Chapter 29
DANNY
“That was pleasant,” Andy states dryly as soon as Sadie is out of earshot.
“It could have been worse. She reined in her anger.”
“You sure didn’t.” Andy stares at me knowingly.
“That list was all kinds of fucked up. Of course I didn’t. I don’t care about what Sadie said, I’m getting involved.”
“Don’t be stupid now, Danny-boy. What are you going to do if you find out the person responsible for it is Nick Fowler?”
“Then he’s dead meat.”
“That’s the whole problem, and I get why Sadie doesn’t want you to meddle. If you touch Nick, even if it’s justified, you’ll get expelled, and there goes your dream of playing for the NFL.”
I grind my teeth in frustration, knowing he’s right.
“What if that list mentioned Jane. Would you be levelheaded then?”
“Hell to the fucking no. But again, my future doesn’t depend on me graduating. Yours does.”
“Your point is moot until we have a culprit. Who are we going to pressure to give up the intel?”
“Not Leo. He’s too smart to blab.” Andy pulls his cell phone out. “Ricky Montana it is.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Do you think he knows?”
“Possibly. He has his ears to the ground. He deals in gossip.”
Ricky Montana was in one of Andy’s classes last year, and thanks to an exchange of favors, Andy took him under his wing for a while. But then shit happened, Jane came into the picture, and now Andy is no longer the king of parties on campus, so we haven’t seen Ricky in a while.
Andy puts the call on speaker so I can hear it.
“Andy, my man. Long time no hear,” Ricky’s cheery voice comes through.
“Hey, Ricky, what are you doing right now?”
“I was about to grab some grub. Why?”
“Can you meet me at the main cafeteria? It’s important.”
“Sure can, homie. See you in ten.”
Andy and I look for a free table, but it’s prime lunchtime and the place is packed. While I’m looking for one, I spot Sadie playing with her food but not making a motion to eat any. I’m distracted and end up bumping into someone.
“Ouch, Danny. Look where you’re going,” Gwen says, followed by a giggle.
“Sorry. I didn’t see you.”
“Clearly.”
I’m still looking in Sadie’s direction like an idiot.
“You’re probably wondering if what that list is saying is true.”
Her comment makes me snap my attention to her. “What are you talking about?”
“You know, if the new Raven striker has had that many orgies. I mean, she’s from England, and you know how European girls are.”
I glower. “No, Gwen, I don’t know how they are. My advice is to stop spreading rumors. It’s a nasty habit, one I’m sure your sorority sisters would frown upon.”
“I’m not spreading anything. Just making a comment. You’re so touchy, Danny.”
“Yo, Danny-boy. Are you coming?” Andy waves me over. He’s found a table.
“Yeah.”
I walk around Gwen, asking in my head for the thousandth time how I was able to date that girl. She’s rotten.
I’m about to sit when my phone vibrates in my pocket. It’s my mother. She never calls in the middle of the day unless it’s important.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Danny, sorry to bother you. Do you think you can swing by the apartment for dinner tonight?”
With everything that’s going on, I really don’t feel like paying her a visit. That thought makes me feel guilty as hell though.
“I’m a bit busy. Can I come later in the week?”
“I really need to speak to you in person, honey. It can’t wait.”
Shit. That puts me on high alert. A bunch of terrible scenarios rush through my head.
“Okay, I’ll come over. Is everything okay with you, Mom?”
“Oh, I’m fine, honey. I’ll see you at seven, okay?”
“Yep. I’ll be there.”
“Is everything okay, Danny?” Andy asks as soon as I put my phone away.
“I’m not sure. Mom wants me to come over for dinner tonight. She said it couldn’t wait.”
“Hmm, and you’re worried it could be something serious, like she’s sick or something.”
“That’s the first thought that crossed my mind. But she said she’s fine.”
“Maybe she’s met someone.” He wiggles his eyebrows up and down.
“Why do you have to do that?”
“Do what?”
“You know, let me know you’re thinking dirty thoughts about my mother.”
He scoffs. “I did no such thing. You’re the one with a filthy mind.”
“I’m getting food.” I stand up.
“Grab me a burger, will ya?”
Usually I’d tell him to buy his own food, but once again I’m distracted. At least this time, I don’t bump into anyone as I head to the food line.