“Be honest.Is this hesitation because Elias is a stranger or because you can’t get your roommate out of your head?”
I sigh, running a hand through my hair.“It’s… complicated.I think part of it is because of Fox.”
"You know there's nothing wrong if you just tell Fox you like him and let him deal with it whichever way he wants," Landon says.
“You know I can’t do that.”
“You’re not exactly subtle,” he teases.“Besides, it’s not like he’s as straight as he thinks he is.”
“Yeah, right.He’s straight.”
“Not that straight,” Landon says.“The moment he kissed you, he lost that ‘straight’ status.Maybe he’s gay for you.”
“You read too many romance books, Landon.”I sigh, standing up as the bus arrives.“I’ve got to go.The bus just pulled up.”
“You better call me back,” he warns, laughing.“Or I’ll make it my mission to pester you for life.”
I laugh.“I’ll call you, Landon.Talk soon.”I hang up, making my way onto the bus with a smile.
I walk down the quiet street toward my apartment.It still feels strange knowing Fox lives here.Most people in the building are adults; as far as I know, Fox, a senior girl who lives with her boyfriend, and I are the only students.The architectural design is impressive, which probably explains the high rent.If I hadn’t found out that Fox’s dad was looking for a roommate to keep his son’s wild habits in check, I doubt I’d have been able to live here.I’m on a scholarship, and my family isn’t exactly wealthy.
When I reach our door, I twist the knob, finding it unlocked.That means Fox is home.Lately, we’ve been back to barely acknowledging each other—ever since Monday, when I refused to go home with him while I was out with Elias.Since then, he’s been avoiding me like the plague, ignoring me entirely.It’s hard to believe this is the same guy who kissed me not long ago, making me think he might actually feel something.But now?It’s like I’m his worst nightmare.
I walk down the foyer to the living room and spot Fox.He’s in a white long-sleeve shirt, tapping away on his laptop with a joint hanging from his mouth.His eyes are focused on the screen, his fingers flying over the keys.He doesn’t even look up when I enter.
“Hey,” I say, trying to sound casual.
He shakes his head, exhaling smoke without even glancing at me.“What do you want?”
“Nothing.Just saying hey.”
He scoffs, making it clear our short conversation is over.I sigh and head to my room, too tired to argue.Besides, I have a date with Elias tomorrow to think about.I toss my bag onto the bed and step into the shower, but as usual, my thoughts drift to Fox.He kissed me, and yet he hasn’t said a word about it since.Maybe if I understood why he did it, it would help me figure out how to deal with the way he makes my heart race.
After my shower, I grab a towel and start looking for something to wear when a voice echoes from the living room.
“What’s this nonsense I’m hearing?That you’ve been acting like a little shit again?Skipping practices, punching your team captain.What’s going on with you, Fox?”It’s his father, Mr.Wilder.Great.Why’s he here again?
Fox’s tone is defiant, his voice loud and angry.“I’m not a kid, okay?I can do whatever the fuck I want.”
“Language, Fox!”his father snaps.
“Why are you even here?Haven’t you done enough, after what you did to Kendra?”
There’s a pause, and then Mr.Wilder speaks, his voice colder.“Don’t you dare talk to me like that.I’m trying to help you.”
“I don’t need your help!”Fox yells.“Why don’t you try fixing your own life before you try to fix mine?”
I stand frozen, clutching my towel as their voices fill the apartment.It’s tense and raw, a side of Fox I rarely see.
“Just don’t take out your attitude on your roommate,” Mr.Wilder says, his tone sharp.“If you’re not serious about school, don’t make me waste my money on you.”
Talking about me to Fox is definitely not going to help.I can only imagine how Fox will react to being told to treat me better.
“Just leave,” Fox snarls, his voice dripping with anger.“I’m sure the school would love to hear what a fantastic father you’ve been.”
There’s a long, heavy silence, and I can almost picture Mr.Wilder searching for a sharp comeback to throw at his son.But instead, after a long pause, I hear the front door open and close.He’s gone.Thank God.
Fox can be an ass sometimes, and I know part of it has to do with whatever mess is going on in his family.But he doesn’t deserve to be treated like this by his own father.I hate seeing him this way—angry, bitter, and barely holding it together.It’s hard to shake the feeling that behind all that anger, there’s something broken Fox is struggling to hide.
