Push.
Faster.
Harder.
Because if I can do this, surely, I can get Jules out of my mind, too.
Mind over matter, right?
Rounding the corner to my street, the house comes into view. Parked on the street out front is that stupid fucking Mercedes that has no business being here. I let myself slow to a speed walk as I get closer to home, rolling my eyes. My roommate, Camden, met this older guy online. He’s apparently an OnlyFans content creator, too… or he’s trying to be, with the help of Cam. I’ve only met him a couple of times, but he seems stuck-up, like he’s better than all of us with his fancy cars and nose-in-the-air personality.
What Camden sees in him, other than his great dick, is beyond me.
Stomping up the stairs to the porch, my hand rests on the doorknob as I drag in a deep breath. As I blow it out, I push the door open, and none other than Mr. Too Good for You, Vaughn, is standing in the living room.
“What are you doing here again?” I ask before I can think to stop myself.
“Uh…” He looks completely taken aback by my brash question. “What?”
“Are you deaf?” Scoffing, I shake my head as I brush past him toward the kitchen. “Never mind.”
Pulling a water bottle from the fridge, I uncap it, gulping it all down in seconds. The cool liquid feels amazing going down my dry throat, and if it weren’t for the feet sounding on the hardwood behind me, indicating I’m no longer alone in here, I’d probably get a second one. Glancing over my shoulder, I meet Camden’s mismatched gaze. One of his eyes is a significantly lighter shade of brown than the other.
“Hey, Bo.” He tips his chin at me while he rips the peel off a banana. “How’s it going?”
“Fine,” I grunt, tossing the bottle in the recycling bin beside the trash.
“Wanna come out with us?”
“Who? You andhim?” I sneer, head nodding in the direction of the living room.
“And Elias. We’re going to Nosh.”
“Is that the burger place near campus?”
“That’s the one,” he confirms. “And don’t even try to tell me no. You never come out anymore, and you’ve been moping around for days.”
My face scrunches up as I glare over at him. “I have not.”
“Oh, but you have, my friend. No need to lie. It’s that guy, isn’t it? The dad.”
“God,” I grumble. “Don’t call him that. Jules is his name. And you don’t even know what you’re talking about.
“Whatever you say, buddy.” He slaps me on the back as he passes me. “But you’re coming with us. So, take your sweaty, rank ass to the shower, and be ready in twenty.
As much as I hate to admit it, he’s right. I’ve done nothing but hole myself up in this house except for when I go to class or go running. I’m going to drive myself to the brink of insanity if I keep it up. Getting out with my friends, even if it means the jackass in the living room has to come with, is a good idea. But I already dread it.
******
“And for you?” The tall brunette server turns her attention on me as it becomes my turn to order.
“Oh, uh…” I look down at the menu. “I’ll just have the house salad, please. No dressing.”
“Absolutely fucking not, Bodhi.” Four sets of eyes, including my own, fly to Camden. “You’re not eating a goddamnhouse salad. I haven’t seen you eat shit all day. Get a burger. Quit being weird.”
“That’s okay. I’m not that hungry,” I protest, despite my mouth watering at the thought of a juicy burger and a plate of greasy fries.
Shaking his head, he turns to the server. “He’ll get the Roadhouse burger and curly fries.”
