If loving you is wrong

Chapter 8

***Eric***

A few weeks had passed after that frightful day that happened when Liam and Mia got held up at gunpoint. We felt a huge relief when we're told the guy had been caught days later with Liam's ATM card; trying to take money out of one of the machines downtown. So much has happened these last couple of days, from helping her pack, and finalizing her move to PA.

We decided it would be a good idea to scope out the place before the big move. Liam sadly could not make the trip due to last-minute delays with a contract deal that he had. So, those brown eyes of Mia turned to me and begged me to go with her. He insisted it would be great since I barely spent time with her and it would be a good trip. We were going to just spend three days, it was all we needed to make sure the area was safe. In reality, it was for Liams peace of mind. When it came to her, there was this sence of protection I could feel he had for her. I had to respect it. I kind of liked it because it meant no one could hurt her and get away with it.

When we arrived there was the never ending calls from him asking if the place looked doable? Was it safe? Were there guards on the dorms campus? I watched as she huffed and rolled her eyes answering the litany of questions only to tear up some when he would ask her if she really wanted to live so far away from us. I knew the questions all too well as we had a heated argument about it when she was out one evening with her friends and the both of us as well went out with Melissa and Sophia for dinner. He was distracted the whole time. He would brush it off as it being just due to work but deep down I knew that wasn't the case.

So, we settled into a quaint hotel right around the corner from her campus and booked a tour for that evening so she can get to know the campus. It brought me back to my college days. The parties were wild and the lifestyle was hectic trying to keep a social life, party, and study. I sounded like a broken record repeating to her the importance of balancing it all.

"I know, Eric, how many times are you going to repeat the same thing?" she giggled as she pulled me along the pathway towards the waiting tour guides on the west lawn of the campus.

I listened and watched the guide rattle off the campus activities, new curriculum for the year, and what the school year entailed for new Freshmans. I looked at her as she focused on the pages from the brochure and followed the guide's hand as she pointed to the campus library. She looked up in awe at the looming structure and I chuckled thinking of the many nights they may have to shove her out of there during closing time.

Although the dorms are equipped with a small kitchenette, they showed the cafeteria and explained the source of their produce and preparation was done by the culinary arts students. I was satisfied and impressed with the tour by the time it was nearly over. We followed the group towards the entrance and made our way towards tables that had college merch and more brochures. I stood back and watched as she stepped closer to the tables and a tall guy extended his hand to shake hers and smiled at her. They began talking and I could see plain as day he was laying it on thick with the suave flirting.

A part of me felt this nagging sensation at the pit of my stomach watching her smile and laugh at his jokes. I tried in earnest to look away and stay busy on my phone as he looked my way and lowered his gaze to her. Maybe asking if I'm her dad or something. Suddenly the thought kicked me in the gut. I wasn't that old, I was totally ripped and I still was young. I impatiently stood by and waited for them to finish as the worry of my age continued to play games in my head.

When we finally made it back to the hotel we changed, got dressed and made plans to go out to eat. She mentioned the desire to check out the clubs after. I honestly did not feel up to it but after the pouty lips and begging eyes held mine, I caved and indulged her a bit. After dinner, we made our way out on the town to see what nightlife the weekend had to offer. It had a lot. As we road the Uber out, I could tell that the most of these clubs begged you to leave your inhibitions at home. Her eyes lit up as she pointed to one that she found online and asked the driver to take us there. I stepped out and held her hand, this sense of pride washed over me as I was stared down by girls and guys that watched us walk in.