Bared Souls - Ellie Wade Page 0,1
Michigan University. It’s not the most prestigious school in the state, but it’s completely paid for, room and board included, and it ranks really well as a teachers college, which is my degree of choice. On top of that, it’s only about a twenty-minute car ride away from the University of Michigan, which is the most prestigious college in the state and where Amos is going.
I was also accepted into the University of Michigan but was offered very little scholarship money. The fact is that they don’t need to hand out academic scholarships because the brightest students in the state are all clamoring to get in anyway, and many—like Amos—can afford it.
“All right, let’s hope she’s cool.” I release my smallest finger from his and open the door to my dorm room.
A petite blonde sits on a futon, painting her toenails and bopping her head to the music coming from her earbuds. Her smile widens when she spots me. She puts the nail polish brush back in the container and jumps up from her seated position, removing her earbuds as she stands.
“Oh my gosh! Hi.” She quickly closes the distance between us and extends her hand. “I’m Quinn. You must be Almalee. Am I saying that right?” she says rapidly, her entire demeanor bubbly and sweet.
“Just Alma is fine, and yes.” I return her smile.
“I’m so glad you’re here. I was beginning to worry that you weren’t coming. My parents moved me in a couple of days ago, and it’s been lonely. I come from a family of seven, so I’m just not used to being alone for so long.” She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “Look at me.” She raises her hand and moves her fingers against her thumb in the blah, blah motion. “I can’t shut up. It’s a problem really.” She giggles at her own expense. “Let me help you.” She reaches for the box in my hand and carries it over to the side of the room that’s empty of any personal belongings.
The room isn’t much larger than my bedroom at home. There’s a twin-size bed and a plain wooden dresser on each side of the room. In between the two beds is a bright pink futon sofa.
I’m sure Quinn brought it. She has also supplied the area with a small refrigerator, a microwave, and some colorful lamps.
“I hope this side of the room is okay with you. It honestly doesn’t matter to me. We can switch if you want. Also, these beds do stack into bunk beds, but I didn’t know if you were a bottom or top bunk kind of girl, so I just figured this setup was our best bet.”
I grin, so happy that my roommate is nice. I was terrified of getting some evil witch, and Quinn is seriously like the exact opposite of my worst fears. She’s gorgeous with her bright green eyes, big smile, and long blonde hair. She’s like a perky Barbie doll but shorter and with normal proportions.
“Everything looks great,” I reassure her. “I would’ve been here sooner, but we spent a day getting this guy moved into his dorm.” I hook my thumb back toward Amos. “This is Amos. He’s attending U of M.”
She nods. “Oh, nice. Pretty close then.”
“Yeah,” I agree.
Amos sets the box that he’s holding down and extends his hand out toward Quinn. “It’s nice to meet you.” He shakes her hand.
“You too!” she replies.
“Well, I’m going to go get the rest of your things,” Amos says to me.
“I’ll come help,” I offer.
He shakes his head. “No, stay here. Start unpacking. I got it.”
“Are you sure?”
He smiles warmly. “I’m sure.”
After he’s left the room, Quinn turns to me, her eyebrows raised. “Um, please don’t take this the wrong way, and I hope I’m not being too forward, but your boyfriend is, like, the hottest guy I’ve ever seen in my life.” She bites her lip.
I can only chuckle. “He’s not my boyfriend,” I tell her. “Lifelong best friends.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“You know who he reminds me of? I used to watch this show called Private Practice with my mom, and he looks just like the hot doctor on the show.”
“Taye Diggs? Yeah, he gets that a lot.” I press my lips together, fighting a grin.
“Oh, he’s so dreamy. I’m sorry. I must sound like an idiot. I told you I was lonely.”
I wave her off. “It’s fine. He is absolutely gorgeous and the nicest human I know.”
“Does he have a girlfriend?” she inquires a bit