I’ll take that as a yes. If I call, will you tuck me into bed too?
Is there a reason you’re texting me?
I think all that pent-up jealousy is really getting to you but don’t worry, no other girl can compare to what I have with you.
That’s your first mistake — thinking other girls can compare.
She reread her text. Most people didn’t see this side of her. Normally, it took time for her to feel comfortable bantering back and forth, but with Talon, it was different. Texting had allowed them to sidestep the awkward getting-to-know-you phase.
And what’s my second?
Letting your ego do all the talking.
Ouch. At least you didn’t deny the jealousy.
She shook her head and put the phone down. Her gaze landed on the Barnett tickets Zach had given her last night. She hadn’t understood why she would need them for a campus tour, but after seeing them, she realized why they were special. They admitted her and a friend to an exclusive event with the faculty and, more importantly, the admissions office. It was a great way to see the place, for sure, but also to schmooze the staff.
Keeley picked up the phone and called Nicky. She was expecting voice mail, so she was shocked when Nicky answered.
“Zach got me this tour of Barnett and I was wondering if you wanted to come.” She told Nicky the dates. “It would be an overnight thing.”
“I wish you’d told me sooner! My mom booked us at a spa for next weekend. It’s my gift for studying so hard this summer.”
That was a shame. Keeley could go by herself, she figured, but it would be a lot less fun.
“When are you getting your phone back?” asked Nicky. “Because I was going to call you, but I wasn’t sure what number to use.”
“I won’t have it back for a few days.”
“That sucks. How are things with that guy — Tim or something? Is he still driving you nuts?”
“Talon. And doesn’t he always?” Keeley joked. “You won’t believe who I talked to the other day — his mother!” Keeley launched into the story, making Nicky crack up. “I can hold that photo over his head till the end of time.”
There was rustling in the background. Then Nicky said, “Listen, I have to go. I’m meeting my study group, but I promise I’ll text you when I get home.”
Keeley had heard that promise before, so she didn’t believe it. At this point, Talon talked to her more than Nicky. Maybe things would change when they finally went back to school. She hoped so. She was getting sick of leaving voice mails.
Keeley hit the books for the rest of the day, getting through all her history and economics homework. All that was left was math. She was in her room when Talon rang.
“Randy called you,” he told her.
Keeley froze. Her ex-boyfriend? “What does he want?”
Talon’s voice turned mocking. “I’m guessing you guys dated ...”
“For a while.”
“Well, he heard you were going to Barnett next week and was looking to score an invite.”
How did Randy know about her extra ticket? Oh right … Zach and his big mouth.
“I hope you two are over, baby doll. I told him he couldn’t have the ticket because you gave it to me.”
“You what?!” He lied to a complete stranger. Although she shouldn’t be surprised. He never missed a chance to mess with her.
“And I might have alluded that since meeting me, you’ve gained an unhealthy obsession with all things Talon.”
She should be furious, but his response was so ridiculous she couldn’t help but be amused. Besides, it was Randy. Not like they were going to get back together. However, Talon didn’t know that. “Why would you do that? For all you know, he was the love of my life.”
“No guy would back off that quickly if he was in love.”
Interesting. “So, if you were in love with a girl, you would have kept texting?”
There was a long pause. She’d surprised him. Good. Because she’d surprised herself. The idea of him in love … it seemed unfathomable.
“Never mind,” she said when the silence grew awkward.
“No, it’s okay. I had to think about it for a second.”
“I was just curious,” she rushed to explain.
“I just … I guess I’ve never thought of it before.”
“Because you can’t imagine falling in love?” The question popped out of nowhere.
“No, because I can’t imagine a girl turning me down.”
Of course he would take it as a joke.
There was noise in the background, then Talon said, “Hey, is your brother going to be calling in the middle of the night again?”
“Technically, he’s grounded so he shouldn’t call. Why?”
“My roommate was pissed when your brother called so late. I thought you could give him my number instead.”
She hadn’t even considered Talon’s situation. “I’m sorry. I feel like a jerk.”
“I bribed him with some sports drinks and cookies. It’s fine.” Talon changed the subject. “So you want to go to Barnett, huh?”
She looked down at the tickets. “Not really. I have my heart set on an East Coast school.”
“I’m applying to some East Coast colleges, too. Try something different. Although, I don’t know how I’d deal with those winters. Brrr!” he joked.
Finally, someone who got her! It was a relief to know she wasn’t the only one. “I know, right? But it’d be an adventure.”
“What schools are you thinking about? I have a couple in New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.”
Her ears grew hot. She hadn’t even started researching. “I’m still working on my list.”
“You have time. Applications aren’t due till winter. So why visit Barnett then? Seems like a waste.”
“My brother got the tickets. He’s pressuring me to stay here so we can be close.”
“Dude, he sounds like a leech. Can’t he be without you for five minutes?”
“He’s not like that. I know it sounds bad, but you don’t know him like I do.”
“Then explain it to me.”
“He’s … well, he’s —” It was hard to put in words what her brother was. He was stubborn, yet loyal. He could also be spontaneous when he wanted to be, but that didn’t happen often. She blamed football. He was blind to everything else.
“Sounds like an exciting guy,” Talon commented.