Changing Tunes by Heather Gunter, Raelene Green Read Free Book Online

partners and all…” He drawls out. “We are going to want to help each other, and if we need to ask a question, we can get in touch … over the phone...” He’s beginning to sound slightly sarcastic now. Okay, ditch the slightly, extremely sarcastic.
    I’m a little slow on the up take. “Oh. Sorry.”
    “What? Did you think I was trying to hit on you?” he asks with an annoyed laugh.
    He’s making fun of me now. “No, I…didn’t…” I stutter out.
    “Guess what, sweetheart? Some of us have scholarships we have to maintain. We aren’t all here on our daddy’s money.”
    How did he know that?
    I’ve never been at a loss for words. Never. Without even having a conversation with me, he’s nailed me.
    “So I’m guessing by your reaction, you aren’t used to guys not hitting on you? Well, then consider me your first.”
    I’ve also never felt the need to cry, or let anyone see me cry; especially not a guy, and yet, right now, that is exactly how I feel. I will not give him the satisfaction of seeing my tears.
    “Asshole!” I blurt out and rush away as fast as I can.
    I think I hear my name being called and a possible, “Wait” and “I’m sorry.” But I’m so angry and upset I don’t stop. I just need to get out of there and far, far away.
    On my way home, my phone rings and I glance down to see Warden flash across the screen. I may as well get this over with.
    “Hello, Dad.”
    I guess he didn’t have the patience to wait for me to call him.
    “Ashley, did you make it to your classes on time?”
    He says my name so formally. There’s no ‘Hi, honey, how was your first day?’ or ‘I miss you being around the house.’ Just, ‘did you make it to your classes on time…’
    “Yes, Dad, I did.”
    “Good, you know first impressions mean everything. I’ve got my money invested in your education, so don’t mess it up by doing anything stupid.”
    My emotions get the best of me. My eyes begin to puddle as my voice begins to waiver. I spot a nearby bench and take a seat.
    Choking down my emotion, I say, “I won’t.”
    “Good, that’s what I want to hear. Call me by the end of the week. I want a full report on your classes.”
    “I will.”
    “I have a meeting to get to. I’ll talk to you at the end of the week.”
    With that, he hangs up.
    I don’t want anyone on campus to see my cry, so I pull my legs up and rest my cheek on them, looking in the opposite direction. I desperately try to reign in the emotions and the tears that want to fall. The tears I haven’t let fall in such a very long time. I feel helpless, like I have absolutely no control over anything in my life.
    I feel a hand on my shoulder and quickly look up, wiping my face as I do. I don’t want anyone to see me upset.
    “Ashley, sorry if I startled you. I called your name, but you must have not heard me.”
    I can’t help the snarl that comes out. “What do you want?”
    Zeke is standing in front of me. No matter how much of a douche bag he was, his presence still seems to elicit a feeling in me that weirds me out. Not in a bad way, unfortunately.
    “Look, I feel bad for being such a dick.” He sounds sincere, so I look up at him. He actually does look like he’s sincere. Being the bitch I am, I let him stew for a moment before declaring a cease-fire.
    Zeke sighs, “I’m really sorry, I don’t know why I acted that way. I’m sorry if I upset you.”
    I glance away then finally look back at him. “I’m not upset because of you.” I snap.
    That’s a lie. A partial lie, I tell myself, anyway. I snatch my bag and stand up. It isn’t until I stand that I really notice Zeke’s height again. I’m always so tall compared to most guys, but with Zeke, I have to look up. I like it a lot. I also notice he’s broader than I first thought. Not as wide as a football player, more like a baseball player.
    I back up, trying for some much needed space, completely baffled at why I’m thinking about his shoulders and his