Playing the Game (Providence University #6) - Ali Parker Page 0,58

his phone. He took his time in the store and even talked while pumping the gas.

He got off of the call before he got in the car. “Okay, so, I guess I’m taking you to the hospital,” he said as if he had suddenly changed his attitude about it.

“Did you call Dillon?” I had a suspicion he was checking up on me.

Will shrugged. “Hey, I’m not trying to cause issues, but Dillon is my friend, and if Clara doesn’t want you around Avery, I have to be on their side.”

I laughed. “Are you into her?”

“Who, Avery?”

“Yeah, Avery. You’ve been pushing other girls, trying to feel me out, and now you’re checking in to make sure it’s okay I go to the hospital. I’ve been there most of the week with her and the family, including Clara.” I thought all of this was behind me. “Did Clara or Dillon put you up to this?”

“No, man. I was just looking out for my friends. Nothing more.”

“Got it,” I said. “And what did Dillon say?”

“He said it was cool and that you had been there most of the week.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought he said.” I rolled my eyes and eased back in my seat. When was everyone going to get off of my back about the past?

Will drove me to the hospital and dropped me off at the front entrance. “Thanks for the ride,” I said before I shut the door. I didn’t have a whole lot to say to him and still thought there was something fishy going on with the guy.

Clara was downstairs in the cafeteria waiting in line. “Hey,” she called. “Are you already back from the game? I thought it wouldn’t be until later.”

“I left early.” I didn’t want to tell her I had a spat with the coach or that I had hit him in the face.

“Well, Avery sent me down for some food. She hasn’t stopped eating since she woke up. I swear they took out her spleen and gave her an extra stomach.”

We shared a laugh. “But at least that means she’s getting her strength back.”

“Yeah,” she said. I hoped I hadn’t hit a sore spot with her. “That reminds me. I just wanted to thank you for helping her with the blood donation. It really means a lot that you care about her. And I know you don’t need it, but you have my blessing to see her if that even means anything.”

“It does.”

“Good.”

“Do you want me to help you carry some of this stuff back?” I took the tray from her, making it easier to hold their drinks. She had already gotten their food but still needed to pay.

“Yeah, but you should get you something while you’re here.”

“Nah, I’m good. I don’t have much of an appetite at the moment.”

“I know how that is,” she said with a big smile as if making fun of herself. She was actually really nice now that I had gotten to spend a week with her at Avery’s bedside.

“So, Will Tanner dropped me off. He had to call Dillon for permission first.”

Clara laughed. “He means well.”

“That’s what I keep telling myself.” I didn’t let her know that I wasn’t so sure about that.

Chapter 21

Avery

While Seth was at his game, I had another visitor show up.

Abi sat at the foot of my bed, painting my toenails. “You’re going to love this color,” she said. “It lasts forever.”

“And it’s crazy expensive. Clara was telling me about it. She went to pick some up and changed her mind when she saw the price.” I had noticed that Abi had a lot of quality makeup and was surprised by the prices of the few things I’d purchased. Thankfully, I had a couple of unused gift cards my father had sent to me on my last birthday.

“Yeah, I guess so. You can have this one if you want. I can pick up another.” She talked like it wasn’t a big deal, and while I had always figured she had some money, I was beginning to wonder just how much wealth she came from.

“That’s okay. You can keep it. I don’t paint my toenails much anyway.”

“You have to at least paint your toes.”

“It’s not like anyone else ever sees them.”

“Hello? Seth might see them.”

“I keep my feet looking nice. I just don’t like polish.” I didn’t see how it could be a big deal. “Anyway, I’m glad you came. I’ve wanted to offer you Clara’s old room. I need a roommate now that