Teach Me (College Daze Book 2)

by Danielle Burton

  She rolled her eyes and brushed past me, rounding the car to the passenger side.

  “I can’t get a hug, though?”

  “Late people don’t get hugs.” She slid into her seat, slammed the door, and crossed her arms.

  I climbed back into the driver’s seat then turned to face her. “I’m sorry I’m late. I was–”

  “It’s hot as hell out here and my feet are killing me. You better have a damn good excuse.”

  “I have a sister.”

  Cam’s head jerked towards me. “What?”

  “Have an early dinner with me at the park and I’ll tell you all about it.”

  She eyed the bag of food that sat between us then looked up at me. “Can’t we eat at home? I’m gross and sweaty from work, not to mention tired.”

  “I kinda wanted some us time. When we’re at home Gabi always hogs you. I’m your friend, too, remember?”

  “Yes, I remember.”

  “So, can’t I have you to myself sometimes?” I tilted my head to the side and met her gaze while biting my lower lip.

  She rolled her eyes and sighed. “Fine, we’ll go to the park. Stop pouting.”

  “But I’m so cute when I pout.”

  “You wish.”

  I laughed while putting the car in reverse, happy to finally have some one on one time with her. Gabi was my home girl, but I’d be glad when she went to go visit her parents so I wouldn’t have to worry about her stealing all Cam’s free time.

  ~ ♥ ~

  Cam’s eyes roamed over the bench with care before she took a seat. “There better not be any bugs up here.”

  I chuckled while settling down next to her. I’d chosen a spot on the gazebo so we’d have some shade. Cam was cranky when she was hot. It also didn’t hurt that gazebos were like the epitome of romance and judging by her movie choices Saturday, Cam was into that type of thing.

  She sat her tray on her legs and dug in while admiring the scenery. “This is nice.”

  I patted myself on the back for choosing the perfect place for our impromptu dinner. One point for me. “Yeah, it is.”

  “So, tell me about this sister. Do I get to meet her?”

  “I didn’t even get to meet her.”

  “But…I thought…”

  I ran though the surprise meeting of my sperm donor’s wife. “I only saw her from afar and if Nathan has anything to do with it I’ll never get to know her.” I stared out at the park, watching a couple squirrels chasing each other. My heart clenched a bit like it had each time I’d thought of Simone since learning of her. Although we hadn’t spoken and she likely didn’t even know I existed, I felt an innate need to protect her, to rescue her from the devil disguised in a three-piece suit.

  Cam took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You okay?”

  Meeting her gaze, I smiled. “Yeah, just wish things were different.”

  “Maybe they will be one day. I bet it’d be nice to have a sister. Gabi is the closest thing I’ve got. Her, Mr. Adams, and Jay are basically my only family.”

  “What about me? Can I be your family?”

  She cut her eyes at me while sipping on her drink, a slight smirk on her sexy lips. “I’ll think about it.”

  We shared a laugh and I shook my head at her. The more time we spent together the more aware I became of how tough it was going to be to get her to let me in completely. But I couldn’t deny that I enjoyed the challenge, chipping away at her tough exterior, inching my way toward the soft center that was her heart. So far she’d only given me bits and pieces of herself. I wanted it all.

  “Speaking of family,” I said, closing my tray. “You ever thought about having one, you know, a husband and kids?”

  She shrugged. “Not particularly. I mean, I always knew I’d get married, but I never imagined it’d be for anything other than financial security. Kids were never a part of the equation. No child should be brought into a loveless marriage.”

  “So, you never thought you’d grow to love him? Even if you did marry for different reasons?”

  She shook her head. “I wouldn’t even begin to know how to love someone.”

  “You’ve never been in love?”

  “Nope, not even once.” She turned her face toward me. “You?”

  I took a long sip of my drink while admiring her delicate features, and wondering if she knew how beautiful she was. “Still deciding.”

  Her brows furrowed, wrinkling her button nose. “What do you mean?”

