Aurora grins and scoops up a handful of clothes from her pile, tossing them onto her bed. “I was kinda worried my roommate would be a total drag. I’m so glad you’re not.”
I let out a laugh. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
She nods, blowing me a kiss. “Closest thing to one you’ll probably get.”
I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips as I dig through one of my bags. I pull out a framed photo of Jacob and me, and just like that, my smile fades. My stomach twists as I stare down at it, memories clawing their way back in.
I trail my fingers over the edge of the frame.
“Who’s that?” Aurora asks, her gaze flicking over with curiosity. “Boyfriend?”
I lift my head, sighing as I slip the photo into my drawer and shut it a little too fast.
“Ex-boyfriend,” I correct, the word feeling foreign on my tongue. “We broke up before summer. He went to Harvard, I came here.” I shrug, forcing indifference. “He didn’t want to try long distance.”
Aurora’s expression softens, but instead of pity, she gives me a knowing look. “Oof.” She lets out a harsh breath and flops onto my bed. “Yeah, long distance sucks. My boyfriend goes to Westbrook. He’s a sophomore, so we’ve been apart for a while. It really does suck sometimes.”
I nod, my gaze drifting to the window. “I know. I know we did the right thing, but… he ended it so fast. Like flipping a switch. These feelings don’t just disappear overnight. At least not for me.”
Aurora watches me for a moment, leaning back on her hands. She smirks, her eyes glistening. “What you need is a rebound,” she adds. “You need someone to fuck you so hard you forget about your ex altogether.”
I huff out a laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah, don’t think that’s happening.”
“Why not?” She tilts her head, studying me. “Are you a virgin?”
“No.”
She hums, giving me a once-over. “Are you one of those people who need an emotional connection before sleeping with someone?”
I hesitate, my brows pulling together. “Maybe?” I shrug, shaking my head. “I don’t know. Jacob is the only guy I’ve ever been with.”
Aurora’s eyes widen. “Ever?”
I scrunch my nose. “Is that bad?”
She doesn’t reply, her brows tugging as she presses her lips together.
Growing up with an overprotective hockey-playing brother meant most guys didn’t even try to get close to me. Jacob was the only one, and even he didn’t stick around. The second we graduated, he packed up for Harvard and left me behind like a forgotten souvenir. He moved on so fast, I have to wonder… did he love me? DidIeven love him?
“God.” I drop onto my bed, rubbing a hand over my face. “I don’t even know who I am without him.” My gaze flickers to my closed drawer, where our picture is now hidden away.
Aurora slides closer, bumping her shoulder against mine. “It’s not a bad thing,” she says, tilting her head. “Just… unexpected. I mean, you’re hot.”
I snort, glancing at her. “That was a real compliment.”
She sighs dramatically. “You looked pathetic. It felt necessary.”
A laugh escapes me, but a groan follows it a second later. “We broke up months ago. I don’t know why I’m acting like some tragic, lovesick loser today.”
Aurora shakes her head, a chuckle leaving her lips. “You’re not a loser. You’re just long overdue for a little fun.” She springs off my bed, planting her hands on her hips. “Which is why we need to pick an outfit.”
I lift my head, already suspicious. “For what?”
“There’s a party tonight.” Her eyes gleam. “Welcome week rager. Filthy frat house, warm beer, drinking games…” She waggles her brows. “Am I selling you on it yet?”
I huff out a laugh, shaking my head. “Not even a little.”
Aurora rolls her eyes. “C’mon. It’ll be fun.”
