Chapter 45 Astrid #2
“You presume wrong,” Paige says, gathering up the books on her bed. “He’s most likely still busy at club headquarters or talking to the media, and he hasn’t had the time to call yet.”
“Oh. I was sure he would’ve found time to call the love of his life by now.” She shrugs.
“Callan will call when he can.” I work hard not to lose my temper because that was bitchy. If she’s in one of her moods, it’s possible we’ll end up arguing. “I thought you weren’t drinking alcohol,” I say when she pops the top on the champagne.
“I’m not,” she snaps, pouring some liquid into a glass. “It’s nonalcoholic.” A muscle clenches in her jaw as she sets the bottle down. “I thought you’d appreciate it as you don’t drink alcohol much, but if you’re going to lecture me, I’ll leave.”
“Stop.” I reach out, grabbing her hand. “I’m sorry. I had to ask, you know that. It’s a thoughtful gesture. Thank you.”
Gwen smiles and resumes pouring our drinks, and it hasn’t escaped my notice that she’s only poured two. I won’t let her be rude to Paige. “Would you like some?” I ask my roommate as she stuffs books into her bag.
“I’m good, thanks. I’m heading to the library to finish my assignment there.”
“You don’t have to go. We can head to Gwen’s dorm.”
“It’s cool, Astrid. Honestly.” She leans in and hugs me. “I’ll catch ya later.” Paige straightens up, plastering a fake smile on her face when she turns to my longtime bestie. “Bye, Gwen.”
“See ya.” Gwen wiggles her fingers and smirks, and I feel like slamming her head against the wall.
“You were really rude,” I say when Paige has left.
“What did I do?” She thrusts a glass into my hand.
“It’s the way you speak to her. Like Paige is beneath you.”
Her lips twitch as she raises the glass to her mouth. “You’re the one who said it.”
“You don’t have to like her or hang out with her, but I do expect you to be kind to Paige when you see her. She left our dorm to give us privacy, and instead of thanking her, you gloated.”
“Azzie, seriously? You’re making a big deal out of nothing. But if it bothers you that much, I promise I’ll be extra nice to her from now on.” She bumps her glass against mine. “A toast! To famous rich boyfriends.”
“Gwen!”
“What? That’s not a lie. He bought you a brand-new BMW, Azzie. Like wow. Girl, you struck gold. Play your cards right, and you’ll be set up for life.”
“You know that’s not why I’m with Callan. I love him for so many reasons. Fame and money have nothing to do with it.”
“Jeez, Azzie. Lighten up, will ya? You should be on top of the world today.”
“I don’t like what you’re insinuating, Gwen, and I don’t like you talking about Callan like I’m only with him for what he can give me.”
Gwen grabs the pizza from the desk and sets it on the bed between us.
“I didn’t mean any offence, babe. You know I think the world of Callan.
It’s just exciting, and I’m happy for you.
” She flashes me a grin before leaning in to kiss my cheek.
“It’s great that life is going so well for one of us.
” The smile drops off her face, and pain glimmers in her eyes before she lowers her gaze, avoiding me.
“Has something happened?” I softly ask as Gwen opens the pizza box.
“I have officially completed my diversion program, and my case has been dropped. I won’t have a criminal record.”
“That’s a good thing, so why the sad face?”
She hands me a napkin with a slice of pepperoni pizza on it.
Gwen leans back against the wall with her legs stretched out in front of her. A slice of pizza rests on a napkin on her lap as she stares up at the ceiling.
I scoot up alongside her, taking a bite while I wait for her to gather her thoughts. While I’ve been preoccupied with Callan these past few weeks, Gwen has been handling a lot, and I feel for her. I make a vow to be more patient. I know if she’s lashing out she doesn’t mean it.
“I just feel like my life is going nowhere.” She eyeballs me as she speaks.
“People look down on me now because of one stupid mistake. I’m not loving college as much as I thought I would.
I’m not sure if I want to be with Scott anymore.
It feels like I’m losing you to your boyfriend and your new friends, and I feel aimless without Gran. ” A sob erupts from her mouth.
“Aww, Gwen.” I slide my arm around her, and Gwen’s head lowers to my shoulder. “I know you miss her so much, and I promise I’m always here for you. You won’t lose me.”
“But I’m going to when you move to London. Who do I have in my corner then?”
Guilt is immediate because the truth is I didn’t give much thought to my friends when I made the decision to follow my boyfriend to England.
My family was my biggest concern, but they are supportive and encouraging.
Mom thinks it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to explore the world.
“That won’t be for months, and we can keep in regular contact. You can visit.”
She lifts her head. “I guess that would help.” Her entire face lights up, and the pizza flies off her lap when she turns to me on her knees.
“I just had the best idea! I’ll come with you for spring break!
” She grips my shoulders. “We’ll have the most amazing time.
We could catch a show and go shopping and visit Buckingham Palace!
” Her voice elevates with every spoken word, and excitement literally exudes from her pores, but how do I tell her I’m not sure my boyfriend will like this idea?
Her eyes study my face, and I watch the glee fade from her features. “You don’t want me to come.” Her arms lower to her sides, and she gulps before looking away.
“Of course, I do,” I blurt, taking her hands. “It’s just Callan had plans.”
“I thought you said he’d be very busy. I could keep you company.
We can visit all the sights together while he’s off doing his thing.
Please say I can come, Azzie.” She pins me with doe eyes.
“Getting out of Vermont is exactly what I need. A break from everything that’s trying to drag me down. I won’t get in the way. I promise.”
“I’ll ask Callan.”
“You’re the best.” Gwen flings herself at me, hugging me to death.
When she eases back, there is no hint of her previous melancholy.
If a trip to London means this much to her, I don’t see the harm in letting her tag along.
Callan is going to be working most of the time, and I’d prefer company when I’m exploring London instead of being on my own. Hopefully, my boyfriend agrees.