Loving by Karen Kingsbury Read Free Book Online Page A

conversation fell off as they exited at Candlers Mountain Drive and turned right toward the entrance. They passed East Campus on the left, the newer section of the school where highend townhouse dorms sat nestled at the base of the mountain. “Those are
not
dorms!” DeMetri’s eyes grew wide as he leaned over his knees to see out Cody’s window. “Man, remind me again why we didn’t sign up for East Campus housing?”
    “It was too expensive.” Cody laughed again. “Besides, the freshmen are usually in the other dorms.” Cody had helped DeMetri through every step of the application process, from his scholarship paperwork to choosing housing. Liberty had offered to pay for everything except books. And Cody had already takencare of that — putting a credit on DeMetri’s account for books and whatever extras he might need.
    They turned right at the bridge and headed toward the campus Barnes and Noble, where they’d arranged to meet Charles Bigsby. In the days since Smitty’s original acceptance, he’d made yet another decision. He would play football for the Flames, but he wanted to study worship, maybe lead music at a church back in Indiana someday. And Bigsby was easily the nation’s premier worship leader. He had helped start the worship center at Liberty.
    As they parked, Cody saw Mr. Bigsby on the top step of the bookstore. But DeMetri was looking in the opposite direction, toward the football stadium. “Did you get a look at that place, Coach? Looks like a pro stadium!” He paused. “Not that I’ve seen a pro stadium, but still … that has to be better than the usual college fields. The place is beautiful. Can you imagine playing football there, Coach?”
    “Smitty.”
    “Look at the field house! Who has pillars on their field house?”
    Cody laughed and managed to sound a little more stern at the same time. “Smitty, Mr. Bigsby’s waiting.”
    That seemed to snap him out of it. “What?” He gasped and grabbed the truck’s door handle. “Come on, Coach! What are you doing? We can’t keep the man waiting!”
    “Yeah, I forgot. I’m holding us up.” Cody laughed. He was going to miss DeMetri more than any kid at Lyle. That much was certain.
    The campus tour revealed one incredible location after another. DeMetri couldn’t stop talking, and Charles seemed to love the kid’s enthusiasm. They started at the stadium and made their way to the student union and then to DeMoss Hall. Since it was a school day, class was still in session, and Charles took them to a freshman English class on the first floor. “Go take a seat at the back of the room. The professor knows you’ll be observing.” Hegrinned at Cody. “You’re in charge after that. Explore. Take a look at the Vine Center and any of the other buildings.” He promised to be at the Center for Worship, where they would end up when they were done looking around.
    “This is so cool.” DeMetri looked over his shoulder at the English room filling up with students. “I can pretend I’m a freshman.”
    “Absolutely.” Charles chuckled. “I think you’ll do just fine at Liberty, DeMetri.”
    Not until they sat down in the back row did Cody look around the room. It held a couple hundred seats, and with the professor already at the lectern up front, the rows were nearly filled. College kids, ready to take the world by storm.
    Something caught his attention near the opposite wall. A girl with long brown hair that fell in soft layers around her shoulders and down her back. A girl who, if this were Indiana University three years ago, could’ve passed for Bailey Flanigan. She sat down next to a tall kid built like a linebacker. Probably played for the Flames.
    Cody watched them, the way he angled his head in close to hers, the adoring expression on her face as they shared a few words before the professor began. Why hadn’t he treated Bailey like that? He’d been so busy walking the other way that he never stopped to look at her. Really look