“It’s cute. I like it,” Jenni says, elbowing Chris. “What do you think, C?”
“Yeah, it’s really cute,” he says, his eyes locked on her like she’s the only thing worth looking at.
When she glances his way, he chuckles and shakes his head.
Ah. I get it. They’re dating.
Jenni turns back to me, still beaming, and completely oblivious to the tension tightening in my chest.
“Well,” she says, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, “we just wanted to say hi, and if you don’t want to sit alone in class anymore, you’re more than welcome to come and sit with us.”
“Thanks.” I force out a smile, trying to be polite but distant, knowing full well I’m not going to take them up on it. “I’ve just got to head to my next class. It was nice meeting you both.”
I keep it short and sweet, already turning on my heel, but just as I reach the door, someone barrels into me hard enough to knock the wind out of my chest.
I stumble, my arms flailing for a second until I crash into something solid.Someonesolid.
Chris.
His broad chest stops me from falling onto the tile, but it doesn’t stop the sting in my shoulder.
“Watch it,” the girl snaps, her voice sharp and unapologetic as she looks me up and down like I’m the one who wasn’t watching where I was going.
“I’m… sorry.”
I don’t even know why I say it. The words just slip out.
“Oh, it'syou,”she sneers, her lip curling. “The jersey chaser.” Her eyes trail up to the guy behind me. “You moving onto the hockey team now?”
My mouth parts, but nothing comes out.
She elbows the girl beside her and smirks. “This is the girl whose sex tape went viral in high school,” she announces with far too much glee considering it’s a lie. “Did you hear about it? No, wait. Did youseeit? I’d be so embarrassed if my tits were that uneven.”
I try to step back, but Chris’s body is still behind me, solid and blocking my path.
“Yeah. That shit’s all over social media,” the other girl says with disinterest.
I wrap my hands around the arms of my bag, trying to muster up the courage to deny it, but Jenni steps in front of me.
“Gabbi,” Jenni cuts in, drawing her name out like it tastes sour on her tongue. “I think you’ve got bigger problems than spreading rumors about my friend’s past.”
Gabbi stiffens, but Jenni doesn’t miss a beat.
“Like, say… making sure no one finds out you’ve been sneaking around with Professor Henderson for the past year.”
Silence.
Gabbi freezes. Her eyes widen as all the color drains from her face.
“If that comes out, you’ll lose your scholarship, your place at this college, and what little self-respect you have left.”
“How did you—”
Jenni doesn’t flinch and cuts Gabbi off. “Come for Honey again,” she says coolly, “and I’ll let everyone know you’re giving blowjobs for better grades. Don’t test me. I’ve got receipts.”
There’s no bluff or hesitation in her voice, just a soft, almost sweet threat.
Gabbi presses her lips into a tight line. Without another word, she grabs her friend’s arm and bolts from the room, practically dragging her out.