again,” I say as a way of explanation. I’ve done this several times. When I used to shower at the campsite, it would always be such a big ordeal. I’d plan my showers depending on the lighting situation, plus I always had to take my shower caddy with me. Here it’s just so convenient I’ve gotten kinda lazy and indulgent.
Ollie rolls his eyes good-naturedly. “Just wrap up in a towel. I’m almost done. You?” he asks as he turns to Milo, who nods his head.
“I am.”
I tighten the towel over my chest, the cold air from the room making me shiver.
“Come on,” Milo beckons with a wave of his hand while he turns to gather something from the bed.
Pushing the door open, I tiptoe over to the wall of closets. I know my rump is covered, but that doesn’t stop me from pushing my hands over the towel back there anyway. A low whistle rends the air. I know it’s Ollie before even turning around. He couldn’t pretend to be a gentleman if his life depended on it.
With narrowed eyes I peer over my shoulder in his direction, but his hands are raised in innocence, and he points to the door where Dante is standing, unapologetically staring at me. “And to think I could have missed this.” He leans on the doorframe, ready to take in a show that I’m not planning to give.
Still surprised the whistle came from him, I move into the closet. My whole body is warm now, and it has little to do with the temperature. A small place inside me likes the way it feels to know all three of them had their eyes on me.
Putting those thoughts out of my head, I grab a silky pair of black panties from the built-in dresser. When the clothes first started coming, I objected. I didn’t like the thought that they felt the need to take care of me, but after talking with them, and seeing that they do treat any need as a whole for the group, acceptance came much easier. A few times a week I’ll find a new shirt or dress hanging with my clothes. I don’t know who keeps buying the dresses and skirts, but there’s no way I’m wearing them to school. I tried to tell them it’s a waste, but no one even admitted to buying them.
When I turn to grab a pair of jeans from a hanger, I see all three guys have situated themselves outside the closet door. Huffing, I walk the few steps between me and the door and slide it closed. I was planning on taking my stuff back to the bathroom, but this will work just as well.
Sadly, I don’t get to see Ares before we load into the car. I’m glad it’s Friday, because I’ll have a few hours with him tomorrow morning before I need to go into work. As soon as the day registers, I realize today is the day we find out who won the scholarship. I know Dante is hoping he will, even if he won’t outright admit it. His artwork is so amazing, but he’s almost shy about it. I lean forward, my arms perched on the back of the seat, and murmur, “Good luck today, Dante.”
He turns to face me, his eyes soft and a small grin playing on his lips. “Thanks,” he whispers back, looking down at his lap. Ollie slides into the back with me, and his brow furrows when he sees me leaning toward Dante. I fall back into my seat, twisting my lips with a shrug. He can be curious; I like to tease him.
“I have the year-end banquet tomorrow,” Milo announces. “I only have two tickets.” It’s the first I’ve heard of any banquet. I glance over at him and he meets my eyes. “My mom and my dads are coming too.” I haven’t met his or Ollie’s parents. Sometimes I forget they still see them. My relationship with my mom has always been so consuming, and now that she’s not around, I forgot their parents are actually still in their lives.
“That’s awesome. What’s it like?” I ask, curious about the event.
Milo shrugs, looking out the window. “It’s just a dinner thing. So, I won’t be around tomorrow. My parents are getting a couple rooms in the city.”
“Oh.” Trying to cover how sad I sound, I ask, “Where is it?”
“Columbia. It’s about forty minutes away.” Milo sounds completely dejected. “That’s why we’re getting rooms,