King of Campus

When I don’t immediately respond, he leans forward, his heated blue-green eyes sparking with anger. “You don’t have to look so damned shocked. Contrary to what you apparently believe, I have every intention of doing my share of the workload.”

My mouth tumbles open before I quickly snap it shut again. Before I can even stutter out an embarrassed apology, he gathers up his books, shoves them into his backpack and stalks out of the room. As soon as he does, about three girls huddle around me, blasting me with rapid fire questions all the while gushing about how lucky I am to be working with Roan King.

I can only smile halfheartedly before collecting my stuff and leaving. I think I just made a huge tactical error regarding this guy. Is it possible that Roan isn’t the dumb jock I pegged him to be? I almost wince because I usually don’t make snap judgements about people. But for some reason, I just assumed Roan was coasting through college on his football prowess and good looks.

Maybe that’s not the case.

Maybe there’s more to him than I’d initially suspected.

Chapter Nine

Anyone get invited to the little get together happening at the Roan King’s apartment? If so, someone needs to share the four-one-one with all of us. Pictures are, as always, welcomed and appreciated. Preferably naked ones… KingOfCampus.com

“So when are you planning to come home for a visit, Ivy? You’ve been back in town for just about three weeks now and we still haven’t seen you.”

I’m standing on the tiny balcony off our living room, facing the western sky. I didn’t think I would enjoy having an outdoor space as much as I do. Whenever I’m home in the evening, I somehow find myself out here when the sun is setting. I love watching all the varying shades of red and pink that paint their way across the horizon. It usually brings me a certain amount of peace. My very own little bit of Zen.

That, unfortunately, does not seem to be the case tonight.

“Ivy, are you still there?”

“Um, yeah.” Then I add, “Just thinking about my schedule. School and work are crazy busy right now.” This is completely true. “I really want to find some time to get together with you guys.” I think we all know this one is a whopper of a lie. As much as I love my dad, I have zero interest in spending time with his wife and their kids. “I’m just not sure when I can get away right now. I’ll look into it and get back to you.”

“Sure, honey, that sounds good.”

I wince at the disappointment weaving its way through his deep voice. I honestly wouldn’t mind if he came here and grabbed dinner or something like that but Leah, his wife, finds it necessary to be included in everything we do. I find it annoying to deal with her in order to have a relationship with my dad. It’s like she can’t bear to be left out even though she’s with him twenty-four seven. They have a set of four year old twins together. Nora and Nolan. They were still toddlers when I left for Europe. I can only imagine what an obnoxious handful they are now.

“So how’s your apartment? Is it nice?”

Slowly turning around, my eyes skim over the now decorated walls of our living room. The cozy tan couch and matching armchair that were cast offs from Lexie’s parents and the forty inch TV which Dylan promptly bought an Xbox for. I almost shake my head. Right there should have been my biggest tipoff that he would be, for the most part, shacking up with us. “Yeah, it’s really nice. There are two bedrooms, one bathroom, a small kitchen, and a living room area. There’s even a balcony big enough for a small table and two chairs.”

“Are you in a safe area? I know you have to walk to your job.”

Not that he can see it, but I almost roll my eyes. I lived abroad for more than a year and somehow managed to survive just fine without any parental involvement. I think I can handle living at Barnett again. “It’s perfectly safe. Our apartment is just two blocks from campus and my job is about a mile away. The dance studio is located downtown, so there are always plenty of people walking around. And a lot of times, Lexie drives me.”

“That’s good. I’m glad everything is working out for you, Ivy.”

That being said, we both lapse into an awkward silence. The distance between us feels palpable. And living abroad for almost a year and a half has only made it more so. Just as I’m racking my brain for something to say, obnoxiously loud music is suddenly blasted from the apartment next to us.

“Did you just turn your stereo on?”

I snort.

A small smile tugs up the corners of my lips. “No one has a stereo anymore, dad. And, no, it’s the guys who live next to us.” Stepping towards the edge of the tiny space, I lean over the black iron railing, trying to see past the privacy wall that separates our balcony from Roan, Sam, and Dylan’s.