The Freshman

by Monica Murphy

  “Oh, come on. If we don’t find your hottie, you have to come. It’s the least you can do to pay me back for sitting out here with you.”

  “Is it really such a chore, sitting in the sunshine, getting your homework done and drinking your free PSL frap?” I ask, vaguely annoyed.

  “Yes. Yes, it is. I could be at home, getting ready for tonight.” She smiles. “You should see the outfit I have picked out.”

  I can only imagine.

  My gaze drifts as Gracie drones on about Robin’s band and how good they are. He’s the lead singer, of course. Writes all the lyrics. Blah, blah, blah.

  My gaze snags on a tall, dark haired and extremely handsome boy standing among a cluster of other equally tall, extremely handsome boys, and I realize my hard work has paid off.

  It’s Tony and his group of friends.

  They’re talking. Some of them animatedly, though not mine. He just stands there, listening intently. One of them smacks Tony in the shoulder, and he just laughs. My heart catches in my throat when I see that dazzling smile on his face. How relaxed and at ease he seems with his friends. I remember how he was when I saw him at the country club. Stiff. Tense. Cautious.

  He doesn’t like his dad. He wasn’t comfortable with him at all. Such a shame.

  But I get it.

  “Hey.” Gracie snaps her fingers and I startle to attention. “Did you hear anything I just said?”

  “No.” I tilt my head in the direction of the group of guys nearby. “He’s here.”

  “Who? Your man? No way.” She squints in the distance, the breeze ruffling her long, golden brown hair so strands blow across her face. “Which one is he?”

  “The dark-haired one on the left.” My gaze lands on him once more, and everything inside of me starts to ache.

  “Ooh, he’s cute.” She sends me a look, and I think she’s impressed. “Like, really hot.”

  “I know.” I sound smug. I am smug.

  Tony is a complete hottie.

  “You sure he’s only eighteen?” She stares at him once more.

  “That’s what he told me.”

  “Hmm. Well, he’s gorgeous. The boys on campus get prettier and prettier every year, I swear. I don’t remember anyone looking like him when we were eighteen. Oh God, they’re headed this way. Get over here.”

  I frown at her. “What do you mean?”

  “Come sit by me! He might not recognize you if your back is to him.” She pats the empty spot beside her. “Hurry!”

  I scramble so awkwardly over the bench in my attempt to move, I almost send myself sprawling on the ground. Luckily enough, I catch myself and move over to her side, sitting right next to her. Pushing my hair out of my face, I go for nonchalant.

  Like no big deal. I’ve been sitting like this the entire time.

  Gracie rearranges our books so that mine are facing me and hers are more on her side versus all sprawled out. We sit, watching expectantly, as they approach. My heart is racing. My stomach is jittery, and maybe that’s from the coffee I just drank, but maybe not.

  Maybe it’s because Tony is finally here.

  My instincts were on point.

  The group is about to pass by us before one of his friends knocks him in the arm with his fist and points straight at us. They all stop and stare.

  “Oh Shit,” Gracie mutters, “They’re looking at us.”

  “I know,” I say out of the side of my mouth.

  “Dude, they’re all so good looking.” She sounds shocked.

  “I know,” I repeat.

  They turn and head up the sidewalk toward us, Tony leading the way. His gaze catches mine and he smiles at me.

  I smile back, fighting the urge to jump up and tackle-hug him.

  “Oooh, he’s smiling at you,” Gracie practically squeals, and I elbow her in the ribs so that she calms down.

  Thank God, she does.

  “Hayden.” He stops right beside our table, his friends hovering behind him. “Look at you.”

  I blink at him, pleased by the tone of his voice. I can tell he’s happy to run into me. “Yeah. Look at you.”

  He laughs. “Your hair isn’t usually so straight.” He reaches out and yanks on a strand and I want to giggle like I’m ten.

  But I don’t. I keep a straight face.

  Barely.

  “Who’s your friend?” One of them asks. It’s Caleb. The player.

  Oh no.

  If he flirts with her, even the slightest bit, she will fall madly in love.

  “This is Gracie. She’s my roommate and best friend,” I say, sending a look to Caleb that says I will cut a bitch if he tries to flirt with her.

