- 13.
I was given Alex’s room. Mrs. Peterson’s
hospitality was overwhelming. After several
failed attempts to refuse, I gave in when she
asked, her voice tinged with hurt, if I thought
their home wasn’t good enough. Alex’s room
was clean and simple. The most prominent
feature was a large bookcase filled with books,
models, and trophies. Very fitting for the
straight–A student he’d always been. He was
two years older than me. We weren’t close, but
we weren’t strangers either. Besides growing up
together, we’d also gone to the same college —
him on a full scholarship, me thanks to in–state
tuition. Ashton called that night. His voice
sounded subdued. “Josh said you went back to
- )
44
<
Georgia?” I murmured, “Yeah.” After a long
pause, he grumbled, “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have come with you.” Ashton’s feelings
for me had become apparent after our awkward teenage years. I didn’t hesitate to shut him down. “It’s okay. Focus on work.” “Be careful on your own. I’ll wrap things up here and come get you in a few days.” He hung up before I could protest.
- 14.
