The Sophomore (College Years #2) - Monica Murphy Page 0,121
I don’t know how many relationships I witnessed end over winter break. More than I can count, and a few that included me.
The theory also applies to college.
I can’t deny it’s been tough, not seeing him anymore. And of course, when you banish someone, you see them everywhere. Or there are reminders of them everywhere you look, which is frustrating.
Can’t help but also take it as a sign. I’m a big believer in them.
Signs.
Within minutes she’s returned to the table, an iced coffee in her hand, and she settles into the chair across from me, taking a sip before she sets it on the table in between us. I take her in, admiring her beauty, her pretty hair, her sparkling eyes. Even full of wariness, they still sparkle. I can see why he’s attracted to her. How he hasn’t been able to quit her.
“Can I admit something?” she asks.
I nod. “Please.”
“I was surprised to get your text. We haven’t seen each other in—a while. I thought you were mad at me,” she admits.
A sigh leaves me. “I have no reason to be mad at you. I never did. You though, definitely have more reason.”
She shakes her head. “No, that’s not true. Didn’t you hear?”
I frown, watching as she takes a big sip from her straw. Like she needs the coffee to continue speaking. “Hear what?”
“We’re done. Through. For good.” Her expression turns sheepish. “I know you cut him out of your life too last year, and I admired you for being so strong. I decided to do the same thing.”
“You did?” I’m surprised. Now it’s my turn to take a drink before I say something awkward or dumb.
She nods. “It was so hard, but after going a solid month without him texting me or seeing him, I realized I felt…free. Now I barely think about him anymore.”
“It’s been a long time,” I say softly.
“Years. For the both of us,” she agrees.
Such a tease, am I right? Don’t worry, The Junior is coming September 9th!
Playlist
“Rockstar Knights (with Tripple Redd)” -
Kid Cudi, Tripple Redd
“notice me (feat. BENEE)” - ROLE MODEL, BENEE
“affection” - BETWEEN FRIENDS
“telepatia” - Kali Uchis
“WHY AREN’T WE HAVING SEX?” -
Liza Owen
“Pink + White” - Frank Ocean
“blushing!” - BETWEEN FRIENDS
“Kiss U Right Now” - Duckwrth
“Vultures - Live at the House of Blues, Chicago” - John Mayer
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Acknowledgements
It was a true joy to write Jackson and Ellie’s story, though the music lyrics tripped me up some. I don’t consider myself poetic, so I had to channel my inner Drew Callahan (if you read One Week Girlfriend, etc. you know what I’m talking about) to come up with (hopefully) passable lyrics. I hope you enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Their story was a long time coming.
I want to thank everyone at Valentine PR, including my precious Nina and the rest of the gang. You all make my life a lot easier. I also want to thank Michelle Lancaster for the fabulous photo of Lochie (he is such a great Jackson!) and Hang Le for the magnificent cover. Thank you to Rebecca and Sarah for slapping my book into shape, as well as Brittany for the excellent beta read and notes. You are all the BEST.
And as always, thank you to the readers, bloggers, reviewers, etc. who read my books and share them everywhere. I seriously cannot do this job with you!
p.s. - If you enjoyed this book, I would greatly appreciate it if you left a review on the retailer site you bought it from, or on Goodreads. Thank you so much!
Also by Monica Murphy
Standalone
Things I Wanted To Say (but never did)
College Years
The Freshman
The Sophomore
The Junior
The Senior
Dating Series
Save The Date
Fake Date
Holidate
Hate to Date You
Rate A Date
Wedding Date
Coming 10/19!
Blind Date
The Callahans
Close to Me
Falling For Her
Addicted To Him
Meant To Be
Coming 2/10/21!
Making Her Mine
Forever Yours Series
You Promised Me Forever
Thinking About You
Nothing Without You
Damaged Hearts Series
Her Defiant Heart
His Wasted Heart
Damaged Hearts
Friends Series
Just Friends
More Than Friends
Forever
The Never Duet
Never Tear Us Apart
Never Let You Go
The Rules Series
Fair Game
In The Dark
Slow Play
Safe Bet
The Fowler Sisters Series
Owning Violet
Stealing Rose
Taming Lily
Reverie Series
His Reverie
Her Destiny
Billionaire Bachelors Club Series
Crave
Torn
Savor
Intoxicated
One Week Girlfriend Series
One Week Girlfriend
Second Chance Boyfriend
Three Broken Promises
Drew + Fable Forever
Four Years Later
Five Days Until You
A Drew + Fable Christmas
Standalone YA Titles
Daring The Bad Boy
Saving It
Pretty Dead Girls
About the Author
Monica Murphy is a New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over two million copies worldwide. Both a traditionally published and independently published author, she writes young adult and new adult romance, as well as contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She’s also known as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.