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Scandalous Little Obsession

Page 61

by Rachael Brownell

One of which sounds like Leo's. And he's not happy.

Peering around the corner, I'm caught off guard when I see a tiny brunette with her hand on Leo's arm. They're crossed over his bare chest. She's looking at him with lust in her eyes and a grin on her face.

"You can't be here, Tandy." Tandy. Why do I know that name?

That's his ex-girlfriend. Why is she here? How does she even know where he lives?

"You have to leave."

"I drove a long way to see you."

"You saw me yesterday."

Yesterday? As in, on Thanksgiving. Did they spend the day together?

Leo hasn't told me a lot about his past relationships, but I do know he dated her for most of high school. I also know he lost his virginity to her and that she broke up with him. He refused to talk more about her after that, changing the subject so fast I felt like I had whiplash.

Is this what he wants? Her back in his life?

Was I just a stand-in until they could find their way back to each other?

Tandy lowers her voice so I can't hear what she says, but I clearly hear the wordsyour mom.

Leo lowers his head, retreating into his room, and she follows him. My feet are frozen in place. I want to go after him, confront him about why he has another girl in his room, but I can't seem to find the strength to move.

There are so many excuses he could give me.

Lies he could tell.

And I don't want to hear any of them. I want the truth.

A door slamming closed startles me. When I look, I notice Leo's door isn't open anymore.

With no one else around, I creep closer, pressing my ear against the thin metal, an attempt to listen to what might be going on inside. All I can hear is hushed voices, then the room falls silent.

My phone chimes in my pocket, and I hurry to silence it, running back down the hall and hiding around the corner.

LEO: Were you able to come back tonight?

If I tell him no, I'm the liar. He'll also think he won't get caught doing whatever he's doing right now. But if I tell him the truth, that I'm standing down the hall, that I just watched his ex walk into his room and close the door, I may never know why she's here.

ME: About to head that way. I'll probably head straight to bed. What are you up to?

His reply is instant.

LEO: I have some shit to deal with, then I'm going to bed. Just wanted to know when I am going to see you tomorrow. I have to be at the frat house early in the morning.

ME: What kind of shit?

LEO: Just some old business I need to settle.

ME: I can come over when I get back if you want any help.

LEO: That's okay. I need to handle this myself. What time are you planning on getting to the frat house tomorrow?

ME: Probably not until 4ish.

If I go at all.