  I shook my head, chewing my straw, and then faced forward. “Nothing.”

  She stared at me for a second longer before turning away.

  Leaning back against the bench, I draped my arm behind her and we sat in silence for a while, just enjoying each other’s company. I’d never done anything like this before. It was pretty nice.

  Cam sat her food beside her on the bench the turned her body toward my, resting her elbow on my shoulder. “How was your first AA meeting yesterday? We didn’t get a chance to talk about it last night.”

  “It was good. My sponsor is cool, too. He’s been sober for three years now. It’s nice talking with others who’ve struggled with addiction. They understand it like no one else can.”

  She nodded and dropped her gaze for a minute. “I want to ask you a question, but I’m afraid it’ll trigger something.”

  “Ask me what?”

  “It’s about your mother.”

  I swallowed a gulp of air and played with the ring on her middle finger. “I’ve come a long way in the past few weeks, I’m sure I can handle it.”

  “Well, you said people with addictions understand each other. And I know your mom did some terrible things, unforgivable things, but do you think you could ever understand her? Not that her addiction is an excuse, but...”

  “I get what you’re saying. And I actually have been thinking a lot about that. Especially since I’ve been home. I’m still working on forgiving her. I want to believe she’s changed, but I just can’t forget all she’s done.”

  “I understand that. I was just curious.”

  I lifted a stray strand of her hair from her temple and brushed back into her pony tail. “What about you? Think you and your mom will ever be on good terms.”

  With a heavy sigh she rolled her eyes. “That’s highly doubtful. I’ve tried with her more times than I can count. She just keeps hurting me. It’s like ever since my dad died she’s been out to get me. Making my life miserable just for the hell of it.” Cam turned her face from me, staring out at the kids playing in the jungle gym. “Sometimes I think she blames me. I heard my dad say once that she trapped him. Maybe that’s why he did it. It was the only escape from our screwed up family.” She closed her moistened eyes and bit down on her quivering lip.

  Reaching over, I turned her face back toward me. “Cammie,” I whispered.

  Her eyes slowly opened and she blinked a few times. “Yes?”

  “I know you don’t like feeling vulnerable, but you don’t have to be tough for me. You gotta let that pain out. Keeping it locked up does more harm than good, trust me.”

  A tear broke free and slid down her smooth cheek. She rested her head on my shoulder and draped one arm across my chest, sniffling. “I just don’t understand why he left me.”

  “I hate to say this, but you probably never will.” I ran my hand up and down her arm, hugging her close. “People who commit suicide don’t do it for selfish reasons like people believe. When it gets to that point when it hurts just to open your eyes each day, you’d give anything to make that pain stop. Your dad was likely depressed and I don’t believe it had anything to do with you. If anything you’re what kept him holding on as long as he did. Speaking from experience, I know how hard it is to be pulled back from that point. Even after you saved me that night, there were days I still thought about it. Depression ain’t no joke. Your dad didn’t do it because he didn’t love you, he just couldn’t hold on anymore.”

  Chapter Twenty

&n
bsp; ~ Camryn ~

  This was becoming a serious problem. Hell it was borderline voyeurism. But dammit, I couldn’t help myself. Each day I’d taken to watching Benji work in the yard, discreetly of course. His bedroom overlooked backyard giving me the perfect view of those abs in motion.

  Was it wrong to drool over my friend’s body? Maybe. But I had to do something to get through my sexual hiatus. If fantasizing about taking him for a ride got the job done, then so be it. Besides, it’s not like it was intentional. I didn’t want to think about him in that way, had tried like hell not to. I’d even replaced his image with Sean’s on several occasions, but somehow Benji always found his way back in. Him, my imagination, and the detachable shower head had gotten me through many sleepless nights.

  My gaze focused on him as he sat down a shovel and picked up a bottle of water. How in the hell did he make staying hydrated look so damn sexy?