  As in, he’s the bitch I will cut, so he better back off.

  “Nice to meet you,” Tony says to Gracie, offering her his hand.

  She takes it, sending me a quick look that I can’t quite decipher. “Nice meeting you too, Tony.”

  Tony’s smile widens when his gaze returns to mine. “You’ve told her about me.”

  “I have.”

  “I’m flattered.”

  “It’s no big deal.” I wave a dismissive hand. It’s Gracie’s turn to elbow me in the ribs.

  “What are you guys up to?” Gracie asks.

  “We just finished class. We always meet up here in the quad on Tuesday when we can and grab a late lunch before practice,” Tony explains.

  I file that information away for later. “Nice,” I say casually. As if I haven’t been out here waiting for him. “I’m so glad we ran into each other.”

  Gracie giggles. I ignore her.

  “Me too.” Tony shoves his hands in his pockets and we just stare at each other for a moment. Memories of our encounter in his car ping between us and the tension grows thick. I can feel it.

  Can anyone else?

  Gracie clears her throat. “Hey, Tony. What are you doing tonight?”

  Oh no.

  “Nothing. Why?” His dark brows pull together.

  “Well, I’m going to a concert at Strummers, and I invited Hayden to go with me.” I glare at her, silently willing her to shut up, but she just keeps talking. “And I thought it would be fun if you came with us too.”

  Tony’s words are for me. “You cool with that?”

  I shrug. Like it’s no big deal, though inside I’m dying. I mean, I don’t want to go to this shitty concert, but if I can go with Tony? Then, yes. Please sign me up. “Yes, I’m cool with it.”

  “Great.” His focus is now on Gracie and he smiles at her. She appears a little dazzled by its appearance and I want to tell her, girl, same.

  But I don’t.

  “Thank you for inviting me,” he continues.

  “You need a date?” Caleb pops out of the group and approaches Gracie, a flirtatious smile curving his lips as he saunters toward her. “Because if you do, I’m your man.”

  “I’m going tonight to watch the lead singer. He’s my boyfriend,” she says pointedly.

  Well, Robin isn’t her boyfriend yet, but I guess she doesn’t need to clarify that particular fact to Caleb.

  “And I’ll be your bodyguard. What do you say? I’m sure your boyfriend would appreciate two big, strong football players watching over you in the crowd.”

  “I can handle the crowd. I’ve been there before,” Gracie says tightly.

  “There are some shady characters at Strummers,” Caleb says.

  “Caleb,” Tony starts, but his friend keeps talking.

  “You’ll need some protection tonight, a pretty little girl like you.” His gaze roams over her, as if he likes what he sees.

  And, oh shit, that lights Gracie up like a Christmas tree. I seriously hate how he just called her a pretty little girl, but whatever.

  “The teenaged girls that usually show up are pretty rabid,” Gracie says, and I can tell she’s going to cave.

  “They don’t bother Robin though,” I add, and both Caleb and Tony swing their heads in my direction with questioning looks on their faces.
r />   “Robin?” Caleb asks.

  “Who’s that?” Tony frowns.

  “My boyfriend,” Gracie says weakly.

  Now Caleb is looking at her. “You have a boyfriend named Robin?”

  “His parents named him after their favorite Bee Gee.” Gracie sends me a murderous look. I didn’t realize I wasn’t supposed to say Robin’s name out loud.

  “What the ever-loving fuck is a Bee Gee?” Caleb scratches his head. He appears genuinely perplexed.

  “What time does it start?” Tony asks me.

  “I’m not sure. This is all Gracie’s plan.” I am highly amused. I thought it would be a bad idea to have Caleb tag along, but he’s funny. And he’s got Gracie all flustered, which is kind of cute.

  Maybe I should feel bad for Robin, but the guy gives me strong narcissistic vibes. He’s not a very good singer, though I can admit he’s a decent lyricist. My theory? He’s in a band for the girls. Plain and simple. Considering they’re mostly teens and he’s close to twenty-five, that’s super creepy.

  Even twenty-year-old Gracie might be too old for him.

