You didn’t tell yours either.
My relationship with my parents was undoubtedly different, but I still felt a pang of understanding. The way I’d acted and the things I’d done that had ended my sorority life were embarrassing, plus it wasn’t surprising he hadn’t told his parents about his new living arrangement.
“Actually, I was planning to study at the library,” Colin said. “You know, for finals.”
His father had begun to slide out of his seat but stopped and peered at his son critically. “Really? You don’t have your laptop with you.” His expression turned plain. “Did you forget it back at the house?”
When Colin didn’t have an answer, his father shook his head as if to say, classic Colin. He stood and reached for his tray. “C’mon. We’ll put your bike in the back of my car.”
Colin’s expression was pained. He was trapped with no way out, and something inside me shifted.
I stacked my tray and rounded the corner, stepping into view. “Hey, Colin.” I strode toward him, ignoring how his eyes went wide with shock, then narrow with distrust. He glared at me like his day had just gone from bad to worse.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” I flashed a shy smile at his dad before turning back to him, “but I’m so glad you’re here. I need a really big favor.” I took in a deep breath. “Can you—uh—walk with me to my next class?” I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, trying to look nervous and sell the story. “There’s this guy who’s been hitting on me and will not take a hint. If he sees me with someone else, maybe he’ll stop.”
For a moment, he simply blinked.
Then, there was a spark of hope in his eyes before his gaze darted to his father and back to me. I was offering him a chance to escape, and Colin was happy to take it. “Yeah, of course.”
“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” His father’s tone had an edge of irritation.
“Yeah. This is Mads.” Colin made a face. “Madison Perry,” he corrected. His posture straightened as his attention swung back to me. “This is my dad, Rob Novak.”
Mr. Novak thrust out his hand, and I took it, finding his handshake oppressive.
“Nice to meet you, sir,” I said.
“Same,” he replied.
His gaze worked me over head to toe, probably evaluating my relationship with his son—but he wouldn’t get it right with a million guesses. Hell, even I didn’t know what Colin and I were to each other.
“How do you two know each other?” He’d attempted to sound casual but couldn’t have been more obvious if he’d tried. Mr. Novak wanted to figure out if we were dating. Or maybe he knew his son’s reputation and was wondering if we’d slept together.
“We’re friends,” Colin lied.
“At a Greek mixer,” I said at the same time.
Our mismatched story hung for a moment, but Mr. Novak didn’t seem to care. His gaze settled on his son. “How about you walk her to class, I’ll take your bike back to Sigma Phi Alpha, and I’ll meet you there when you’re done.”
Once again, worry swept through Colin. He peered at me with dread. This was my moment to land a critical blow and win the war between us, and he fully expected me to take it. To tell his father there was no reason to go to the Sig house because Colin was no longer a member.
But instead, I lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug.
“That’s why I said it was a big favor.” I gave a sheepish look. “My class is in Slater Hall.”
It was total bullshit. My next class was only a few blocks away, but Slater Hall was on the other side of campus, and about as far away from the Sig house as you could get. It’d take us fifteen minutes to walk there, and at least as long to walk from it to the frat house.
“Oh,” Mr. Novak said, understanding quickly. “Should I give you both a lift there?”
“I don’t want to inconvenience you,” I started, but Colin cut me off.
“We won’t all fit with my bike in the back seat.” He did his best not to sound pleased. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll walk my bike over with her to her class, then ride it home after.”
His father glanced at his watch and did the math in his head, perhaps determining his plan for seeing the frat house wouldn’t work out. “All right. Next time, then.” He picked up his tray and Colin’s too. “I’ve got this. You better get going if you don’t want to be late to class.”
“Thanks.” Relief poured through Colin’s expression. “And thanks for lunch.”
His dad nodded. “Nice meeting you, Madison. I hope Colin can help you.”
I swallowed down the lump in my throat. As much as it pained me to admit it, his son had already helped me. “Thanks,” I pushed out. “Nice meeting you, too.”