Happenstance 3 (Happenstance #3)(31)
Author: Jamie McGuire

Thunder rolled over our house, louder than it had been since the storm began. Part of me wanted to stomp across the rain-soaked lawns and pound on his door until he listened, but we had gone back and forth for nearly three months. He was desperate, and I was beginning to think I was broken.

Despite the heavy thoughts bouncing around in my head, the rain slowly sang me to sleep. I dreamed of emerald-green eyes, soft fingertips on my skin, and a lonely empty dorm room.

When my eyes opened, I waited for relief or the feeling of a second chance, a tiny shred of hope. It never came.

I rolled over onto my side, ignoring the chipper birds on the branches outside my window and the sunshine pouring through the sheer curtains. Everything Weston had ever said to me scrolled through my mind like credits, read in his soothing deep voice. I already missed him. My hand shot out from under the blanket and took my phone from the night table. I was almost afraid to look.

But I did, and the display read exactly the way I’d expected it to. There was nothing. I wondered what he was doing at that moment—if he were awake, if he were keeping busy, if he were wondering about me or trying not to, if he regretted molding his ring into the shape of my finger.

“Erin?” Sam called from downstairs. “Up and at ’em, babycakes! We’ve got a big day!”

The hours dragged on with organizing, packing, and shopping. It would have been nice if packing had kept my mind from Weston, but the more I tucked away, the further he felt.

On moving day, Sam stacked Julianne’s SUV with boxes and bags, rearranging it all at least twice until he was satisfied with the way it fit.

“I’m not going to cry,” Julianne said. “It’s just a car ride. We’ve driven to Stillwater a hundred times. This is no different. We’re just…taking our only child to…I’m going to cry,” she said, her breathing suddenly labored.

“No, you’re not,” Sam said, handing her a tumbler with a straw. “Chamomile. Sip and think of how brilliant your daughter will be and all that money she will make to help keep you and me in the finest retirement home.”

I smirked.

“Well? It’s time, kiddo,” Sam said.

Julianne’s lips pressed into a hard line as she retreated to the passenger seat and slammed the door.

“Is she going to be okay?” I asked, looking around.

“Yes. Are you?”

I walked a few steps out into the yard and glanced each way. Weston’s truck wasn’t in the drive.

Sam waved me back with an understanding expression. “Come on, honey. It’s time to go.”

I nodded, deflated. “I thought he’d at least say good-bye.”

“He still has time. Maybe he’ll come out tomorrow or something. He doesn’t leave for a few more days.”

“I have orientation tomorrow,” I said, opening the door of my BMW.

Sam watched as I sat in the driver’s seat. He pushed his round tortoise shell glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Try not to worry about it, honey. It’s best to focus on school now. Today is what you’ve been dreaming about for a long time. I just want you to think about that.”

I nodded.

Sam walked to the SUV and slid in next to Julianne. He backed out of the drive and then pulled up a bit until I did the same. We paused briefly at the Stop sign, and then they pulled onto Chrysler Avenue, turning east.

Chapter Thirteen

BEING ALONE IN THE CAR for an hour and fifteen minutes did nothing to help keep my mind off of Weston. It was the day I’d been dreaming of, but things were very different than I had imagined. Leaving wasn’t an escape. It was good-bye, and I wasn’t sure how I should feel about it.

The radio seemed to know how low I was feeling, the DJ playing every sad song on his list. Then, the upbeat songs just reminded me that I couldn’t cheer up, and that only made me feel worse.

Sam pulled into the parking lot of my dorm. Most of the parking spaces were already taken, so he parallel-parked next to a tree that I was pretty sure was not a legal spot. He hopped out and directed me to park behind him.

“They’ll forgive us today,” he said with a reassuring smile. It faded when he saw my expression. “Sweet pea, come here.”

He pulled me into a hug, and then Julianne’s footsteps stopped next to us.

I looked up at her, and her eyes were as red and wet as mine. I sniffed and then wiped my eyes, and Julianne did the same.

She nodded. “Okay. We can do this.” She lowered her chin and cupped my cheeks. “This is a good day. This is a great day.”

After I checked in and received my paperwork and key, I returned to where my parents stood at the open SUV.

“Here we go. This is it. This is the day,” Sam said, holding a laundry basket full of various items above his head.

Julianne began to giggle, and then I did, too.

I stacked two of the smaller boxes and lifted them into my arms.

“Thank God there is an elevator.” Julianne huffed as she lifted a box. “This is Bennett Hall.” She smiled. “It’s the best. Boone Pickens Stadium is just right there, and they have the best food.”

I shot an appreciative smile at Sam. “You know how much I love food.”

“That wasn’t my call,” Sam admitted. “You can thank Mom for getting the inside scoop on that one.”

I turned my charm on high and pointed it straight at Julianne.

“Didn’t I tell you we’ve got you taken care of?” she said, pleased with herself.

“Let me carry that, Julianne,” a smooth deep voice said from behind the SUV.

Weston stepped around, holding out his arms. My stomach sank, and my heart leaped.

Julianne lugged the box over to him and then stacked another one on top of that. “Nice of you to show up, Wes.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said simply.

Julianne grabbed a couple of bags and followed Sam toward the building.

“Hi,” I said, instantly feeling stupid over my simple greeting.

His eyes didn’t give anything away. “I wasn’t doing anything else today. I figured I’d be a complete dick if I didn’t come help you move.”

“Thank you,” I said, my voice sounding small.

“It doesn’t mean anything. I’m just being a friend.”

I nodded, and we walked together across the lot until we got to the lobby. Sam was holding the elevator while Julianne held the papers that told us which room I was in and the directions to get there.

“Second floor,” Julianne said. “Two thirty-seven.”