Page 9 of Under His Protection
Philip opens the door, and I slip out into the hallway, which is just as busy as it was earlier. Students are still moving into their rooms. This will probably go on all weekend.
“Oh, my God,” I whisper as Philip shuts the door. I lean against it and run my hand over my face. “That was embarrassing.”
He frowns. “I’m sorry I put you in that situation. I should have been more careful.”
“It wasn’t your fault! I’m the one who started it.”
After we both put on our shoes, Philip holds his hand out to me. “Let’s walk around campus and find your classrooms. Then we’ll grab some dinner. Sound good?”
I take his hand, loving the warmth and strength of his fingers encasing mine. “That sounds wonderful.”
* * *
When I return to my dorm room that evening, Melissa is seated at her desk and typing on her laptop. School hasn’t even started yet, and already she’s getting a head start. She’s wearing what I assume are her pajamas—pink and white plaid flannel shorts and a pale pink T-shirt. Her hair is covered by a pink silk bonnet.
I realize I haven’t checked out the bathroom yet. Showering in a communal bathroom is going to take some getting used to.
I plop down onto my bed. “I’m sorry about earlier. That won’t happen again.”
Melissa turns to face me. “No worries. It’s fine. Your boyfriend is very good looking. And so tall! Does he go here, too?”
“No. He’s already graduated and works for a security company now. So, what’s your major?”
“Biology. I’m pre-med.”
I nod. “Political science and history for me. I’m pre-law.”
She smiles. “Now I know who to contact if I get sued for malpractice.” She chuckles. “My mom’s a pediatrician, and my dad’s an orthopedic surgeon. Both of my older brothers are doctors, too. I guess medicine runs in my family.”
“I can relate. My mom and stepdad are both attorneys.”
“Any siblings?” she asks.
“No, it’s just me.” I go to my closet to grab my pajamas and shower bag. “I guess I’ll check out the showers and get ready for bed. I’m wiped. It’s been a long day.”
Melissa closes her laptop. “I think I’ll do the same.”
I grab my robe, a towel I brought from home, and my shower shoes. “Can you tell me where—”
“The bathroom is? Go left down the hall. It’s on the right. You can’t miss it.”
* * *
Fortunately, there are only a couple of girls in the bathroom. I grab the last shower stall, step inside, and close the curtain. This feels so reminiscent of showering at summer camp.
After a quick shower, I put on my robe and step out to the long vanity counter to comb my hair, blow-dry it, and braid it
When I return to my room, I find Melissa sitting up in her bed flipping through one of her textbooks.
“Did you find it okay?” she asks.
“No problem. It wasn’t very crowded.”
“Most of the girls shower in the morning. That’s why I prefer to shower at night. It’s not so busy then.”
I put my stuff away in the closet and hang up my damp towel on the back of my chair to dry.
As soon as I sit on my bed, my phone rings.
