Fifteen

Chapter 33: All Night

Avery wanted to look elsewhere but he couldn't help but stare at her. It had been so long since he heard that laugh or saw that smile. It was as if no time had passed and outside of a makeover, she was the Brooke Brunson he had met in Colorado. He didn't care that she seemed close to Jaden. In the outfit she wore he didn't care for anyone around.

I wonder if she still tastes the same. The thought was out there and as if she knew, Brooke looked his way. What Brooke and I had is dead and gone. He sighed looking away. He knew it was for the best, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he wanted her one more time.

The crowd walked and talked languidly and Sophia Kate found herself staring. The leggy blond was so blatant in her flirting with Gracia it was cringey. She thought they were going to have sex right then and there. What do you care? She scolded herself. I don't care! Some people should just have self-respect. The excuse was lame, but she didn't know how to explain it.

Everything about Gracia is alluring and seductive...that's not the right word. She didn't know how to explain it, but there was something about Gracia that just drew her in. I mean, what person wears a thong with tennis shoes in public! She's a badass! Her feelings went further than admiration, but she didn't understand to what end.

"This is insane, huh?" Sophia Kate snapped out of her thoughts and stared up at Caleb. He was tall, but not in an overbearing way. She could see why Aria was smitten with him. He was good looking in an I Don't Even Have to Try kind of way and it worked for him. "This is bananas! I don't think there's another college like Texas U!"

The mention of Texas U alerted a nearby frat boy that began to cheer. "My case and point!" She laughed. "I don't know what I expected when I came here, but this was definitely not it." Sophia Kate eyed him. "Is that a good or bad thing?" He chuckled indecisively. "To be determined."

She liked him. He was cool, but not arrogant. There was something stormy about it that just seemed right for Aria. She needs someone to rattle her up in a good way. She thought looking ahead at her friend. Aria loved to run and it seemed like she and Stefan had worked out a good pace together.

"I'm rooting for you – if you care." He looked down at her and gave a sad smile. "There's nothing to root for," he lied. "Oh please! You and Aria definitely have something going on. Everyone can feel it, so I know you do." He looked up towards Aria's direction and sighed. "Maybe, but I'm not really Prince Charming material." He said motioning towards Stefan.

Sophia Kate knew she was going to have a tough time with him. It was clear to her that he wanted to pursue things, but something was holding him back. "Who said she needed Prince Charming?" Sophia Kate grabbed his hand and began walking faster. "Maybe she needs a Bad Boy!" He was much stronger than he looked as he held her back. "Come on – you have to throw in your glove or gauntlet!" He laughed at her as they slowed back down to a walk. "It's not my style."

"Now you know damn well you ain't got no style!" Preston interrupted. He filled them in on the amount of numbers he had and Sophia Kate couldn't help but laugh. College seemed better than the sitcoms and she was pleasantly surprised. Everyone seemed to have fallen into a groove. "Do you think you can beat Gracia?" Caleb asked pointing towards their left.

They watched as a petite redhead cuddled up to Gracia before giving her a kiss. "Are you kidding me?!" Sophia Kate hadn't realized she said something until Preston and Caleb were staring at her. "That's G for you!" Caleb laughed.

"She's smoking hot! I'm sure every guy and girl here wants her, but I'm going to beat her! Off for round 2, my friends!" Preston was gone as quickly as he came and Sophia Kate tried to make sense of the feelings brewing within.

Caleb had to have been a masochist. There was no other explanation as he watched Stefan brush a piece of Aria's hair away for what seemed like the thousandth time. He meant what he said. He wasn't the dating type. There was Stephanie. He thought but laughed internally. Stephanie wasn't a girlfriend. She was an old faithful. The constant fuck buddy when things got cold or boring.

He had fooled around with a few girls, but Stephanie was the one he desired most. She never cared what people thought and did what she wanted whenever she wanted. They had been friends since they were in elementary school and were each other's firsts, but a relationship wasn't ever in the cards for them. They were better as friends. He was better at not committing.

"Don't you think she's gorgeous?" Sophia Kate asked to no one in particular. "I think she's stunning. You should get to know her more. She will blow your mind, I'm telling you!" He laughed at her subtly.

"You care about her a lot, don't you?" The seriousness in his tone didn't seem to match the mood. "Very much. Aria is the kindest person I think anyone will ever meet. She will do anything for her family and friends and ask for nothing in return. She's one of the good ones," Sophia Kate smiled as they both watched Aria laugh aimlessly.

"Yeah," Caleb sighed. "She seems like it, which is why we'd be a no go." She scowled at him; hand on hip for an effect. "How do you know if you don't try?" Before he could answer she was running towards Aria.