“Well, if it isn’t the infamous Jay Grady.” I didn’t bite back, instead I waited for her to give me more. “If you’re looking for Ruby, you won’t find her here.”
“Where can I find her?”
“You surprise me.” She ticked her tongue as she walked closer, pausing with only a few feet left between us. “I figured you’d be entertaining another female. Or is it all about the chance and your itch has not been scratched because you didn’t get in her panties, so you’re still hanging around? Holding on to that hope maybe?”
“She won’t call me back.”
“And you don’t know how to accept rejection.” Darcy pouted and shook her head. “All you frat boys are the same. Used to everything being so easy for you and when it’s not you just don’t know what to do with yourself.”
“You act like you know me so well.” I tried not to grow pissed that this chick acted as though she had me all figured out.
“You’re all the same.”
Scorned bitch, who’d guess.
“If she’s not calling you back, it’s because she’s not interested.”
Coming here was a bad idea, I knew that now.
Turning around, I started to walk away and paused when she called to my retreating back. “She actually believed for a short second that you were a sweet guy who actually wanted to get to know her.” Turning to look back at her, I fisted my hands at my sides. “That night after your date I had to remind her that all college guys are the same, they only truly wanted one thing. Ruby’s a sweet girl, and yes, I thought you would be good for her, help her face reality in a way. But now I just feel bad for sitting back letting her believe that something could develop between you and her. It’s my job as her best friend to keep her head out of the clouds.”
“So because her best friend is a scorned bitch who got wrapped up with the wrong kind of guys you have to convince her that she’s done the same? It’s your job to make her a judgmental asshole just like you are?” I’d give it to the girl, she didn’t even flinch when I fired back. “Thank God she has you on her side, encouraging her to live her life and enjoy it. What would she do without you?”
I didn’t waste time listening to the things she shouted after me as I walked away. What would be the point? She’d already categorized me and nothing I said or did would change that.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ruby
“Ruby, right?” I pulled the one earbud from my ear and looked up to find a tall blond guy standing to my left. “Hey, I’m Mark.” He holds out his hand. “We have International Relations together.”
“Hi.” I felt like I should say something in return, but honestly I just wanted to plug my ears and go back to listening to my music while scribbling in my notebook. I’d found a quiet spot beneath a shade tree that was relaxing. I was hidden from most that passed by and I’d gone back to being invisible. I’d avoided everyone and everything. Darcy even, because it was easier. She had questions I didn’t want to answer and I was a little tired of hearing her go on and on about what she thought I should be doing.
“I wanted to introduce myself a few times but…” He shrugged as if that alone were answer enough as to why he’d never said anything to me.
Mark was cute enough, a kind smile and fit in a swimmer guy kind of way, but all I could manage when looking at him was comparing him to the one guy I’d thought of daily since the party I wished now I’d never gone to. Things were so much simpler before I allowed myself to believe that I could attract the attention of a guy such as Jay.
“I was wondering if you’d like to study for the upcoming finals together?” Mark sat down on the grass next to me, but not too close. “Professor Miles is tough and I’ve heard his finals are killer.”
I’d heard the same, but mostly from my father. He and Professor Miles were friends. They were both older men who found joy in torturing others.
“I’ve always been more focused on studying alone, I seem to absorb it more.” Honestly, no one had ever asked to be study buddies. Well, no one other than those that were struggling in a class and hoping that by pairing up I could somehow carry them to a passing grade.
“Okay, then instead of studying, maybe we could just grab a coffee sometime. Or a pizza?”
I started to gather my things, feeling annoyed that my quiet session had been interrupted when just over Mark’s shoulder I saw a familiar blue truck pull into an empty space. Jay climbed out of the driver’s seat and then the passenger door opened. A flash of blonde hair followed by long lean legs peeking out beyond the passenger door gained my full attention. He waited for the girl at the front of his truck.
As she met him she said something to him and he wrapped his arm over her shoulder, dragging her off. I watched as they continued on this way and found a heaviness settling deep in my stomach.
He wasn’t the kind of guy that settled for just one girl.
I was reminded of Darcy’s explanation of the guy I barely knew and it hurt even more seeing how she wasn’t far off. I’d wanted to talk to him, wanted to respond, but the fear of being just another notch
