Her eyes widen. “You’re taking that much with you?”
“Just the essentials. Clothes, my Harry Potter collection, textbooks, and a dozen other books I want to read over break.”
She chuckles, knowing I’m taking way more than just my necessary essentials.
“I don’t want to have to do more than one trip, so that’s why I need your help.” I smile sweetly.
She sighs. “Fine. I have to run across campus and pick up some paperwork from the lab first, but it won’t take more than ten minutes. Plus, you know I’m a sucker for free coffee,” Ashley says, her lips pulling together in a smirk. “I’ve decided you’re getting me a Trenta instead, by the way.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“That’s because you play to my weaknesses.”
“Only because you’re the best roommate ever. But please don’t tell the other ones I said that.”
She gives me a thumbs-up before putting the earbuds back in and rocking out to some song I can’t make out because the beat is too fast and the lyrics are jumbling together. I plop down on the couch next to her, and she moves her feet so I have more room. I lay my head back and stare at the ceiling until my vision blurs, then I close my eyes. I hardly slept a wink last night, and it’s beginning to catch up with me.
My five-minute catnap is interrupted when my phone goes off. It’s a message from Drew.
Drew
You know you’re the best little sister in the entire world, right?
Clearly, Drew needs a favor, and after hearing he’s leaving this weekend, I’m not sure I feel like being much help. Actually, when I think back on it, that was the restart of all of this drama with Travis. I had been able to avoid him otherwise.
Viola
What do you want?
I reply, suspicious. It beeps seconds later.
Drew
I want you to know how much I love you and tell you how you’re the greatest and my most favorite sister ever.
I sit up on the couch and groan.
Viola
I’m your only sister. So, spill it.
Drew
Well, see Travis texted me and asked if I could bring him lunch again today because he’s super busy, but I’m stuck at work and can’t leave. He swears he won’t ask again for the rest of the year.
I immediately see red, and my fingers can’t fly across the screen fast enough.
Viola
NOT FUCKING HAPPENING! HE CAN STARVE FOR ALL I CARE!
For someone who has his shit together, he needs to plan better. Bring a sandwich, make a protein shake—for fuck’s sake, takeout is always an option.
Drew
C’mon, sis. It’s totally not like you to be like that when people are hungry.
I sigh and close my eyes. Why must he do this to me?