“Um, okay.” I hand the phone toward Marshal. “He wants to talk to you.”
Marshal shrugs and takes the phone. I can only hear one side of the conversation, but by the way my best friend is smiling, I know it’s going well. Finally, he hands it back.
“What did he say?” I ask as I cover the microphone.
“He said to lock the door and keep you inside.”
My lips purse. “Seriously?”
“He said to take care of you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
Marshal laughed. “He said you’d say that.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I said for always and forever.”
I let out a breath and spoke to the phone. “Hey, for the record, I don’t need men conspiring against me.”
“No one is conspiring,” Josh said. “We’re watching over a person we love.”
Love?
I felt my insides melt like a candle left too long in the sun. “Come back soon.” It was all I could say.
As I hung up, I looked at Marshal. “He might be.”
“Your forever?”
I nodded.
“I’m not sure I one hundred percent approve, but he seems like a good guy.”
I reach for my purse and slide my phone inside. “Let’s go.”
3
Sami
Seven years ago
Iwake as I almost fall from the twin-size mattress. This thing would be too small for me alone, but it’s definitely too small for two. The musty scent of this house, shared by four college students, combines with body odor—a mixture of perspiration and too much alcohol.
I’m not a virgin, but I’m also not accustomed to waking next to a guy, especially this guy, my best friend.
When Marshal asked me to come to Michigan State for a weekend visit, I wasn’t prepared for his new living conditions—four guys lacking cleaning skills or the desire to clean—or a sleepover in the same bed. I’m not sure it was all planned on his part either.
The off-campus house was rocking last night.
Marshal and his roommates may not care about cleaning, but when it comes to throwing a party, they are professionals. From the Christmas lights strung all around the backyard, to the keg, bonfire, and loud music, I’m kind of surprised no police showed up.
My stomach twists with that morning-after sensation of having too much alcohol and not enough food. I move my tongue around to try to conjure a bit of saliva.
Eww.
How can nothing taste so awful?