bluff.
She huffed loudly. “Fine, I just got out of class, and I’m not sure where Smith Hall is, and the Wi-Fi sucks in this building for the map to come up on my phone.”
“I could help you, but you were rude to me yesterday.”
Her mouth dropped. “Excuse me; you were being a jerk to me.”
“I was simply telling the truth.”
Garnet crossed her arms, popping her hip out.
“Did I say anything that wasn’t true? Nope. If it came across rude, it’s probably because I toted you up to your bedroom instead of getting laid in mine.” I informed her.
“Ugh, fine,” she growled. “Thank you so much, great Dash Terrance, for carrying my fat ass up all those stairs. Thank you for making sure I was safely tucked away in my bed. I’m ever so sorry that you couldn’t get your dick sucked by some ho-bag. Will you ever forgive me?” She dramatically placed the back of her hand on her for head, as if she was about to faint.
“See, was that apology so hard.” I teased her. “And yes, you are forgiven.”
Garnet dropped her hand, narrowing her glare at me. “It’s not a real apology.”
I gasped. “No? It seemed so genuine.”
I could tell she was trying to hold back the smile. “Dash, would you please direct me to Smith Hall before I’m late? Please.”
“Go out the Third Avenue side of the building, turn left, it’s the large building before the art gallery.”
She jumped up and kissed my cheek. “Thanks, Dash,” and raced down the stairs.
I chuckled, shaking my head. She definitely wasn’t like Daisy, and I liked that about her. I was thankful that I only had three classes today; it gave me plenty of time to get home and get ready for the afternoon practice.
The sun was blazing on the field, and I felt myself roasting under my shoulder pads. Coach continued to run the same routes until we had it perfect.
“My legs are burning.” Dart stood next to me, as I chugged water down.
“Yours? Mine are about to fall off.” I didn’t dare sit on the bench; I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get back up.
“Want to lift weights when were done?”
“Fuck, no.”
“Figured.” He slapped my helmet and jogged onto the field to practice his place. I was glad Dart was finally getting his chance this season. I knew how much talent he had, and he was going to be great for the team.
I wish my parents could have seen us play together at the college level. When I scored my first touchdown, I almost cried when I realized my parents weren’t there, but Dart was cheering for me. However, I pushed through that pain and it made me even more determined to succeed.
When the sun began to set, practice ended. After I showered and changed, Dart told me he and Daisy were going out to dinner. I jumped on my bike and headed back to our house.
All I thought about was a cold beer and my bed, as I pulled into the driveway. Instead, I saw a large box by our front door. I locked my bike in the garage, and walked up to the package. The label read Garnet Bowling. I picked up the box, which was heavier than it looked, and went across the street.
“What are you doing here?” Garnett asked as she opened the door.
“This was delivered to our house by mistake.” I nodded down to the box in my hand.
“My books!” She happily clapped. “Put them on the dining room table.” She stepped out of the way.
I barely sat it on the table when Garnet began to tear away the clear packaging tape.
“You are certainly excited about some books.” I chuckled.
“If I wasn’t dancing, or at dance practice, I’d have my nose in a book. I was upset Dad didn’t have this box in the truck.” She ripped open the flaps, revealing bubble wrap covered books.
“Wow, you must really love them.”
Garnet nodded. “A lot of these were my Mom’s books.”
I heard the sadness in her voice, but I didn’t say anything. I knew what those possessions meant to her, because I had a few of my parent’s things and I wouldn’t part with them for anything.
“But this one,” she said more proudly, unwrapping the book. “Is all mine.” It had a ratty cover, and I couldn’t quite tell who the author was, until I saw the spine.
“Edgar Allan Poe,” I said aloud.
“Don’t you dare tease me about it.” She raised her voice at