaustion floods me. After kicking off my shoes, I drop into bed and pull my blanket over my head. My peace lasts approximatelyten minutes before I jerk awake to the sound of pounding music. I groan and pull my blanket over my head and try to sleep, but it’s no use. I try as hard as I can before I throw my blanket off and walk into the shared bathroom. I knock on their door. “They probably can’t hear me over the music,” I mutter to myself. I open the door cautiously. “Hey.” I open it a little further and see several girls who arenotmy suitemates. I finally see one of the redheads in the mix. “Faith,” I call out.
She smiles and waves. “Hey,” she calls out over the music.
“Can you turn down the music please? I’m trying to sleep.”
“Sleep? It’s the middle of the afternoon.” She and a few others laugh.
“Yeah, and I work tonight; so, I’m trying to get a few hours of sleep in. Do you mind turning down the music please?”
“Sure,” she waves me off, and I wonder if she’s actually going to do it. But a moment later, the noise level decreases; well, of the music anyway. The girls are anything but quiet.
“Thank you,” I call out as I retrace my steps back to my room. I sigh heavily and drop into bed once again. I pull my blanket up and close my eyes. It starts up again. I look up at the ceiling and debate screaming or crying. I’m so tired; I just want to sleep. I try off and on for like an hour before I finally give up. Knowing I can’t stay here, I change into my security outfit, pack my bag and leave my dorm room. I know the library is out because it’s too quiet, and I’ll just fall asleep. I decide on the coffee shop. I'm hoping maybe a caffeinated to the max drink will help me wake up and maybe help me make it through my shift tonight. Somebody opens the door for me when I get there. “Thanks.” I head inside and realize immediately that Evie isn’t working yet. Defeat washes over me, and I think I just might cry. I step back outside, not wanting to be in the shop if Evie’s not even there. I close my eyes a moment and try to recenter myself.
“Tessa.”
I startle at the sound of that low voice; I know without even looking whose voice it is. Sure enough, when I open my eyes, I see Slater Thorne standing in front of me. I manage a smile. “Hey, Slater.”
“What’s wrong?” His question is intense, and it surprises me.
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just—” I pause, unsure what exactly to say.
“You’re just what?” he prods.
I suddenly feel like crying, and I’m irritated with myself. “I’m sorry. I’m just really tired.”
He steps closer. “I thought you were going to go lay down and get some sleep.”
“Yeah, but then my suitemates decided to play their loud music.”
He frowns. “Can’t you report them?”
I shake my head. “I’m not going to do that.”
“Why not?” he questions. I rub my head, where I’m getting a headache. He pulls out his phone and types something, and I take that as my cue to leave. “Wait,” he says quietly and then he pockets his phone.
My phone dings a moment later, and I open a text from Evie.
Evie-the house is empty right now except for me. Come sleep here for a few hours.
I stare at the text, wanting to desperately, but unsure. “You can take my truck.”
My head jerks up. “What?”