  “I’m glad I ran into you.” Tony smiles, taking a step closer. I can tell he wants to touch me.

  I want him to touch me too.

  Should I be honest and admit this was no coincidence?

  Nah.

  “I’m glad too.” I smile at him in return. He reaches out and grabs me, pulling me in for a hug and I cling to him. He clings to me too, for a few extra seconds. My entire body lights up as if he flipped a switch inside me, and I want more.

  When he pulls away, I feel bereft. As if I’m missing something. He looks a little lost too.

  “Hey.” We both glance over at Gracie when she yells at us. Caleb is still standing next to her, grinning. She points at Tony. “Meet us at Strummers at eight, okay? Concert starts at nine. Don’t bring your friend.”

  She jerks her thumb in Caleb’s direction.

  Tony frowns. “You want us there an hour before it starts?”

  “There will be a line,” Gracie says.

  “The Bee Gee is that in demand?” Caleb asks incredulously.

  Gracie sends him a death stare. “Come on, Hayden. We need to go.”

  “But—” I start.

  Now I’m the one getting a death stare.

  “See you at Strummers?” I ask Tony.

  He smiles. “Definitely.” He rests his hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze, just before he leans in and drops a quick kiss on my lips.

  I feel that touch all the way to my toes and back up, settling in my core.

  “Hayden!” Gracie’s voice is sharp. She’s standing by the table and gathering her books, shoving them in her backpack.

  I go to join her, my gaze trained on Tony as he walks away with his friends. Caleb flips around, so he’s walking backwards, that goofy grin still on his face.

  Gracie lifts her hand, giving him the finger.

  He just laughs.

  “What the hell?” I ask her as I shove the last of my schoolwork in my backpack and jerk the zipper closed.

  “That guy is a douchebag. An annoying, sexy douchebag,” Gracie says, her tone laced with hostility. She slips her backpack strap over her shoulder, looking prepared to go in for battle.

  “He’s not so bad.” I have no idea what Caleb is really like. I’ve barely talked to him.

  “He’s awful. Giving me endless shit. Over something I had nothing to do with and can’t control.” Gracie shakes her head. “Robin can’t help it if his parents gave him a girl’s name.”

  Huh. That is pretty awful. But Caleb looks so harmless.

  We head for the parking lot, which is the opposite direction to where the boys are walking. I wonder where they’re going. Has Tony been to Strummers before? I wonder if he’ll like the music. It’s not that great. And the place will be filled with mostly screaming females. That’s how it was when we were there last week.

  Yes, I went there a week ago to watch Robin, the shitty singer, perform his shitty songs with the poetic lyrics. I am such a good friend, I deserve a medal.

  “Caleb is probably acting that way because he knows he’s getting under your skin,” I point out to her.

  Which isn’t that easy to do. Gracie is usually very accepting of everyone. Especially guys. And I don’t mean that as an insult either.

  It’s the truth.

  “Be prepared for Caleb showing up tonight,” I warn her.

  “I really hope that doesn’t happen,” Gracie says, sending me a look. “He’s fucking hot.”

  “Wait, what?” I come to a complete stop. “Are you talking about Tony?”

  Gracie stops too. “No! Well, your boyfriend is hot too, but so is his friend. His annoying as fuck, rude as hell friend is utterly fuckable.”

  Oh no.

  “Gracie. You have Robin,” I remind her.

  “Not really. I think he considers me a groupie like the rest of them.” She sighs. “But I don’t really want Caleb either. He’s awful.”

  “They’re all awful,” I say in agreement, because this is what we do. Bash a little on the male species.

  Well, one of them isn’t awful.

  At least, right now he isn’t.

  Fifteen

  Tony

  Caleb climbs into my Range Rover and immediately takes command of the music situation. He grabs my phone and punches in my security code—that I’ve never given to him, he just somehow knows it—and opens up Spotify. He does a little searching, leans over and turns up the volume, and a familiar beat starts playing.

  “Well you can tell by the way I use my walk…”

  “The Bee Gees,” Caleb tells me with a grin.

