When freshman Sophia Honey moves into Northridge University, the last person she expects as her roommate is Theo Gray-her brother's best friend, a star hockey player, and her childhood nemesis. Little did she know, everything was about to change fas...
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SOPHIA
THE AIRPLANE touches down with a gentle thud, but the knot in my stomach doesn’t loosen. As soon as the seatbelt sign clicks off, I grab my bag from under the seat and join the slow-moving line of passengers inching toward the exit. The air is thick with the smell of stale coffee and travel-worn clothes. I step out into the terminal, the cool blast of air conditioning hitting my face as I follow the crowd toward baggage claim.
Just as I pass through the glass doors and spot the carousel, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I already know who it is before I even glance at the screen.
“Hey, Ryan,” I say, pressing the phone to my ear while weaving through the throng of travelers.
“Did you land?” His voice comes through with a mixture of concern and his usual big-brother tone that grates on my nerves.
“Yes, I’m here. Just looking for a seat to wait for my bags,” I murmur, glancing around for an empty spot. The terminal is packed, but I finally spot a bench near the window and head that way.
“Good. I’ve arranged for someone to pick you up. He should be there soon.”
“Who’s coming to get me again?” I ask, although I already know the answer. I just need to hear it.
“Remember Theo? Theo Gray? My childhood friend? The guy who always called you shortie pants?"
Of course, I remember him. I roll my eyes, trying not to let my annoyance seep through the phone. Theo was the troublesome kid who lived next door, the one who pulled pranks and always got us into trouble. And by us—I mean me.
It wasn’t enough that I was the chubby kid back then, always struggling to keep up with him. Every time he called me mean names or tried to make me look bad in front of my brother, I’d push myself to catch up, but it was useless—he moved like he’d been drinking coffee since birth. Now, I’m still chubby, but the weight’s settled more evenly around my hips, ass, and boobs. So if you want a picture of how I look now, just take that chubby kid and shape her into something a bit more... balanced.
Thankfully, he left town when he was fourteen, and I haven’t seen him since.
Until now.
“You know I can just get to the university by myself. I’m not a kid,” I reply, trying to keep my tone neutral.
“I know, but I’ll feel safer this way. It’s the first time you’ve been out of town, and I don’t want anything going wrong. Plus, you know how Mom is—she’ll finally be able to breathe knowing you’re with someone I know.”
I can’t help but chuckle lightly. “Yeah, I get it. Is she there with you?”
