Learning to Live by R.D. Cole Read Free Book Online Page A

I don’t
want her to worry about anything that happened today. Today was
great because I met her, and I want her to see how amazing I think she
is.
She’s quiet for a minute and scrunches her eyebrows together in a
cute way before she speaks again. “Is there a gym or place to run
around here?” I can’t help the image of her wearing her workout attire,
running while gravity plays a hand in her movements. The twitch is
back. Stop it, you idiot, or you’re going to scare her away.
“Yeah. There’s a gym on campus and also a track you can run at
that’s close to the stadium. But the campus itself is pretty big and the
sidewalk goes throughout, if you want to take a scenic route.” I’m
debating on offering to take her or not. Maybe I should just wait and
see how this week plays out. I don’t want to make the wrong move,
and I have a feeling I need to tread carefully with Trudy. “Well, I better
be getting back, but I’m sure we’ll see each other around.” I’m hoping
that’s disappointment I see in her eyes as I make my way to leave.
“Night.” I finally force myself to turn around and walk away, but I’m
aware of her watching me until she goes inside her room and locks the
door.
Making my way outside I decide to forget the party and dial
Mason. He’s staying at his mom’s this weekend, and since I don’t feel
like dealing with all the drunk idiots or Ashton, I ask if I can crash on
the couch. I walk back to the house and straight to my Jeep before
anyone stops me with mundane small talk. The drive is short and gives
me time to let my mind wander, but it doesn’t go past a green eyed girl
with brown, curly hair.
    I sit on my twin bed after washing my face, ready to open the
picture album inside my desk drawer. It’s something I used to do every
night, but I try not to do it as much anymore. I’ve learned it only
depresses me when I’m done. Looking at my sweet boy’s face makes
me smile, but it also reminds me of how alone I am. However, tonight
I need to see him because of all the emotions I’ve been feeling today.
Between the two fights and the stupid emotions Jaxon has stirred
inside me, I feel the need for some familiarity.
When I reach for the drawer handle, there’s a knock at the door. I
feel excitement build in my stomach with the possibility that it might
be Jaxon coming back, but realize how stupid I am because his real
girlfriend is at his frat house with him. UGH!!! Who cares, Trudy? I
get up to check the door and try to keep Jaxon out of my head.
When I open the door nobody is there, but then I hear the knock
again. It’s coming from the bathroom door, and I know right away that
it’s Jazz. I open it and see her wearing a matching, pink pajama short
set and all smiles.
“What ya doing buuuuddy ?” she asks sweetly in a Paulie Shore
voice and I get the suspicion that she wants something. I really like her
and think we’re going to be good friends, but I need to be careful. First
thing I need to do is rid myself of this attraction toward her brother
because I don’t want or need it, and he’s obviously off limits.
“Just getting ready for bed.” I take a seat on my bed and watch her
sit across from me. “Do you need something?” I’m not sure how to act
with someone other than myself on my bed.
“Nope,” she says and pops the P while she continues to smile.
“Soooo, what do you think of my brother?”
Ah ha! That’s what she’s up to. She must have noticed me looking
at him earlier. I really need to work on my poker face. “He’s okay, I
guess. He was a big help tonight and earlier today against that Craig
guy.” I shrug my shoulders, trying to act nonchalant about the whole
Jaxon issue.
“He’s actually really great. Believe me when I say that he’d make
a wonderful catch for any girl. I saw the way he was looking at you,
chick, and I think he might like you.”
“Yeah right.” I laugh it off but inside I feel flutters build up in my
stomach. I