Empty Me Out (The Liquid Series, #1)

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The next day I rode The T—Boston's subway system—to the university bookstore to buy the textbooks and study materials I needed for the final semester. It was hard to believe that in a few short months, I'd officially earn the title of College Graduate. Just the thought made me giddy.

As I waited in line to pay for my things, the blaring AH-OOO-GA of my annoying, yet effective ring tone alerted me to an incoming call. Juggling my teetering tower of school supplies with one hand, I rummaged through my purse with the other, pulling the phone out just in time to catch the call before it went to voice mail.

"H-hello?" A quick glance at the caller ID revealed an unfamiliar number, so my answer was tentative.

"Hi. Kelsey? It's Mark."

Just the sound of him resurrected the butterflies in my belly. "Hi."

"I was wondering if by chance you were free today?"

At the hopeful tone in his voice, my heart rate picked up. "Well, I'm buying my school books right now, but I think I'm free later," I replied.

"Great! Can I take you to lunch?"

I checked my watch to notice it was already after Noon. "Oh...I'm not sure...I still have to take The T home from Boston and get ready."

"I can come pick you up. What school are you at?"

"Bay Colony University."

"I'm actually not too far from you. I can be there in 20 minutes."

Panic set in at the thought of my grubby appearance. "I should really go home and change..."

"I'm sure you look gorgeous. I'd really like to see you. I'll meet you in twenty, okay?"

He thought I was gorgeous? How could I refuse him? "Um...okay."

"Awesome." I felt his smile over the phone. "See you then."

I hung up, made my way to the cashier, and paid for my stuff. Then I headed to the nearest ladies' room to scrutinize my reflection in the mirror. Ugh—worse than I thought. I wasn't wearing a drop of makeup, so I pinched my cheeks to give my complexion a rosier tint. There wasn't much I could do about my outfit—a ratty, bleach-stained pink T-shirt, a black hoodie, distressed blue jeans, and gray UGGs. Normally I wouldn't care how presentable I looked, but today was an exception. Mark had only ever laid eyes on me twice, and on both occasions, I'd been dressed nicely, with my face done. I wondered if he'd even recognize me in my au naturale state. Removing my ponytail holder, I let my poker-straight brown hair fall loose to my shoulders in hopes of upping my game. I didn't even have a brush with me, so I worked my fingers through it until satisfied. I wasn't thrilled, but it would have to do.

Once outside, I leaned against the building to wait, my heavy bag of school supplies at my feet. It occurred to me that I didn't tell Mark specifically where the bookstore was, so I hoped he'd be able to find me. Five minutes later, an old, abused, black four-door sedan pulled up to the curb, looking as though it had ridden more than its share of miles. Emerging from the vehicle, Mark made his way over, leaning down to retrieve my bag from the ground and carry it for me.

As he gazed down at me, a piece of his black hair hung lazily over one eye and I held back the impulse to reach up and move it out of the way for him. His expression was cheerful. "Hi Kelsey. You ready?" he asked.

"Sure," I said, smiling up at him.

Following closely behind Mark, I took a deep, cleansing breath before exhaling slowly—an effort to calm my nerves. As I watched the man in front of me walking in fluid strides, it was near impossible to control my wandering eye, which seemed intent on observing his marvelous backside. I continued to take in the view in all of its denim-clad glory until we arrived at his car.