Page 69 of Break Points and Face Offs

I expect Will to pack his books up and rush off to whatever engagement he has, but when I turn around, he’s still standing there, watching me.

“Come on, Rosie.”

“What?”

“We’re going out.”

When I hesitate, he starts shoving my books into my bag. I try a halfhearted protest about the lack of organization, but it’s useless. He plows ahead regardless.

All I can do is follow him down the corridor while he carries both our bags over his shoulder like they weigh nothing.

“Where are we going? Give me my books back, thief.”

“You got your car?”

“Yes, why?”

“Come on, we’re going on a field trip.”

My complaints fall on deaf ears. Will throws our bags into the back of the car and orders me to get in … to my car.

For some reason, I do as I’m told.

“Where are we going?” I ask, buckling myself into the driver seat.

“You’re gonna give me a tour of the town.”

I laugh. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me, Rosie.” He’s grinning like an idiot.

“You’ve lived here … what, four years now? You must know all the places only locals know about. All the secret spots. The hip hangouts.”

“You’ve been everywhere of note already,” I say. This isn’t exactly true, but even I wouldn’t be able to get him into the other country club. Not without a personal invitation by my father anyway.

“The only noteworthy places in New Jersey are a stuffy golf club and an admittedly pretty good diner?”

“Yes. And Princeton.”

“Wow. They should vote you in as mayor.”

I snort. Where did that come from? That was not a civilized noise.

“So, there’s nothing outside of Princeton? No secret Jersey hangouts?”

I slouch back in my chair, feeling defeated. “If you wanted an authentic tour of New Jersey you should ask my old fraternity brother—Nathan—he grew up here.”

“Let’s go get Nathan then.”

“No!” I practically jump out of my seat. Will raises an eyebrow.

“You guys got beef or something?”

“No, he’s just … probably busy, with president duties.”

“O-kay?”

Why does the idea of introducing Will to Nathan fill me with dread? Is it because I’m ashamed of him? Or more accurately, ashamed of how I am around him? Is it because I’d be worried he’d find Nathan attractive, like everyone does? No, not that. Right?