The Hazards of a One Night Stand (Hazards #2)(23)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“This weekend?” Wow, he was on the ball.

“Yeah. It’s due in a week.”

“Aren’t you busy with Kappa all weekend?”

“Tonight and some of Sunday, but I’m free tomorrow.”

“I have plans tomorrow night.” I was less excited about my next date with Tanner than the first. Going to a party where I knew no one didn’t sound like much fun.

“Yeah. I know.”

“How?”

“I ran into Tanner this morning. He was quick to make sure I knew.”

“Oh.” Lovely. Tanner really had a possessive side. Either that or he was incredibly threatened by Colt.

“Do you even like him?” Colt’s words weren’t tentative. He was challenging me.

“Yes.” It wasn’t a complete lie. I did like certain things about him.

“Come on, Mallory. You don’t.”

“I don’t know him well yet.” I looked around Colt to the bustling quad. I wanted to get lost in the crowd so I could escape the conversation. I appreciated the coffee, but I didn’t like where the discussion was headed.

“In other words, you’re not ready to admit you’re using him as an excuse.”

“Just when I thought you were being cool, and we could be friends…”

“It’s not like you. You don’t use people. Remember that.” He nodded before walking into his building.

I sighed. Great. Just what my conscious needed. I was still thinking about his words when I slipped into my seat next to Reed in econ.

“Hey.”

“Hey.” I booted up my laptop.

“I heard you had fun last night.”

“Yeah, it was cool. How about you?”

“It was nice.” He got a goofy smile on his face, and I could tell he was thinking about his night.

“Anything with Juliet is fun for you.”

“That it is.” He smiled brighter and got his own laptop ready. “So you and Tanner, huh?”

“I guess.”

“You guess? I heard you’re going out again tomorrow.”

“We are.”

“Why do I get the sense you’re not into it?” He turned to me.

I couldn’t get Colt’s words out of my head. “I am. It’s just early.”

“I get that.” His expression didn’t quite match his words. I appreciated that he didn’t try to push me any further on it.

Class started and I was more than happy to concentrate on economic principles rather than my love life. It was far simpler.

***

Sisterhood movie nights are one of the best ways to spend an evening. A night without guys can be more rewarding than you’d think, and it was exactly what I needed at the moment. The first one of the year was on Friday night, and I happily settled into watching a movie with the other girls. We’d ordered in Italian and broke out some popcorn and candy—all movie theater style.

I sat on the floor and leaned back comfortably against the couch. We had nearly perfect attendance, which meant there were close to sixty girls watching the movie. The den was a little over crowded, but no one seemed to mind.

My phone rang halfway through the movie. I saw my mom’s name on the screen and headed toward the stairs to answer it. “Mom?”

“Mallory, hi.” Something was off. She didn’t sound right.

“Is everything okay?” I quickly took the stairs. Juliet glanced up at me questioningly. I waved her off and went up to my room.

“Yes and no.”

“What’s that mean?” I lay down on my bed.

“Mallory.” She paused, as if carefully considering her words. “It’s your father.”

“What about him?” I hadn’t seen or talked to my dad in ages. As far as I knew, neither had she. The birthday card and my quick thank you note were the only communication we’d had in months.

“He had a heart attack.”

“What? Is he okay?” I felt the stinging of tears. We may not have been close anymore, but he was still my dad.

“From what I got from his assistant, he’s still in the critical care unit in the hospital.”

“Should I go there?” I asked nervously. I wasn’t sure what answer I wanted to hear.

“Davie asked the same question. We’re going to wait until morning and reevaluate.”

“Is he going to be okay?”

“I don’t know, honey, but I hope so.”

“Thanks for letting me know.”

“Are you alone?” Concern filled her voice.

“Nope. I’ve got a house full of company.” Although unusually quiet thanks to the movie, there were tons of girls around.

“Good. I’ll update you in the morning. I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you too. Tell Davie and Rob I love them too.” I tried to control my voice before hanging up.

“Mallory?” Cara asked softly from the doorway. She waited with Juliet.

“Hi. Sorry.” I used the side of my hand to dry my eyes.

“Why are you saying sorry?” Juliet took a step into the room. Cara followed and they closed the door behind them.

“I don’t know.”

“What’s going on?” They both sat down on my bed.

“My dad had a heart attack.”

“Is he okay?” both girls asked at once.

“We don’t know.” I wiped my eyes again.

“This is your dad dad, right? Not your stepdad?” Cara slipped off her shoes and pulled up her leg so she could look at me better.

“Yeah.”

“Are you going to Charlotte? Do you want me to take you?” Juliet offered, mirroring Cara’s movements.

“I’m not sure. My mom’s supposed to update me in the morning.”

“I’m so sorry. Is there anything we can do?”

“No. I think I’m going to take a walk.”

“A walk?” Cara asked. “Now?”

“Yeah. I need to move.”

“I’m in then.” Cara slipped on her flip flops.

“Same.” Juliet put on her sandals too.

“It’s okay. You guys can finish the movie.”

Juliet stood up. “Not a chance.”

“I appreciate it, but I need some time alone.”

“You sure?” Juliet asked.

“It’s getting late. Will you get back before dark?” Cara fidgeted with her necklace. It was a ‘C’ with a small diamond.

“I won’t be gone long. I appreciate you guys offering to come though.”