Theodora
Monday morning was falling over me like death warmed over. If you didn’t get the memo, I hated Mondays. I hadn’t slept well the past two nights, being alone and going over everything that transpired between Roman and I. How easily he’d slipped back into my life. How easily he’d manipulated me and had me crying out to him in his arms. How his demeanor changed when his family walked in. Everything seemed off, and I knew I was being played. What we did was not a game. That’s what he said, and yet, I didn’t believe him.
I rolled out of bed like a zombie and made it to the shower. When I made myself presentable, I saw Kenzie key into the door looking fifty shades of used and apologetic. She’d always portrayed confidence since I’d known her. Not today. “Hey, girl.” She flashed her raccoon eyes at me briefly before they shifted away.
“You okay?”
She laughed. “I’m okay. I just partied a little too hard last night. Why? Am I not allowed to make a mistake?”
“I’m sorry if I’m being nosy.” I was concerned because my friend had always been so put together, and honestly, I’d never seen her in this state. She looked haggard and defensive. “I was only concerned about you.”
“I’m fine,” she said tightly.
It was obvious she wanted to be left alone. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here for you.”
She sat on the edge of her bed with a stoic look on her face that I’d never seen before. “We’ll talk, but right now, I just need to reset and concentrate on acing this exam.”
“Sure,” I replied quietly because honestly I wasn’t used to seeing my strong, put together friend undone like this. I collected my things, giving her the space she needed.
As I walked to class, my thoughts were still swirling in my head. Whatever in the world was going on with Kenzie? She’d stayed the weekend with Justin at the frat house, as usual. Maybe she was just hung over and irritable. However, her eyes looked red-rimmed and puffy, as though she’d been crying.
Stepping up to the stately building that held my first class, my defenses shot up as I saw Roman standing around a group of fellow football players with Taylor at his side talking to a blond girl beside her. Nick, Axel, and Dmitri were among the group. Axel caught my eyes as I tried to slip by unnoticed.
“Theo, get over here.”
I fought a cringe, not certain why I’d been called over. I noticed Roman tilted his head impassively. With caution in my brain, I moved over to the group. “Yes?”
“Did you have a topic in mind for our group research project in sociology?”
“We just got the list last night,” Nick added with a shrug. “It’s not due for another two weeks.”
Axel rolled his eyes. “I swear, man, you’re the weak link in this group.” Axel portrayed himself as the party guy, but he seemed to be a nerd at heart.
“What are you talking about?” Roman cut in before I could answer. I’d been so wrapped up in work and Roman, I’d only flashed through the message briefly, not really paying attention.
“Did you not check your email? Dr. Smith assigned groups with suggested topics. He told us about it in class the other day.” Axel grinned, showing an innocent dimple throwing an arm over my shoulder and Nick’s on his other side. “We’re a threesome.”
I peered warily at Axel for his choice of words and wanted to nudge him in the gut for trying to start shit. Of course, it earned him a dark scowl from Roman, but he didn’t say anything.
Taylor, who’d seemed to be so wrapped up in whatever the blond next to her was saying finally stepped over to me. “Theo, how are you?”
Axel dropped his arm from my shoulder as he turned to Nick going back and forth trading jibes. I smiled tightly at her, miffed by whatever relationship was going on between her and Roman. She seemed very prim and soft-spoken and was beautiful with her dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and porcelain complexion. “I’m doing great, Taylor.”
“I’m having a party at my apartment Saturday night after the game. I would love for you to come.” Roman took few steps closer, and he was staring me down as Taylor threw a quick glance over her shoulder at him. “I’d love it if you could make it. It’s a plus-one invite if you have someone you want to bring.”
I eyed Roman who rolled his teeth over his bottom lip watching me like a hawk. If he thought he could intimidate me good luck. “That’s so thoughtful of you to think of me.”
“Yes. I’m always interested in making friends. Or reacquainting myself with old friends.” Her words held no malice, but why did it seem this was all leading up to something else. She leaned in closer and murmured for my ears only, “Roman seems very fond of you, and if that’s the case, maybe I should be too.” Again, there was no derision detected, but I knew it wasn’t coincidence this was happening. This interaction was all strange, and I couldn’t help feeling I was being played in some way.
I lifted my mouth and crossed my arms. “It’s so nice to know Roman’s generosity knows no bounds, right?” I answered back just as pleasantly. “Thank you again, Taylor, for the invite.”
“You’re welcome. Oh wait. I need to give you the address.” She told me the name of the apartments, which I knew were the best ones near campus, and gave me her room number and I took it down in my phone. “Hope to see you there.”
“I’ll try my best to make it.”
“Shit, we’re about to be late,” Axel called out behind me.
“We’re always late, so what’s new,” Nick retorted, glancing at me. “You coming, partner?”
“Yeah.” I followed Axel and Nick, not sparing a glance behind me at Roman. Maybe he and Taylor would have a heart-to-heart or whatever the hell their relationship was. The two times I’d been around them had been weird. He never seemed to touch her or tease with her like couples did. She never showed affection around him either. Maybe there was some truth to what Roman said. Maybe all wasn’t as it seemed. Or maybe that’s how rich kids with powerful families portrayed their relationship to the public. Either way, something was off. Or maybe I was reading more into this than I should since Roman was already messing with my head. Despite it all, I should’ve felt some sort of guilt. Shouldn’t I? Who was I anymore?
As we passed through the double doors into the building, Nick turned to me. “Hey, I heard the conversation with you and Taylor. I don’t know what’s going on between you and Roman, but I’m here to help you out.”
“Help me out. How?” My mind was working overtime.
“Look. I’m not an idiot, and Roman is my friend, although we might come to slight disagreements sometimes.”
“Slight disagreements?” Their disagreements would’ve put a lesser man in the hospital.
Axel glanced back at us, signaling for us to hurry up. Nick led me forward. “I want to be your plus one.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
He grinned. “I know, but it’s not what you think. Believe it or not, I like you, but I know when to bow out.”
“Then why are you doing this?”