“I’m going to pretend I never heard that.”
He starts the car, and I swear even the engine sounds like it’s offended.
It will take us around twenty minutes to get to campus, so I pull down the visor and check myself in the mirror. I push my shades up on top of my head, brushing my mass of hair back as best as I can with my fingers. I examine my features and sigh.Jesus, Lois, you’re a mess…I rummage in my bag and pull out a packet of wipes. The last time I showered was Saturday. It’s currently Monday morning.Lord help me…
I wipe the grime off my face while pointedly ignoring my driver’s occasional side glances. Once the last remaining traces of my heartbreak have been erased, I leave my damp skin to air-dry.
“Want to listen to anything in particular?”
I turn my attention to the car radio. Soft music is playing. He gestures to change the station, but I place my hand over his.
“Leave it. I like this song.”
I twist the knob, cranking up the volume.
“You know Tool?” He looks at me, astonished.
“Sure. Why? Is that so surprising?”
“Uh… Kind of? I’ve never met a girl who knows them!”
“Well, I’ve never met a guy who’s never met a girl who knows them.”
He squints at me.
“Gives me a rough idea of the kind of girl you hang out with…”God. Why the hell did I just say that?“Anyway…”
“I don’t need them to have good taste in music.” He laughs. “They can even scream off-key, for all I care.”
I pretend to puke, and gaze out the window, watching the world race by.
Once the campus swings into view, my insides tighten. I might just puke for real after all. We skirt around the gates before turning onto a side lane. The campus is teeming with students, and I tug my sweater down over my knees.
“Here we are!”
He pulls up next to a huddle of loud guys.
I shuffle in my seat and go to unclip my seat belt, but my fingers are so tense, I keep missing. I silently curse the seat belt and its oppressive ways.
Click.
I look up at my knight in shining armor. He’s shaking his head at me, laughing.
“I’ve got a feeling you’ll never forget your first day of college, Heartbreak.”
I flip him off, but he’s already turning away and stepping out. I follow suit and stretch my heavy legs. I move to the back of the car, taking in long gulps of air as I go to reach for the trunk.
“Step away from the car, ma’am!”
My driver shakes his head gravely, as if I’ve just committed theultimate crime. The trunk squeaks as he heaves it open, and he stands there with his arms raised, so close his tight muscles brush against the tip of my nose. I step back and repeatedly clear my throat as he just stares down at my bags.
“What’s up?” I’m starting to lose patience.
He glances at me. “I’ll make you a deal. How about you leave your stuff in my trunk for today. You can call me once you have a room. Or a tent.”
“I’ll be fine,” I mutter, but my voice wavers.
God, don’t be such a wimp, Lois.
