Playing Fate (Endgame Series #1) - Leigh Ann Lunsford Page 0,3
then remember I have a car full of things, and I’m out of my element here. As I walk by, I feel his eyes follow me. Stupidly, I turn back, and Emberlee’s narrowed eyes are sending me a silent message. I get it loud and clear . . . back off.
With everyone helping, it takes no time to unload, and when they head to the other side of the house, I shut and lock my door so I can unpack and get some time alone. Deacon. I don’t know what I was thinking ogling him. I’m here for a degree so I can get a job to support myself. Relationships and crushes aren’t on the agenda.
Julie. That name reminds me it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. Lucky girl and from the gist of it, he doesn’t share his time when she’s around. Nobody invited him to the party they were throwing; they didn’t invite me either, but it is at the house I am living in, so I guess that’s an open invitation. One I’m not taking.
Unpacking box after box, I’m lost in my own world until I hear music thumping so loud the walls shake and then a knock at my door. “Saylor, it’s Avery, open up.”
I turn the lock, and she barrels in. “Oh, you can’t wear that to your first college party.” Her eyes scan over the baggy jeans and t-shirt I changed into.
“I’m not going. I want to finish unpacking, climb into that decadent bathtub, and relax.” I nod my head towards the bathroom. The gray garden tub is beckoning to me and that beats a raging party in my living room. Sorry, I’m lame.
“Is it because of Emberlee? I know she can be a bitch, but she’s a softie. Her armor is as soft as Charmin when you get to know her.”
I shake my head. “I know she isn’t thrilled with me; I haven’t figured out why, but that’s not the reason. I’ve been traveling for days and really just want to unwind tonight.”
“It’ll be loud,” she cringes as she warns me.
“I know. Good thing I like my music loud and have headphones. I’ll be fine.” I smile to reassure her.
“If you’re sure.” Her feet shuffle in excitement and nervousness. Avery seems like the go with flow type, the one friend everyone needs.
“Yep. Is anyone here yet?”
“Nope. Not for another hour. You need something?”
“I’m gonna run to the store real quick and get some Coke.”
“There’s some in the fridge. You don’t need to go.”
“It’s not mine.”
“Wow. I see I’ll need to school you on the rules of living with us. We don’t have yours and ours unless our name is on it. You’ll see copious amounts of chocolate around the fifth of every month . . . beware that’s mine.” Her voice is filled with laughter.
“I don’t feel right drinking your Coke. I’ll go get some real quick.”
“The hell you will.” She turns and storms off in a huff. I’m stunned for a few minutes because this relaxed, easy-going girl just got a burr up her butt over soda. Spotting my flip-flops, I push my feet into them and search for my keys and purse. Those two things are never together. My purse is visible under the mounds of collapsed boxes, and my keys magically appear on my bed. Looking around to make sure I haven’t left anything out of place, I notice how empty my walls and shelves are. Making a mental note to find a store after I get my books, I decide I need to get some color in here.
“Here.” Avery’s voice startles me. I twist to face her, and she’s holding a gigantic cup, thrusting it towards me. “Coke. With crushed ice. Anything else you want, help yourself.”
“Wow, Avery. Thank you. I don’t know what to say.”
“You just did. Drink it. Relax tonight. Tomorrow we’ll get to know each other, and things will be fine.”
I nod. I’m a misfit in this group. Lonely Girl has interrupted Party of Five. Her eyes soften. “Just drink it.” Her body is through my door before I can form a syllable, so I shut and lock the door, lean against the wall, and take a gulp from my cup, sighing in absolute heaven. I’m not a coffee girl, give me Coke, preferably the real thing, and I’m golden.
Hurrying through the last of collapsing boxes and hanging clothes, I run a hot bath and submerge my body. Clicking my playlist to shuffle, I put the ear buds