Playing the Game (Providence University #6) - Ali Parker Page 0,59
she’s moved in with Dillon, and I thought you might want to come live with me instead of the dorms.”
She shrugged her shoulder. “I’m kind of tough to live with.”
“Your roommate never has any problems.”
“Actually, I don’t have a roommate. She bailed on me a while back. My parents paid her to keep her mouth shut about the reason why, but since you want me to move in with you and we’re friends, I guess I should tell you.”
“Tell me what?”
“I have a few problems. I know I might seem normal, but medication helps with that. If I get off of it, which tends to happen now and then, I get a little unbearable.”
“It can’t be that bad.”
“Oh, it is. I wanted to live in the dorm to get the full college experience and to try to be a bit normal. But my parents have been at me to get my own place. Especially when they had to bribe my roomy to keep her yap shut about my little problem.” She took a deep breath. “I’m bipolar.”
“But you stay on your meds, and I could help you with that.” I didn’t know anyone else I would want to come and live with me.
“I appreciate the offer, but I just don’t know right now. I’m doing good, I’m making good grades, and I’ve got things the way I want them in my place.”
“I understand.” I didn’t want to push her.
“But the other residents really hate my music.” She sighed. “I’ll think about it. It might be fun.”
“Okay, just let me know. It’s no rush.”
About that time, Clara returned with nothing but a couple of drinks. “You will never guess who I found lurking around the cafeteria.”
“Do I want to know?” I asked as Seth poked his head around the corner.
“Hey, what are you doing back in town? You should be at the game.”
“It ended a bit early for me.”
I could already tell by his expression it wasn’t good. “Did you get tossed out?”
“Yeah.”
“Fighting?” I held my breath and waited for an explanation.
“Yes. But I had a good reason, and I’d do it again.”
“Was I the reason?”
“Yeah. Can you think of a better one?”
I sank in my bed. “Oh, Seth, I’m sorry. I swore I wouldn’t get in the way of the game, and I did.”
Seth shook his head, put my food tray on the table, and pushed it over my bed. “You aren’t to blame. I only said you’re the reason. There’s a difference. I’m to blame, and as I said, I’d do it again. Coach has been rough on me all year, and he just pushed it too far.”
“Wait, you hit Coach Carr?” I couldn’t believe it. He had not only gotten kicked out of the game but possibly off of the team too.
“I wouldn’t have come here if I had known you’d be so upset.”
“How could I not be?”
Abi looked at Clara. “I think we should give them a little space. I saw a table in the hall.” She hopped up and closed the nail-polish bottle as Clara took their food and hit the door.
“I’m not upset, babe. I actually feel okay with it. He said if I hadn’t gotten with you in the first place, there would have been no accident.”
“Well, now I want to hit him,” I said. “You know it’s not your fault.”
“I know. I still wish I could have stopped it, but I know I’m not to blame, and that just hit me the wrong way. I’m sorry I let my temper get the best of me. I don’t want you to be disappointed in me.”
“I’m not,” I said, waving him closer. “Kiss me.”
He took the suggestion and kissed me with so much passion that my toes curled. I hoped the polish was dry, but even if it wasn’t, it was worth it.
“Stay with me?”
“Of course. I don’t have anywhere else I’d rather be.”
Just when he kissed me again, we heard a deep sound as Dr. Samson, who took out my spleen, cleared his throat. “Pardon me,” he said. “Your sister said it was okay to come in.”
Clara peeked around from behind him, giving a little wave. “Sorry,” she whispered. I could tell she didn’t mean it.
“I thought I’d come and check you out, see how you’re recovering. I think you’re going to like the news I have.” He gave me a sly look. “I’m going to release you tomorrow morning. So you only have one night left in our fine establishment.”