Matchplay A New Adult Romance - By Dakota Madison Page 0,67
go.”
“Wait,” Aaron said too loudly for the time of night. “You can’t just leave like this. It doesn’t make any sense.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Evan and Keira walk into the room. It didn’t look like either one of them had been sleeping. Maybe they were just waiting for the inevitable shit-storm between me and Aaron, one they had both caused.
“I can’t stay. Your friends have made it very clear I don’t belong here.” I made a point of glaring in Evan and Keira’s direction.
“This is getting good,” Keira snarked. What a bitch.
Aaron had a look of both confusion and desperation. He charged over to Evan and grabbed him by his tee shirt collar. “What the fuck is going on here, Evan?”
Evan pushed Aaron’s hand from his collar. “Maybe this is for the best,” Evan said quietly. “Let her down now so you don’t have to do it at graduation.”
“What are you talking about? I’m not going to break up with Rainy.”
“Think about it, Man,” Evan said. “You’re a senior. She’s a freshman. You really think it’s gonna last when you’re out in the working world and she’s still in school for three more years?”
Aaron looked as if someone had punched him in the stomach. It was like he had never thought about it before. As if he was so consumed with what we had every moment, he never thought beyond it. I had, though. And that’s why I was leaving.
“I’m going to make it easier for all of you,” I said. “Come on, Lucas.”
I pushed Lucas out the door and the two of us hurried to his car. I was surprised to see that Lucas, who was always so cautious and methodical about everything, had some fire in his belly when he needed it. He threw my bag in his trunk and we both jumped in his car before Aaron was out the door after us. Aaron barely made it to my window when Lucas threw the car into gear and floored it out of there.
In the mirror, I could make out Aaron trying to run after us on foot, but he didn’t get very far without any shoes.
“Thanks so much,” I said. “This is really going above and beyond the duties of friendship.”
“I kinda feel like one of those guys in a movie driving a getaway car. I like it.”
“Well, I’m glad the end of my love life is at least entertaining you.”
“I’m sorry, Rainy.”
“I’ve got something for you I think you might really like.”
I could see him swallow. “What?” he managed to get out.
“I found the perfect girl for you. Her name is Autumn and she can’t wait to meet you. I think the two of you are just right for each other.”
I saw a half smile appear on his face. “Really?”
“One of us should be able to enjoy a functional relationship,” I said trying to laugh but not succeeding.
“Thanks, Rainy.”
“You deserve to be happy, Lucas.”
He nodded and we spent the rest of the trip back to the university in silence.
Fourteen
The Grand Slam
By the time I got back to my room, it was nearly morning and I was exhausted. I dreaded checking my cell phone, which I had turned off. I did anyway.
I had 20 missed calls, five voice mails and a parade of texts, most of them from Aaron. His texts went from angry to worried to desperate. The final text said he was coming back on campus first thing in the morning.
I didn’t even bother getting changed. I just plopped on my bed and closed my eyes. I didn’t think it was possible but I immediately fell asleep. I was awakened to the sound of pounding on my door.
I could hear Aaron’s voice. He was pleading for me to open the door. I rolled out of bed and let him in.
Without saying a word, Aaron grabbed me and hugged me tightly. He let out what sounded like a sigh of relief and I melted into his arms. We remained locked in our embrace for a long time before he let me go.
Then Aaron took my hand and led me to the bed. We both sat down. He laced his fingers in mine and lifted my hand to kiss my fingers.
“Evan and Keira feel really bad about what happened.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure they do,” I said sarcastically.
“Why do you allow other people to dictate our relationship?”
I wanted to say, “I don’t” but I knew it wasn’t the truth. I had