Camryn Quinn is finally getting what she wants...sort of. Moving into a dorm and away from her not so supportive father is a good first step, but like everything with him, it comes with strings. She must attend the college of his choosing for at lea...
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"You should keep those sweatpants," I say. "They look better on you."
Her response is mumbled from the passenger seat. I don't ask for clarification. She's been like a zombie since I found her still in my room when I got back from practice. I had hoped she would be gone when I returned, mainly so I didn't have to deal with whatever last night was.
And since I didn't end up telling Cal the truth this morning, it's now my problem to deal with.
I wanted to tell him. I had every intention of doing so the second I spotted him in the weight room. I tossed and turned all night thinking about it until I finally got up around four and finished the cake.
I almost told him too, until he asked me why I wasn't at the bar last night. Of course my roommates told him I was with a girl. They had all heard Chase's girlfriend announce that one was waiting on our porch. But something about the way he asked, I froze. I don't know why I couldn't tell him. I don't know who I think I'm protecting by keeping it to myself.
But here I am. Still trying to help Camryn when I should just be driving her to her dorm and hoping to never see her again.
From her lack of speech right now, I don't think she should be alone.
She had at least showered, and was covered in crumbs in my bed when I got home this morning. So at least I know her basic needs were met, but it's the fact that she hasn't even made a single joke at either of our expenses that has me worried.
I've never claimed to be great at solving problems, especially when the opposite sex is involved. The only thing I can think to do is to get her talking. Then maybe I can steer the conversation where I really need it to go.
"They don't really fit anymore. Too many squats." I was hoping to at least get an eye roll, something to show she's actually alive behind those too focused eyes, but the only thing she gives is a nod.
"But since I fucked my knee they might fit again..." I say in a low voice just to fill the silence.
"Well then you can have them back," she says, still watching the buildings pass through the window. I took my chance to really look at her while we were stopped at a red light. Her entire body is angled towards the door like she's ready to jump out any minute. I move a finger to the button that locks the doors.
"No, seriously. Keep them." It practically comes out as a plea. But even the groveling in my voice doesn't make her move.
I exhale a heavy breath through my mouth. Guys don't beat around the bush like this. We tell it how it is and move on, but I know from my mom and sister that women don't function that way. This whole silence thing could be on purpose. And I know I'm not going to get any answers until she's ready to give them.
Regardless, something had to have happened to make her go from one extreme to another. I don't know her well enough to be able to say the cause. I've learned to read some of her expressions, but mostly the playful ones she gives me during our tutoring sessions. Whatever she's giving me now is foreign. All I know is that I'm on a mission to help her work through her own shit, so then I can just report a clean bill of health back to her brother.
Then I'll wipe my hands clean of it all and keep doing the bare minimum until I can get out of this godforsaken deal.
