Page 3 of Game Changer (Hidden Attractions #2)
“It’s weird,” I admit. “Mixed emotions, I guess, you know? I’m used to helping them with the chores around the house and making them dinner and stuff, but being away at university allows me to just live for myself.
I’m not sure what that looks like yet.” After a beat, I add, “I did get that waitressing job at the bar I was telling you about, though. It’s only about a ten-minute walk from campus, and it’ll help with their bills while I’m away. Make things easier on them.”
Maddie’s baby-blue eyes soften and her lips tilt into a sad smile. “You’re a selfless person, you know that?”
“I’m really not, but for my parents I am.
I owe them everything.” And that’s why I ended things with your brother is what I want to add but don’t.
I knew before I messed around with Ethan that he hadn’t yet figured out his life and who he wanted to be, but in all fairness, I didn’t expect our hookup to be loaded with so much emotion either.
I thought we’d have a fun summer of fooling around, but I should have known there would be feelings involved, since we’d known each other for so long.
Telling Ethan the real reason I called it quits would embarrass him, and the last thing I wanted to do was hurt him even more.
Unfortunately, Ethan, with his flighty path through life and facade of being a player—regardless of whether it was in the past or not—isn’t going to meet my parents’ expectations.
It was better to sever the cord early, before things became serious between us.
And yet, seeing him two days ago felt as painful as the last time we spoke five months ago. Time doesn’t seem to be healing anything when it comes to Ethan Davis.
“What are you getting all dolled up for?” Maddie twirls a blond curl that fell out of her messy bun, and tilts her head to the side to study me. “You look hot.”
My ruby-painted lips lift into a grin. “Well, I was going to wait for my roommate to arrive so I could meet her, but she still isn’t here.
Some girls I met the first day invited me to a party off campus.
They met some guys who are part of a fraternity, and it’s supposed to be a rager since it’s the last one before classes start.
You know I’ll never pass up a good party. ”
She laughs. “Trust me, I know.”
“What are your plans for the night?” I tease. “Reality television? A good book?”
Her eyes dart away from the camera when a door closes in the background, and then her phone falls to the side as her boyfriend, Cameron, tackles her on the mattress.
She squeals with laughter as he trails kisses down her neck, his large hands on either side of her stomach.
“I fucking missed you,” he groans. “Sorry I’m late.
Practice ran over, and the drive took longer than expected. ”
My heart falters at the sight, and my chest swells with happiness for two people who almost didn’t take a chance on each other because of Ethan.
Cameron is Ethan’s best friend, and with Maddie being Ethan’s little sister, Cameron didn’t want to risk losing him.
I’m glad they finally said fuck it and started dating anyway, because now they’re happier than ever, and so in love it’s almost sickening.
“Hope you know I wasn’t all talk in my texts.” His voice drops lower. Huskier. “And now that I’m here . . .”
“Should I go?” I ask, applying a last bit of blush.
Cameron’s head snaps up. He clearly hadn’t realized his girlfriend was on a FaceTime call, but with Cameron being Cameron, he doesn’t let it faze him.
“Sorry not sorry, Maya. I fully respect your girl time, but I’ve only got your best friend for the next forty-eight hours, and I don’t plan on wasting another second. ”
I roll my eyes. “I get it. We were just wrapping up anyway. Just like you’re about to do in the next few minutes. At least, I hope so. Better safe than sorry.”
He rolls his eyes, accustomed to my teasing by now. “Oh, before I forget.” He grabs the phone to bring it closer to his face, wearing an arrogant smile. “I don’t know what the hell is going on between you and Ethan but fix it. He’s fucking depressed.”
“What makes you think he’s depressed?” I try to hide my concern but fail epically. It’s evident in the way my voice goes high pitched. “And what makes you think his mood has something to do with me ?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess his other ex moved next door to him for the school year.”
“I’m not his ex.”
Cameron’s eyebrows lift, and he’s still wearing that fucking smirk. “My mistake. Fuck buddy, then?” He laughs when my eyes narrow into slits. “Is that too meaningless? Should I go back to ex ?”
“Hey, Maddie, have I ever mentioned that your boyfriend is annoying?” My voice is playful. They know I don’t mean it, which is why the lovebirds laugh in response. “ Anyway , I’ll let you guys go. Burn some calories for me.”
“Have fun at the party!” she shouts in response.
Cameron hangs up her phone, leaving me alone in an empty dorm room, and the silence eats at me.
I meant it when I said this is the first time I’ve been on my own without my parents overseeing my every move, but it’s so much freedom that I almost don’t know what to do with myself.
Temptation. Drugs. Alcohol. These things surrounded me before when I snuck out to parties as a teenager, but now? I don’t have to worry about my parents finding out. I’m free to choose whatever path I want.
But the biggest temptation of all?
Knowing Ethan Davis is on the other side of this wall.