Page 42 of Patrick
Plus, we’ll have to pretend we’re not together. Shit. He’s going to think I’m a wimp backing out on our relationship at the first sign of stress.
“Frank is going to the game in Boston on Wednesday. He might even be bringing a young lady.” Dad chuckles, sounding unusually lighthearted. Frank’s young lady must be someone he approves of, probably someone Italian.
“That’s cool. Good for Frank. He works too hard.”
“He’s fine. We all work hard in the Rossi family. It’ll be good to see you tomorrow. I wish you were living at home. It would be an easy commute to campus—”
“Dad, you know I need to learn to adult by living on my own.”
“What do you mean on your own? You’re in an apartment with three other girls, right? Did you hire that housekeeping service I told you about?”
I roll my eyes, but my smile is automatic. “Let’s talk about all this when I see you. I have a class.”
“Alright, alright. I know when I’m being given the shuffle. You be good and take care of yourself, and don’t forget to call your mother on Sunday. You sure you don’t want to come home for dinner?”
As much as I miss our family Sunday dinners, I don’t want to miss the chance to spend time with friends—and by friends, I mean Trick—here on campus. “I have some studying to do, Dad. I’ll be home in a few weeks for Mom’s birthday. Love you, love everyone. Gotta go.” I end the call and stare at my phone, willing the sharp twinge of guilt about lying to fade away.
But I don’t have time to dwell because I need to tell Trick about the family coming to the game, and this isn’t the kind of news I want to text or even call him about. I have to tell him in person so there are no misunderstandings about how I feel or about how he feels. The problem is I don’t know when I’ll have a chance.
Re-joining my roommates in the kitchen, I help myself to another cup of coffee. Only Ricci and Nina are still here.
“Where’s Darcy?”
“She had an early class or something,” Nina says.
“How was your night—for real?” Ricci says. “Give us some details to be scandalized about.” She wiggles her brows.
“That’s classified information.” I give her a smile and a wink, but no way am I sharing the kinds of details I know she’s looking for, the kind she’s free about discussing.
It surprises me that I feel this burning need to keep our intimacy a secret even from good friends. I don’t think I would even want to share those things with my own twin sister, who I share everything with. I mean, it’s not like she tells me all about her nights with Connor. Not that I ever asked since I don’t need to know.
All I need to know is that he makes her happy.
“Let’s put it this way,” I say. “He makes me very happy.”
“Oh my god—seriously?” Nina says, laughing and bouncing on her kitchen stool.
“That’s way crazy. Happy?” Ricci shakes her head. “What exactly is that a euphemism for? No—let me guess.”
I laugh. “Please don’t try to guess. I have a class to go to across campus.” I finish drinking my second coffee way too fast and throw on my coat. Grabbing my bag, I head for the door.
“You driving?” Ricci asks.
“No. It’s a glorious morning for a walk.”
“Oh my god. What did he do to you?” Nina says, giggling.
“Don’t you two have classes?”
“Not until eleven. I’m not insane,” Ricci says. “See you at Philly for lunch around 12:30.”
“Okay. I should be able to make it.”
Outside, I shiver and wonder if I shouldn’t have taken my car because it’s hella cold out today. But the sunshine is brilliant against the glistening snow and the bright blue skies, so I breathe in the icy air and trudge on, pulling my coat closed.
Before I get far, I can’t resist taking out my phone to text Trick. I didn’t want to be that obsessed woman who can’t go a few hours without contact, but I want to arrange a meet-up so we can talk.
Me: About the game…