  Sweat glistened off of his tanned skin, giving him even more appeal. He’d let his hair grow out some and a few of his curls had glued themselves to his forehead. He finished the water and lifted his hand, pushing them back. His gaze caught mine and he smiled and waved.

  I dove to the floor, hitting my elbow on the way down. “Ouch!”

  “Cam?”

  My head whipped toward the door where Gabi stood frowning at me. “Yes?”

  She lifted a brow. “What are you doing?”

  “Um…just a little exercising. Push-ups.” I got to my knees, rubbing my sore elbow.

  “In a dress?”

  I glanced down at my purple strapless sundress, scrambling for a lie. I had nothing. “Did you need something?”

  She eyed me skeptically for another second before speaking. “We’re getting ready to start.”

  “Okay, I’ll be right down.”

  After Gabi walked away I stood, slipped on my sandals, and then headed to the backyard.

  I stepped out onto the deck they had finally finished and looked around for Benji. A splash of water hit my feet and I jumped back with a little yelp.

  Benji stood on the side of the deck with a hose in his hand. “Did I get you wet?”

  My hand flew to my heart, trying to ease the palpitations. Crap. How did he know? “Wh-what?”

  “With the hose. Did I wet you?”

  “Oh…just a little. I’m okay.”

  He released the spray nozzle and leaned on the banister, resting his arms on top of it. “What’s going on, Miss Cam?”

  I walked closer and looked down at him. “I need to go to store. Will you take me?”

  “Of course. Let me finish up here then I’m all yours.”

  I shifted on my feet, wringing my hands. “I kinda need to go now. It’s really important.”

  A smirk formed on his lips. “What you need to buy some tampons or something?”

  I slapped his bicep and shoved him.

  He released a deep chuckle. “I’m just playing, girl. Damn. You need to quit hanging around Gabi, her violent ways are rubbing off on you.”

  I rolled my eyes at him and folded my arms. “You play too much. Now come drive me.”

  “Alright, bossy. Can I at least take a quick shower first or you want me to stink up the whole store?”

  “Go ahead, but hurry.” I turned to head back inside. It was too damn hot.

  “Hold up.” He bent down and picked one of the tulips he’d just watered and handed it to me.

  I reached out a cautious hand, searching his face. “What’s this for?”

  “Matches your dress.”

  I held it against me and it matched up perfectly. “Thank you.”

  ~ ♥ ~

  I strolled around the store, tossing random things into the cart, each getting a raised brow or sideways glance from Benji.

  When I stopped in the snack aisle, he looked over my items and chuckled. “So, your super important shopping trip was for paper plates, flip flops, and a candle?”

  I shrugged while grabbing a bag of hot popcorn. “My stuff is important to me, so...” I finished by sticking out my tongue.

  He laughed and placed a package of lemon sandwich cookies into the cart.

  We shopped around some more and I actually did end up getting tampons, which elicited a chuckle from Benji.

  In the checkout line Benji slid past me and fished his debit card from his wallet.

  I snatched it before he could give it to the cashier and instead handed her two twenty dollar bills and him his card back.

  He slid it into his wallet while frowning. “What was that about?”

  “Nothing. I’m just perfectly capable of handling my own purchases.”

  “I know that,” he said, loading the bags into the cart. “But I’m allowed to pay for my friends every once in a while, right?”

  “Do you pay for stuff for Jay?”

  “Sometimes, and he does the same for me.”

  “Oh…” I took my change and dropped it into my cluttered purse.

  Benji looked over at me while pushing the cart. “I know you can handle things yourself, Cam. But I take care of my friends when I can. You, Jay, and Gabi.” He draped an arm over my shoulder and smiled. “I won’t lie though, you are my favorite.”

  I nudged him away and rolled my eyes. “You flirt too much.”

  “And you front too much.”

  I stopped, crossing my arms and jutting out my hip. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He only winked.

