I gawked at how massive the campus was as we passed it. While Rae clung to my hand and her purse full of money, I stared out the window, listening to Mike and Ally chatter on about their own plans. We made our way to the hotel as the sprawling campus faded into the background, and I felt myself filling with nerves. Why did I feel so anxious all of a sudden? Why were my hands sweating? Why did I feel so overwhelmed?
It wasn’t my fucking orientation we were going to.
As we pulled into the parking lot for the hotel, we got out. And the sheer number of guys walking around that passed me by made me bristle. Young boys in groups, staring at me and glancing over at Rae. Whistling softly at Ally and making Mike take her into his arms. I walked to Rae’s side and guided her into the hotel. Away from the prying eyes as dread filled my gut.
I didn’t like how many guys were around campus.
“Hi there! You guys all checking in?”
The peppy front desk attendant chirped her voice across the lobby as we made our way for her.
“Uh, yes. The reservation’s under my father’s name. Dale Vance.”
The woman started typing. “I need your I.D. as well as a valid credit card.”
Mike pulled out everything he needed for the woman. But she looked displeased. She kept checking his I.D. and looking up at him, and I watched her eyebrows rise. I looked down at Rae. I saw her shuffling on her feet. She tucked herself against m
e, and I felt her trembling softly.
I kissed the top of her head to try and calm her down.
“I’m sorry, but you need an adult here to help you check in.”
Mike nodded. “There should be a note underneath the reservation explaining everything.”
The woman shook her head. “Doesn’t matter if there is. The law states--”
“Michael Vance! I was wondering when you’d be here to check in.”
A very bubbly older woman came out of the back room and walked out to us. She hugged Mike softly, and the three of us looked around at one another.
“Mrs. Autumn. It’s really good to see you again,” he said.
She ruffled his hair. “When did you get taller than me? What is happening right now? Are you actually college age?”
He chuckled. “College bound for Stanford.”
She gasped. “Your mother’s alma mater. Oh, I know she’s so proud of you right now.”
I furrowed my brow. “I didn’t know your mom went to Stanford.”
Mike shrugged. “She doesn’t talk about it much because she didn’t have the best time. Her dad kind of forced her into the family tradition.”
Ally paused. “You don’t feel that way, do you?”
Mike smiled at her. “No, baby. Not at all.”
The woman grinned. “Baby, huh?”
Introductions were made and I shook the woman’s hand. And slowly, I saw the girl behind the counter sinking into shame. I felt bad for her, honestly. Being run over by the likes of her manager and the son of some rich guy. But Mrs. Autumn got us checked in and assigned to the rooms we’d be in for the weekend. We went and gathered our things from the car before heading up.
Where Mike and Ally quickly disappeared.
“Well, I guess this is our room,” Rae said.
I snickered as the door slammed, closing us off from our two friends.
“Yeah, I guess it is.”