One Last Shot [boyxboy]

Chapter Four

Chapter Four (Anthony)

I drove to the college to pick up my last real check before winter break started, which meant my check would be a smidge less.

I still felt like shit and the sunlight was making my head hurt even more, so I popped on a pair of black sunglasses and tugged my wool jacket as I sat in my car, hiding from the students that walked on by, some carrying luggage and others carrying their books around. Groups laughing, loners walked with headphones blaring, couples moved hand in hand.

What I wouldn't give to go back in time and be in college again, I thought miserably. It was so much easier to screw around and get things done at the same time. I was confident enough to know that when it came to school smarts, I was damn good. I got my work done and I easily got sucked into the subjects. I also caught onto things easily.

It's just life that I sucked at.

I sighed and forced myself to get out of my car, flinching at the bitter cold winter air that nipped my nose pink. I locked my car with the beep of the remote before I stuffed my hands into the pockets of my jacket, making my way onto the sidewalk and heading over to the main office building. A couple students called my name, giggling and waving at me.

I faked a smile easily, giving them a lazy salute in greeting before I disappered into the building, breathing a sigh of relief at the warm air inside. I shivered before approaching the front desk, where the secretary, Kelly, sat chattering away on her cell phone while she typed up some forms. As soon as she saw me, a wicked smirk crossed her lips as she tucked her cell phone against her shoulder.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Stewart. Can I help you?" She asked, her blue eyes glittering flirtatiously. I wasn't going to crush her day by telling her I wasn't interested, so I just plastered on that fake smile as I leaned a little on her desk.

"Hey, Kelly. I'm here to pick up my check." I greeted politely. Kelly beamed and nodded eagerly, twirling in her seat to the file cabinets behind her. I watched her dig around in them before my attention went elsewhere. I looked away, feeling my head protest the bright lights, but I ignored it as my eyes found a familiar face. My eyes widened and I quickly snapped my head to look away, but it was too late.

"Anthony!" Taylor came rushing over, a bright smile sweeping across his face as he approached. I forced a smile, turning to face him as Kelly worked through the files.

"Hi." I answered. Taylor seemed amused at my attempt to be nice, making his smile grow even wider as he cocked his head, leaning on the counter with his hip.

"You seem to be in a better mood. Did you enjoy your date with Seth last night?" He asked. My cheeks darkened with color as I cleared my throat, reaching to push my glasses up on the bridge of my nose.

"I guess, how'd you know about that?" I asked. I hadn't pegged Seth as a big mouth, and the fact that he told Taylor pissed me off. This was why I hadn't wanted to get involved with a student in the first place. They tell you they can keep secrets, but they ran around and told all their friends, who in turn told their friends and so on and so forth until I wound up in prison.

"I was there when you called," Taylor assured, pausing and giving me a very obvious once over, "He looked super excited. Like a puppy. I haven't seen him like that in a long time. So, are you guys serious now?" I couldn't imagine the comparison between Seth and a puppy. He was more like a wolf. A really annoying wolf that kept marking its territory all over your yard.

"No," I answered firmly now, "There's nothing going on, Taylor, and I'd appreciate it, and for lack of better words due to my hangover, if you would fuck off about it." Taylor hardly looked surprised at my retaliation. In fact, I didn't think that smile could get any bigger, but it did. He leaned a little bit closer, making me blink and my eyes widen behind my glasses.