The Sophomore (College Years #2) - Monica Murphy Page 0,76
even. And while I’m all for easy, my guard will still be up. I’ll have to drag my father into this too. He’s a shark, and he doesn’t fall for a bunch of pretty lies and empty promises. Plus, he has one of the best lawyers in the area. She’s the one who looked over my previous contracts, finding fault in every single one of them. Record companies aren’t in the business to make a musician rich, is what my dad’s attorney told me, and she’s right.
They’re in the business to make money for themselves. Period.
I’ll talk it over with Ellie too. I always like to get her opinion. I value it. When she speaks, I listen. When she does anything lately, I’m right there, watching. Waiting. Hanging on every word.
Clearly, I’m a mess when it comes to her. I need to figure my shit out.
Soon.
Twenty-Two
Ellie
I lucked out when I texted Hayden and Gracie, asking if they’d be on campus around lunch time today. They both were, and so we agreed to meet up.
I couldn’t keep what happened with Jackson to myself. I had to fill Hayden in on everything—I stunned her silent, which I don’t think happens very often—and then I let them know what went down when Jackson showed up with his friends. And later, when he magically appeared to pick me up. How I rode home with Carson instead.
How growly and sexy Jackson was after he followed me home. His voice rich with promise, the words he said to me. When he kissed me—a minor kiss in the scheme of kisses, but the words he said and the way he acted touched me deep.
I’m still not over it.
When I finally finish my story, my friends are watching me with surprise etched on their faces, their eyes wide. They don’t say a word.
“Well?” I urge, desperate for their opinions. “What does that all mean?”
“He wants you,” Hayden says. “I don’t doubt it at all.”
“That was kind of hot.” Gracie fans herself. “He actually said he wanted to put you on the hood of his car?”
I nod. I didn’t hold anything back. Gave them pretty much every bit of info he detailed. “He was so—fierce.”
“Hmm, an alpha. I love it,” Gracie says, dreamy-eyed.
“I just don’t want him to be all hot for you because he doesn’t like seeing you with someone else,” Hayden says.
“Why not?” Gracie asks, nudging her. “A little jealousy never hurt anybody. I love it when they get all caveman and grunt mine while slinging you over their shoulder,” Gracie says.
“I have never had that happen to me,” Hayden says to her best friend.
“Well, neither have I,” Gracie agrees, both of them casting me a look. “Has Jackson done that to you?”
“No.” I shake my head. “Not that I necessarily want him to.”
“Oh, give it up. It would be totally hot if he did that,” Gracie says.
Hayden sends her a look, effectively shutting her up, before she turns her attention to me. “What are you hoping to get out of this with Jackson?”
“What exactly do you mean?”
“Are you wanting a long-term relationship with him?” She cuts right to the point.
I nod. Nibble on my lower lip. “That’s what I’ve always wanted.”
“Do you like this Carson guy?” Hayden asks.
Gracie makes a face, but I ignore her.
“He’s so nice. If Jackson wasn’t in my life, I would totally go for him. He’s definitely more my type. Jackson is more like my dream guy,” I admit.
“Sometimes, we get our dream guy,” Hayden says. “Tony is mine, and I love him so much. He feels the same way. And even though we’re two years apart, and we’re still young, I can totally see a future with him.”
Gracie is furiously shaking her head. “I know you both are big believers in true, lasting love, but it doesn’t always have to be like that. You can find yourself in a relationship that is totally enjoyable for the two of you, and not be committed to each other forever.”
“Says the woman who doesn’t last past a month with a guy,” Hayden says, jabbing her thumb at Gracie.
“Hey, don’t knock it until you try it,” Gracie says.
“I did, and I didn’t like it,” Hayden reminds her.
I smack the table lightly, getting their attention. “I know what you guys prefer in your relationships, and I appreciate the encouragement, but I don’t want a short term anything with Jackson. If I take it any further and then he dumps me? I’ll be devastated.”