  Sometimes I wanted to yank his hair. He was so damn infuriating. The way he’d say something and refuse to elaborate, leaving me wondering if I was reading too deep into his words.

  Benji started walking again so I followed. We stepped out into the area where the pop machines and other wastes of money were.

  I glanced at one of those toy grab games as we passed then stopped and back peddled. “Ooooh, there’s a Pikachu in here.”

  Benji stood next to me and looked inside. “You want it?”

  “Yeah, but I’d rather buy one. No one ever wins these things.”

  He looked down at me and smirked. “I accept that challenge.”

  Twenty minutes and five dollars later, the toy still sat in the exact same spot.

  “Told you so.”

  “Shhh, I got this.” He picked up a green teddy bear and dropped it a few inches away.

  “What was that? You didn’t even try to get it that time.”

  “Relax, lil bit, it’s all a part of the plan.” He put in two more quarters and the game started up again.

  I sighed and leaned against the glass.

  Benji moved the claw, positioning it above the Pokémon toy. It dropped, grasping Pikachu’s head then lifted it slowly.

  My breath caught and I bit my lip as it inched its way toward the opening. With three seconds left on the clock it dropped into the hole. I screamed, jumping up and down while gripping Benji’s arm. “You did it!”

  “Told you I would,” he said, then grimaced. “Do you mind retracting the claws?”

  I released his arm with a giggle and rubbed at his reddened skin. “My bad.”

  He shook his head at me then bent to get the toy and handed it to me.

  “Thank you!” I gave him a half hug while squeezing my prize to my chest.

  “No problem at all, Miss Cammie.”

  ~ ♥ ~

  When we made it back home Benji helped me put my things away then plopped down on the sofa. “Where is everybody?”

  “Not sure,” I said, taking the seat next to him. “Let me text Gabi.” I sent her a quick message and it chimed right back. “She says they’re in the basement. Probably watching a movie or something.” I stood and straightened my dress. “Come on.”

  He stood and followed me. “I hope it’s something good. Romance movies are alright every once in a while, but y’all go too far. I’m about sick of Omar Epps. Was he in every movie from the early 2000’s?”

  I slapped his arm and laughed. “Don’t hate on Omar.”

  As we
made it to the bottom of the steps the light clicked on.

  “Surprise!”

  Benji froze, his gaze sweeping the room before settling on the ‘Happy Birthday Benji’ banner.

  Jay emerged from the crowd with a huge grin on his face. He slapped Benji’s hand then gave him a hug.

  Benji looked at him with a raised brow. “You know my birthday ain’t for another week, right?”

  “Duh. I’ll be gone then so we threw you a party early.”

  Benji nodded. “You also know I have no idea who any of these people are, right?”

  “If you’d ever taken your ass to class you would. And some are from the track teams.” Jay patted his shoulder and laughed. “Just smile and enjoy yourself.”

  Jay disappeared again and Benji turned to me. “So I guess you were my distraction, huh?”

  I smiled and curtsied.

  An hour into the party I sat across from Gabi, sipping on a lemonade. We were discussing my future plans for college.

  “I filled out a lot of grants and scholarships but haven’t heard back from any yet. community college seems like the only option at this point.”

  Gabi patted my hand. “That’s okay. Lots of successful people went to community college. As long as you get to major in what you love, right?”

  “I guess.” My gaze found Benji as I took another sip from my beverage.

  He was posted up on a wall talking to some light skinned heifer.

  She tossed her fake ass Brazilian hair over her shoulder then stretched her way too skinny self up to whisper in his ear.

  He shook his head then nodded in my direction.

  She looked back at me and rolled her eyes before walking off.

  Fuck you too, bitch.

  Benji pushed off the wall and went over to his uncle who had proclaimed himself the DJ.

  “Cam? Cam!”

  My gaze shifted to Gabi. “What?”

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  Benji appeared next to me then took my hand and started to pull me up.

  Gabi, grabbed my other hand, holding me in place. “Hey, rude. We’re talking.”