SIX
Brooke
The next night, he picked me up in his flashy Camaro that fit his attitude so well. On the way to Marticello's on campus, we made small talk, neither of us mentioning what had happened on the phone the night before.
In the parking lot, he took my hand in his and proudly led me down the main drag in the middle of campus. All the rich students, jocks and superstars of one sort or another hung out there constantly. People like me, a boring sports med student, did not belong.
“Don’t look so nervous,” he said, squeezing my hand. “We’re on a date.”
“I didn’t agree to a date, did I?” I teased.
He laughed.
“You did, and I’m holding you to it. A good slice of pizza and some fun with friends will be good for both of us.”
“I’m surprised you eat pizza at all.”
“Like I said last night, I eat what I want and make up for it later in one way or another.”
As I walked next to him I couldn’t find argument with his system. Especially if I could be the focus of his next workout.
“Here we go,” he said, opening the door for me.
I let go of his hand and walked inside, immediately feeling sick as seemingly everyone turned to stare at me.
“You okay?” he asked as he stood beside me, sensing my discomfort.
“Yeah, I don’t do well in crowds.”
“Noted,” he said. “You want to leave?”
“No, we’re already here. I’ll be fine.”
Why is this guy even with me?
“Come on, Trey is over there.”
I followed him through the crowded establishment, stopping at a booth on the other side. Trey looked up and smiled, his black hair cropped short.
“What’s up, Austin?”
“Gonna grab a slice and hang a bit. You know Brooke, right?”
Trey turned to me and nodded.
“Yeah, I do. You don’t come here often, do you?”
“No, too busy working and studying. How’s that knee, by the way?”
His face grew pale.
“Fine,” he said. “I’ll talk to you guys later.”
“Yeah, see ya, fellas,” Austin said then turned.
After we had walked a few feet to another booth, he whispered into my ear, “You have to tell me that story about Trey.”
“I can’t. Patient and doctor confidentiality and all that.”