“Woah, careful.” I drop my caddy and rush up behind her before she falls, gripping her hip to help her down to solid ground.
“Oh, thank you. I thought my ass was a goner.” She giggles, and turns, giving me a huge smile.
“Happy to help, but what were you doing?” I ask. I assume this is Sadie, my roommate. I've been waiting for her to show.
“I was putting a small security camera in the frame. It faces the front door, so I'll know if someone tries to break in and mess with my stuff again.” I look at her in horror. Hidden cameras? Breaking in? Is she a total whackadoo?
“Oh, no girl, don't worry I was going to let you know. I'm not crazy, promise. I just have a lot of expensive music equipment, and last year someone stole one of my guitars.”
Oh that's awful. I grab her into a hug, and she laughs.
“So you're a hugger. Noted.” I instantly release her and step back.
“I am so sorry. Boundaries. I hardly know you. I know. My whole family is big on hugs.” I look at her sheepishly.
“No stress. It was nice. I've never been hugged by a stranger in a towel before. I can cross that off my bucket list now,” she says with a genuine smile. Towel? I glance down. My cheeks heat and I stutter. "Oh my, I should get dressed. I'm Carson by the way if you didn't already know but please call me Cara. You're Sadie right?"
She rolls her eyes. "Unfortunately. But please call me Sassy. I hate the name that was chosen for me.”
“Sassy, I love it. Do you have any plans today? I need to take a walk around the campus, get familiar with where my classes are. Wanna come? We could maybe get some lunch?" I ask her, twisting my hands together nervously. I’ve never been great at making girlfriends.
I know and I’m joining a sorority.It's insane. My girls back home have been with me since we were in diapers, so we have always been friends, but other girls are just super mean, or they wanted to use me to get closer to Memphis.
She plops on the couch, and looks at me.
"Yes, I'm starving. All I ate on the plane was warm nuts. They ran out of the brie and fruit platter I love. So bummed. Hurry up and get dressed. I'll show you around," she says, then sighs. "Why do you have to be so tall, and gorgeous?" I pause before reaching my door.
"I'm sorry?" I say in confusion.
"Oh, did I say that out loud? Sorry I meant for that to be in my head."
I giggle, and spin, opening the door to my room.
"Oh okay, well thank you, sweet cheeks. I wouldn't say I'm gorgeous, but it's nice to hear." I throw her a wink then walk into my room. I’m about to close the door when she groans.
"She's sweet as apple pie, too! The Hawthornes are going to eat her for dinner."
I peek over my shoulder and she's biting her lip, and shaking her head.Who are the Hawthornes? Why does she seem so worried?I go to ask, but stop myself. Clothes first, and then me and Miss Sassafras are going to have a chat. I open my closet and look at my options. I have to meet the girls at the Kippa House after lunch so I need to be back here by one at the latest. I pull out some shorts and a tight pink tank top along with some undies and a bra. It is hotter than Hell and half of Georgia here. I don’t think I’ll need to unpack my jeans for some time yet.
I quickly dress then open my door to a heated conversation at our front door. Sassy slams it in someone's face then sighs, while shaking her head.
“Is everything okay?” I ask softly. I don’t want to pry. I mean we just met a few minutes ago, but she looks upset. She wipes under her eye and gives me a big fake smile. “Yeah girl, let’s get some food.”
“Okay.” I give her a smile back and move closer to the door. I open it and can’t help peeking both ways before walking out into the hall with her behind me. Whoever was there is long gone now.
e
“So that is the building with your English, and political science classes,” Sassy tells me pointing out another light brown brick building. Ugh at this point I should just put different colored ribbons on the trees in front of the doors.
“I’m going to be so lost. Why does everything have to look the same?”
She laughs and grabs my hand. “Come on, someone promised me lunch, and I’m starving. We’ll do another walk around after. I need sustenance girl. I’m withering away,” she says with a dramatic hand on her forehead as if she’s about to faint. I can’t help but laugh at her antics.
“Okay, but you pick a place. Something with lots of fat, and carbs. Today is my cheat day.” I give her a wink and she groans.
“Please, Cara, tell me you're not one of those people.”
“Those people?” I laugh again and give her an eyebrow lift.