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“Here’s your drink.” I handed it to her. “I only spat in it twice.”
“Great.” She took it and closed her eyes at the first sip. “I hate you, but thank you.”
“Anytime.” I fought a smile again. “Now, give me your five-star tour, and I’ll give you a tip.”
She slow-blinked me before opening and closing her mouth. She seemed confused if I was joking or not, and the adrenaline rush returned. I hadn’t felt this type of rush in years. Excitement and a challenge.
“The nursing building is all the way down there, on the left side.” She pointed. “You could use your brain, if yours still works, and look that up online, but I’m so glad I was able to help point you to a large building.”
“You’re incredible. Your bedside manner must be top-notch.” I snorted. “Please, continue. I wouldn’t survive without you.”
“Our health sciences library and simulation labs are a little harder to find. There is a separate building between our UGL and Thompkins Hall.”
“UGL?”
“Underground library. We’re known for having it half in the ground, half out. But the simulation labs are in the basement of a neighboring building. And they aren’t marked well. It’s part of the superstition and legacy. Apparently, someone died in the building like fifty years ago, and the story behind why is a little shady, so there are ghosts.” Her lips curved up as she spoke, like she was enjoying herself. The sun hit her face just right, and for the second time, I thought she was pretty.
“Oh, that’s fun.” I loved a good ghost story.
“Our health services building also matters. You might have to put in volunteer hours there twice a week. It depends on if your prior school—” she cringed “—made you do that. I don’t think Indiana has a great nursing program.”
“Don’t be elitist.” I arched a brow. “You can talk shit about their hockey team but not their school.”
She pressed her lips together. “You’re right. That won’t happen again. I’ll hate you in a more respectful way.”
“Perfect. Okay, so simulation labs, health services, our main building. Aldridge said you were the go-to for success, so what should I do?” I gripped the straps of my bag and studied Audrey.
She was about a foot shorter than me and had no wrinkles or lines on her face. My mom always said wrinkles were a sign of laughter, so it made me feel bad for half a second that she didn’t laugh a lot.
That wasn’t my problem, but it made me wonder why she was so prickly.
“What’s the secret sauce?” I asked again.
She sipped her coffee and started walking down the sidewalk. I joined her, obviously, and caught a whiff of her perfume. It was damn delightful. Peachy and flowery and pleasant.
“You need a good study group. Jessica and Lily are not mine, usually. They’re great in their own way, but my regular group is different. We meet once a week. Sometimes it’s to vent or cry, but they’re the reason we’re successful. Finding a cohort makes the difference because this degree is demanding. Now, can I ask a question that’s direct?”
“You told me you hated me. Figured that kinda crossed the line already. Ask me what you want, Hawthorne.”
Her eyes flared, but I wasn’t sure if it was in annoyance or amusement. I was gonna vote amusement.
“Why are you in nursing? That’s a very hard field, and you’re on the hockey team. You probably won’t be able to keep up.”
My chest tightened at her question. She didn’t understand my life and clearly had no interest in doing so. “That answer would require some friendship, and we’re not friends, nor will be, as you pointed out. I’ll manage, and that’s my business.”
She frowned. “Most hockey guys are drafted and don’t care about degrees.”
“Stereotyping me already.” I jutted my chin toward the union, slightly annoyed and hurt at her attitude. She didn’t know how hard I worked or how much was on the line. I’d seen so much change in our life because my mom’s stroke. I couldn’t rely on a sport for my future, for my family. Plus, I promised my mom I’d finish my degree. I’d never break a promise to her. “I think I’m good for the tour. Thanks, Hawthorne. I’ll pray to the gods tonight that we aren’t paired up for clinicals.”
Her frown deepened as I walked away from her, but I didn’t care. She didn’t know, or care to know, that her brother deserved what happened to him. I had no regrets for hitting him hard.
Audrey might have sway in the nursing program, but I worked my ass off and was dependable as fuck. I’d prove my worth here, just like on the team. One day at a time.
Plus, I didn’t need friends. I was here a year, that was it. I had my family and the ice, and most days, that was all I needed. Screw Audrey Hawthorne and her judgmental attitude. I didn’t have time for it.
3
Audrey
