I wasn’t exactly looking my best after a forty-three-hour cross-country drive. My dark red hair was pulled into a messy bun, and I was sporting low-slung sweatpants with my new Stonewall University tee and old Converse. “Yup,” I muttered.
She opened her mouth to say more, but I lowered my head and trudged down the hallway. I was in no mood to meet the resident mean girl after that long-ass trip. I just wanted my room, a bed, and most definitely a shower.
Papáplodded along behind me, offering smiles to everyone we passed. I tried my best not to snarl. I’d been here all of five minutes, and already, I could feel their judgy little rich-kid eyes on me. Shit, what if this had all been a big mistake?
“Lexi, I think you passed it. Number one-sixty-nine, right?”Papá’s voice forced my head up, and I glanced at the golden numbers on the deep mahogany doors.
I spun on my heel and doubled back to the door he stood in front of.
“Are you all right,mija? You haven’t said much since we got here.”
“Just have a lot on my mind.”
He reached for my cheek, and I could feel the pinch coming, so I darted out of his reach. “Dad,” I whined. “Not in front of everyone. I’m not a little kid anymore.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” His brows drew together, and now I was the one feeling sorry.
I didn’t mean to snap at him; I was just on edge.
Papá’s hand curled around the antique doorknob, and the door swung open. I peered through the threshold, and my jaw dropped. Damn... The massive chamber looked like a room right out ofHarry Potter. Dark mahogany furniture filled the room, with gold encrusted everything. Arched stained-glass windows looked onto the sea, and the dark wood floors were covered by plush carpeting. On the far side stood a four-poster canopy bed with pristine white sheets and a thick comforter. Opposite that, sat a matching bed with crumpled sheets and textbooks strewn across the mattress.
Must be my new roommate.
A low whistle drew my attention from the extravagant room back to my dad. “This really is something else,mija.” He closed the door behind him, and I circled the room, jaw wide enough to catch flies.
No shit. This couldn’t really be my room.
“Looks like you’ll be living in the lap of luxury.”
“Thank goodness for that scholarship,” I mumbled.
His lips twisted into a frown. I hadn’t meant to insult him.Papáworked hard for every penny, but there was just no way he could’ve afforded the tuition, much less housing likethis, even with my part-time job.
I rolled my suitcase beside the bed and flopped down onto the mattress. The soft bedding cushioned my body like a cloud, and a groan slid through my lips. I’d died and gone to heaven.
The door whipped open, and I shot straight up, nearly jumping out of my skin. A tall girl with a short black bob lined in purple streaks strode in, her bright white teeth gleaming against her lavender lipstick. “Oh, hey, you’re here. You must be my new roommate.”
“I am.” I forced myself off the bed. “My name’s Lexi.”
She eyed me beneath thick, dark lashes and heavy liner. “I’m Cordelia, but everyone calls me Cordi.” Her gaze darted towardPapá, and a grin curled her lips. “Is that yourdaddy?”
Papáshifted uncomfortably. And man, I couldn’t blame him, because Cordelia was eyeing him in a way that had my stomach revolting.
“That’s my dad, Jorge,” I finally muttered.
“I see where you get your good looks, Lexi.” She batted her dark lashes atPapá, and deep crimson blossomed across his caramel cheeks.
He cleared his throat and inched closer to me. “Um, I should probably get going now that you’re settled,mija. I’ve got a long drive ahead of me. Unless there’s anything you need?”
I shook my head. Poor guy. I decided I’d let him out of this awkwardness. Drawing him into a hug, I gave him one more tight squeeze.
He reached for my cheek, then pulled back with a rueful smile. “I’m going to miss you,mija,” he whispered. “But I know this is where you belong. Make the best of the opportunities you’ll be given here. I’m so proud of you.”
Tears stung my eyes, but I quickly blinked them away.Don’t cry. Donotcry.“I’ll be fine,Papá. I love you and thank you for everything. Please be careful going home.”
He’d always tried so hard to make up for Mom’s loss and he did the absolute best he could; I appreciated that more than he’d ever know. His eyes glistened with unshed tears as he turned toward the door. I forced my feet to remain planted to the spot, the little insecure kid version of myself urging me to run and wrap my arms around my dad one more time. But I wasn’t that little kid anymore.
When the door finally closed behind him, I heaved in a steadying breath.