  I shake my head as I navigate our way out of the condo parking lot. Strummers is in the Tower District in downtown Fresno, and since I’ve never been there before, I have the directions going on my phone. As in, Siri is guiding me with her soothing Siri voice.

  “So the ‘Stayin’ Alive’ guys,” I say to Caleb, once the song is mostly over and we’re on the freeway.

  “Yeah. This song is fucking ancient. How old are his parents?” Caleb asks no one. “Saturday Night Fever came out in 1977. I looked it up.”

  The song ends and a new one starts. Melodic keyboards play. “What’s Saturday Night Fever?”

  “A movie about disco music.” I glance over at Caleb to see his expression is pained. “It’s kind of catchy, which I fuckin’ hate to admit.”

  I laugh. He looks downright miserable. “Why are you listening to it then?”

  “I thought it was funny.” He grabs my phone again and searches for another song. “We’re blasting the Bee Gees if we spot Gracie and Hayden in front of Strummers, okay? That’ll piss Gracie off.”

  “Is that your new job in life? To piss Hayden’s friend off?”

  “It’s fun. Girl reacts big. And she’s cute as fuck.” Caleb grins as he starts bopping his head to the beat of “Dreamcatcher.” He usually likes his music a little harder, so I’m surprised. “I can’t wait to see this Robin asshole.”

  “The band probably sucks,” I say.

  “Such a doubter.” Caleb shakes his head. “Though I bet you’re right. I looked up who was playing tonight on the Strummers’ website.”

  “They have a website?”

  “Yeah. Well, I think it was more Google listing the acts. A band called Bat’s Cave is scheduled at nine. I assume that’s them. Sounds like a bunch of edgy shit. I bet they paint their fingernails black.”

  I say nothing, meaning I’m in silent agreement.

  Caleb’s got my phone again, and he switches the song to “10 Freaky Girls” by 21 Savage, which makes a lot more sense if you know Caleb.

  This song slaps. Makes me think of high school. Makes me miss Jake. It was one of his favorites. It was on the playlist we listened to in the locker room to get hyped before a game.

  “Love this song,” Caleb says. “Wish I had ten freaky girls on a yacht.”

  “
You would.”

  “Have you talked to Jake lately?” he asks me.

  See, the song makes him think of Jake too.

  “He texted me a few days ago,” I say. “He mentioned he’s coming home for Thanksgiving.”

  “That seems so far away.”

  “It’s next month,” I point out.

  “True. I planned on staying at the condo for Thanksgiving,” Caleb says.

  “You’re not going up to see your family?” His parents are nice, simple people who somehow created this larger-than-life perv Caleb.

  “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?” he asks me.

  “Staying at the condo I guess,” I admit.

  “I was planning on keeping you company.” He won’t look at me. He’s picking off imaginary lint from his knee.

  I feel like a sap, but Caleb wanting to stay at the condo over Thanksgiving break when he could go home and be with his family is…nice. Thoughtful. Who knew he had it in him?

  Me. I did. I always did. He puts on a show, but deep down, he’s a nice guy. He’s just—sex-crazed. Out to conquer every girl he can before he falls into a boring, miserable life. At least that’s what will happen, according to him.

  And that sucks. Why does he set himself up to fail?

  I think of my future, and Hayden suddenly appears in my mind. Seeing her on campus earlier had felt like a jolt to my bloodstream. She was sitting at a picnic table with her friend, and her entire face lit up when she saw me. Like she’d been waiting for me.

  Totally reading too much into it, but I can’t help it.

  I know I smiled at her much the same. Caleb slapped my shoulder. Jackson called me pussy-whipped. I ignored him because he has no idea how I feel about Hayden, or what’s happened between us so far.

  I’m not pussy-whipped.

  Not yet.

  Ha.

  When we finally arrive at Strummers, I have to circle the block because there’s no parking in the front. And there’s a long line in front of the building, made-up mostly of young teenage girls dressed in the ugliest clothes imaginable.

  “Slow down when you make a pass this time,” Caleb advises me as we head for the front of Strummers again. “I want to see if I can spot Gracie and Hayden.”

  I go a lot slower as we drive by, and I’m the one who spies Hayden’s blonde head first. “There they are.”