The Sophomore (College Years #2) - Monica Murphy Page 0,75
more with her, cool. You just want to fuck her to see what it’s like? Not cool.”
I’ve always appreciated how my friends don’t hold back, especially Eli. He tells it like it is, and a lot of the time, I need that.
Like now. Now, I really need it.
It’s only when I arrive on campus and am walking to class that I finally get a response from Ellie. Seeing her name flash on my phone screen makes my heart leap.
Who am I right now?
Ellie: OMG YAY! Thank you for letting me know.
I respond to her immediately.
Me: What time do you have to be at work?
Ellie: Four. I can pick it up before that, and then drive straight over to work.
Me: What time do you want me to get you?
Ellie: Um, I don’t know. I’m done with school by two. What time works for you?
Me: I’ll pick you up at three.
She goes quiet for a while, leaving me on edge. I stomp across campus with determined steps, glowering at people who dare to make eye contact with me. Even the girls.
I’m a fucking mess.
By the time I’m settled in my chair in class, I get a text from her.
Ellie: Sounds good! See you at three.
I smile. Contemplate sending her a heart. Even add one to the chat, ready to send it, but I chicken out at the last minute.
Like a heart emoji is going to make all the difference in the world. Like we’re in fucking middle school or something. I need to get over my damn self.
If I was smart, I’d get over Ellie. But I guess I’m not smart.
So I’m going to keep this going instead.
I’m done with my last class for the day and am headed toward the parking lot when my phone rings. I don’t even bother checking to see who it is. I just answer like a dumbass.
“Jackson. Thanks for picking up the call,” an overeager male voice greets me.
I glance at the screen, seeing that it’s an unfamiliar number. Great.
“I don’t have a car warranty that expired. And I own a Mac, not a PC,” I tell him, just about to end the call when I hear him frantically trying to get my attention.
“Jackson, don’t hang up! My name is Rick and I’m with Evergreen Records! I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for weeks!”
I come to a stop near a bench, my interest piqued. “Keep talking.”
“A scout from my company saw you perform this summer in Seattle. She said you were amazing,” he says, his voice overly enthusiastic.
They always talk this way, trying to ramp up my excitement. I get why. They want to entice me, but I always play it cool. You give yourself away and suddenly, it’s on their terms.
I want to always keep it on my terms.
“I had a good summer,” I agree.
“I’m sure you did. I was hoping we could set up a meeting,” he says. “And if I have to, I’ll come to you.”
Interesting. Usually it’s a phone call meeting first. Zoom next. By then, they’re mentioning terms and sending over contracts, which are never in my favor. That’s when I bail.
No one’s come to meet me in person, face-to-face before.
“I know you perform locally a lot,” Rick says. “Have any shows coming up that I can attend?”
“No. Football season is keeping me busy,” I answer.
“That’s right. You’re a rock god and a jock.” Rick chuckles. “What a combination.”
“It’s not that big of a deal,” I tell him. “I’m just keeping my options open.”
“Yes, versatile. I fucking love it,” he gushes. “I’m thinking I can be up there in about two weeks. How’s your schedule for the beginning of October?”
“My bye week is the first weekend in October, so your timing is perfect,” I tell him.
“Fantastic. Maybe you can book a last-minute gig too. I’d love to see you perform. I’ll be bringing a few of my executives with me. We’d all love to meet with you,” he says, just before he rattles off my email address. Would love to know how he got that. “Can I send some information over? And as we get closer, I can also send you an itinerary.”
“Sounds great,” I tell him, because why not? I like to entertain these offers, even though I never accept them.
“Looking forward to meeting with you. Can’t wait to see you perform, too. I have a feeling we’d be great partners for each other,” Rick says, just before we end the call.