Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
“I’m starving, want to get some Chinese food?” Taylor asks from the couch.
She has actually turned out to be really cool. We have a few classes together and I run into her a lot on campus. One thing led to another and we’ve become friends.
She’s keeping my secret out of pity. She’s been to the dorm room. Not to mention her roommate is a bitch to her all the time. She’s been camping out here the last few days to have some peace and to keep from throat punching her roomie.
I pull a face and side-eye her. “Chinese in Texas. I’ll pass.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“No offense, finding good Chinese food out of state is a task. The rice be greasy, the chicken flavorless, or the egg rolls are trash.”
“I’ve been to this one place. I promise you it’s a good one. Come on, just try it,” she says.
I laugh as the microwave dings and the scent of butter and popcorn fills the air. It’s the second bag she’s popped in the last thirty minutes. My mouth waters and I realize I might be hungry too.
“Okay, fine. We can go before you eat all my cousin’s popcorn.”
“I’ll pick up some more.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m going to hit the store tomorrow to stock up on some things.”
“I’ll give you some cash. I don’t want to freeload.”
I shrug and go to throw my sneakers on. The weather is fickle here. Yesterday was chilly, but today was hot as fuck. I have on a sports bra and running shorts.
I swipe on some lip gloss and I’m ready to go. It was too hot earlier to think about doing more with my hair than a messy ponytail. I blew it out earlier this week, but the ponytail has been a saving grace for getting up and going.
“Okay, I’m ready. Lead the way.”
“You won’t regret this. I’m telling you, this place is clutch. You know, we should try to see if they will switch us up and trade our roomies.”
“I wouldn’t toss that situation on anyone.” I shake my head and pull a face.
“I guess you have a point, but that bitch would deserve it.”
“It will work out. Besides, this area is cool. Not too far from campus and still has a cool vibe. My cousin doesn’t mind at all. She doesn’t get to use the place.”
“Which is insane. Who pays for a three-bedroom condo they never see?”
“I think she used to have a roommate or something. Then she had all these plans for a business she was going to run on the side out of the other room. Things picked up at work and she doesn’t have time, but it all worked out in our favor.
“As long as we don’t get ratted out, it’s perfect. I’m not moving back to that dorm. They can’t make me.” I pout.
Taylor laughs. “Unfortunately, my parents would have a fit. Boarding is expensive and they would freak over the lack of campus security.”
I roll my eyes. “Not once they get a look at those guys. They are either out of shape or creepy. I swear that one dude be following me.”
“The one with the shifty eyes?” she gasps.
“Yup, you know exactly who I’m talking about. I can’t stand his ass. I keep my pepper spray on me.”
“You and me both.”
My phone rings as we get to the entrance of the restaurant. I look to find it’s Dez. I want to ignore him, but I’ve avoided his last few calls.
“Hey, I need to take this,” I say to Taylor.
“Want me to order for you? My treat.”
“Sure, I’ll have whatever you have and an egg roll.”
“Got you.”
She bounces into the restaurant with that infectious smile of hers on her face. I like Taylor a lot. She’s made this all easier.
“Hello,” I say into the phone.
“I thought you forgot about me. What’s all this about you going to college out of state? I thought we were going to spend time getting to know each other more.”
“I’ve always wanted to get my degree. I got accepted and was offered a scholarship. I don’t see why that or my dreams had to go to waste.”
“Pretty and smart. I might have lucked out after all. You’re coming to stay with me on your next break. Our fathers agree it will be a good thing.”
That’s nice for them. I’m so happy they are enjoying planning my life. I roll my eyes but hold all that in.
I’m fuming by the second. They are forcing this on me, and no one has asked what I want. Not to mention the fact that I never gave Dez my number; my father did.
“Keep in touch, my girl. Don’t do anything you shouldn’t out there. I don’t like sharing what’s mine.” He hangs up before I can reply.
However, I didn’t miss the hint of a threat in his words. I’m not his and he can kick rocks. His words make me want to find the next guy who smiles my way and pounce on him.