“Whatcha lookin’ at, Abby?”
“Nothing. I’m not looking at anything.”
She rested her chin on her hand and shook her head. “They’re so obvious. Look at the redhead. She’s run her fingers through her hair as many times as she’s blinked. I wonder if Travis gets tired of that.”
Shepley nodded. “He does. Everyone thinks he’s this asshole, but if they only knew how much patience he has dealing with every girl that thinks she can tame him…He can’t go anywhere without them bugging him. Trust me; he’s much more polite than I would be.”
“Oh, like you wouldn’t love it,” America said, kissing his cheek.
Travis was finishing his cigarette outside the cafeteria when I passed. “Wait up, Pidge. I’ll walk you.”
“You don’t have to walk me to every class, Travis. I know how to get there on my own.”
Travis was easily sidetracked by a girl with long black hair and a short skirt. She walked by, smiling at him. He followed her with his eyes and nodded in the girl’s direction, throwing down his cigarette.
“I’ll catch up with you later, Pidge.”
“Yeah,” I said, rolling my eyes as he jogged to the girl’s side.
Travis’ seat remained empty during class, and I found myself a bit irritated with him for missing over a girl he didn’t know. Professor Chaney dismissed early, and I hurried across the lawn, aware that I was to meet Finch at three to give him Sherri Cassidy’s Music Appreciation notes. I looked at my watch and quickened my pace.
“Abby?”
Parker jogged across the grass to walk beside me. “I don’t think we’ve officially met,” he said, holding out his hand. “Parker Hayes.”
I took his hand and smiled. “Abby Abernathy.”
“I was behind you when you got your Bio test grade. Congratulations,” he smiled, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“Thanks. Travis helped, or I would’ve been at the bottom of that list, trust me.”
“Oh, are you guys…?”
“Friends.”
Parker nodded and smiled. “Did he tell you there’s a party at the House this weekend?”
“We mostly just talk about Biology and food.”
Parker laughed. “That sounds like Travis.”
At the door of Morgan Hall, Parker scanned my face with his big green eyes. “You should come. It’ll be fun.”
“I’ll talk to America. I don’t think we have any plans.”
“Are you a package deal?”
“We made a pact this summer. No parties solo.”
“Smart.” He nodded in approval.
“She met Shep at orientation, so I haven’t really had to tag along with her much. This will be the first time I’ve needed to ask her, so I’m sure she’ll be happy to come.” I inwardly cringed. Not only was I babbling, I’d made it obvious that I didn’t get asked to parties.
“Great. I’ll see you there,” he said. He flashed his perfect Banana Republic model smile with his square jaw and naturally tan skin, turning to walk across campus.
I watched him walk away; he was tall, clean-shaven, with a pressed pin-striped dress shirt and jeans. His wavy dark blond hair bounced when he walked.
I bit my lip, flattered by his invitation.