Bad Rep
Page 11

“Yeah. I guess it was nothing,” I agreed, going off to find Evian.
“Mays...” Riley called out but I waved her off. I didn't want her to see how much her words had bothered me.
I spent the next couple of hours staunchly ignoring Jordan. He tried to catch my eye a few times, but I would quickly look away. My pride was hurt and I felt like nursing my wounds secretly. Around 8:00 I finally had fifteen minutes to kill. So I scavenged some bread sticks, nearly inhaling them. Grabbed my cigarettes out of my purse in Moore's office, and headed out back.
I sat down heavily on an overturned milk crate and lit up. The first drag provided instant relief. Thank you nicotine. Jordan had knocked me off balance and I didn't like the feeling. I pulled out my phone and frowned when I realized Eli still hadn't texted me. Hell, he was probably balls deep in another girl by now. I really needed to reevaluate this so called relationship of ours.
I heard the kitchen door open behind me and turned to find Jordan taking a seat on the stoop. He took the cigarette from behind his ear and put it to his lips. I tried not to stare as he inhaled. How did he make smoking look so sexy?
“How's it going?” he asked after we had sat in silence for a few minutes. I leaned over and put out my smoke.
“My feet are on fire, but other than that, I'm doing fine,” I replied, looking at him as he stared off in front of him.
He finally glanced over at me and smiled. “Let me help you out there,” he said, pulling my foot into his lap.
“What are you doing?” I gasped as he slipped off my black sneakers and started kneading the soles of my feet with deft fingers.
I couldn't help the groan that escaped my lips. Jordan raised his eyebrows at my response and then grinned as he moved his hands up my legs and started rubbing my calves. “You're so tense,” he murmured as he rubbed me.
“Damn, you're good. I'm gonna have to take you home with me.” I moaned as he worked the kinks out of my feet and lower legs.
Jordan chuckled and I realized what I had said. I blushed, yet again. “I think I might have to take you up on that offer.” He mused after letting me pull my feet away. I slipped my shoes back on and got to my feet.
“Yeah, uh, well thanks,” I said quickly, picking up my lighter from the ground.
Jordan grabbed by arm before I was able to escape back into the kitchen. “Mays,” he said quietly and I looked down at him. He was playing with the barbell in his tongue and I was mesmerized by the way he flicked it back and forth across his teeth.
“Yeah?” I asked a little breathlessly. My earlier annoyance with him was instantly gone. Jordan rubbed his hand up my arm and goose bumps broke out along the trail of his fingers. Jordan looked at me, his eyes sparkling.
“I'd really like to take you out sometime. I want to get to know you better,” he said, not breaking eye contact.
My heart sped up, I felt lightheaded, and I thought I might pass out. Thoughts of Eli or not having a thing with a guy I worked with all went out the window. All I could think about was that this gorgeous man who wanted to spend time with me.
But I had to play it cool. I smiled slightly and cocked my head to the side as if considering his offer. When what I really wanted to do was scream, 'HELL, YEAH!' I tapped my finger on my chin, as though I were deep in thought and Jordan's lips quirked in a smile. “I guess that would be alright,” I admitted coyly.
Jordan grinned. “Why don't you wait for me until after my shift is over? We can go and do something,” he suggested, pulling me closer, his hand brushing the back of my knee. Oh crap. My stomach knotted up and I could feel my palms start to sweat. But I nodded and I was proud when my voice didn't shake.
“Sounds good. See ya then,” I said, pulling away. Jordan let his hand drop and got to his feet, following me into the kitchen.
The rest of the night became almost unbearable. All I could think about was getting done so I could hang out with Jordan. I felt his eyes on me as I ran food. He made a point to brush my hand with his when he handed me drinks.
I felt exhilarated. High on the euphoria of anticipation. I was going to go out with the most fantastically gorgeous guy I had ever laid eyes on! And he seemed to like me! Me! Miss Morganstown, South Carolina herself. I was so lost in my own little bubble that I didn't notice three of my sorority sisters show up.
“Maysie!” I heard someone call out. I looked over at the door of the restaurant and saw Gracie Cook, one of my pledge sisters.
“Hey girl!” I said, coming over to give her a hug. Gracie was easily my closest friend within the sorority. We had clicked right away. She was adorable in a waifish sort of way and I loved hanging out with her.
I looked over at the other sisters who came with her. Vivian Baily and Milla Wood stood behind her. I went down the row, giving each a hug. I loved Vivian, she was bubbly and fun. Milla on the other hand, I hadn't figured out quite yet. She had this air about her that was kind of off putting. She seemed to have this calculated look on her face. As though she were plotting ways to take over the world, the room, whatever. “We're heading over to the bar. Come see us when you have a sec,” Gracie called as they made their way through the crowd.
At around 10:30, Moore came out and said Riley and I had been cut. He told us to come back tomorrow to get our schedules for the week. He patted us both on the back and let us know he thought we had done really well. I glowed at the compliment, feeling good that I hadn't dropped anything all night.