Bad Rep
Page 116

 A. Meredith Walters

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I sank into his body, ready to forget about packing for a while, when his foot kicked my suitcase off the bed, sending my stuff sprawling all over the floor. “Jordan!” I yelped, pushing myself off of him. “Now I have to pack the damn thing over again,” I complained, picking up my clothes off of the floor.
Jordan joined me, going straight for my panties. “I'll take care of these for you,” he teased, holding up a black thong. I grabbed my underwear.
“Just stay out of the way, please,” I said nicely, batting my eyelashes. Jordan laughed and returned to the bed.
It still sort of blew my mind that things were so great with Jordan and me. Particularly after the way we started, we drifted into this fantastic relationship. Sure, we still had our bumps. Each of us were still learning to deal with our jealousy issues. Jordan had a tendency to be a bit overbearing in that regard, but he was trying. Just as I was trying to not let any outside bullshit interfere with this great thing we had going.
After Jordan and I got back together, it wasn't immediate sunshine and roses. I still had to suffer through the nasty looks and whispers. But the longer we were together, the less and less I noticed it. I never spoke to any of the Chi Delta girls, particularly since Vivian and Gracie had left. I occasionally saw Olivia around campus, but she was staying pretty quiet. I realized quickly that Milla was nowhere around.
Then came the news, via Vivian, who still spoke to some of her former sisters, that Milla had taken a semester off. Hmm, I guess there was such thing as karma after all.
Now that I was no longer in Chi Delta, I found that I was able to fill all that extra time very easily. I started going out with Riley a lot more. Our relationship bouncing back to our pre-sorority closeness. Gracie and Vivian were permanent fixtures at our apartment and we started having Wednesday night dinners that quickly morphed into an excuse to chill out and cook lots of food. Jordan's band mates usually came over as well, particularly since Cole and Vivian were still going strong. Damien and a few of his friends sometimes joined and it was amazing to see how I had developed this great group of friends that I didn't have to pay for.
Jordan had spent a lot of time with his band mates, figuring out their tour dates. They were working with Mitch's cousin, Josh, who helped them book thirty shows in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. They would be playing in bars and small venues. The guys were excited to try and make a go at living their dream. And I was stoked for them.
I would miss Jordan terribly and I still had those moments of insecurity when I thought girls throwing themselves at him. But I just had to look into my boyfriend's eyes and know that I had nothing to worry about it. You see, Jordan and I were in it for life.
“I have to sell back a few books, do you mind heading over to campus with me? We can grab something to eat at the Canteen,” I suggested, putting the last of my clothes in the suitcase and snapping it shut.
“Sure, baby, I just have to text Mitch. We're supposed to have practice at 2:30. You coming with?” he asked me, putting his arm around my waist and pulling me close. He kissed the back of my neck and my body hummed.
“Sure. I haven't seen Viv this week, so we can hang out and talk girlie stuff while our boyfriends play rock gods.” I grinned. Jordan rubbed his nose against mine, an affectionate gesture that never failed to make my toes curl.
“You'll make a great rock star wife. I can see it already,” he said. My heart sputtered to a stop. Wife? Was he serious? Jordan's smile widened and I knew he could read me like a book. He had always been able to. He kissed me on the lips this time. “One day I'll get a ring on your finger. You just wait and see,” he vowed and my heart soared.
We got in Jordan's truck and headed toward Rinard College. Jordan was talking about some new Generation Rejects merchandise that had come in yesterday. I loved seeing him so excited.
“Is it weird knowing you won't be here next year?” I asked him after we pulled up to the campus. I gathered my books off the floor. Jordan took them from me as we got out of the truck.
“Yeah. I mean I'm really excited for the tour. But I have to admit, I'll miss being here with you every day.” He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear. “I'll miss you, Mays. So much,” he said softly, his eyes tender as he looked at me.
I cupped his cheek and rubbed my thumb along the rough hair at his jawline. “Me too. But we'll make it work,” I promised. Jordan grabbed my hand and kissed the palm.
“No more running,” he stated, grinning at me. I nodded.
“I'm all run out, baby. You caught me fair and square,” I replied. Jordan laced his hand with mine and we walked to the book store.
I was able to sell my last three books for a whopping $22. Pocketing the money I pulled Jordan by the hand toward the Canteen. “Come on, babe. This wad of money is burning a hole in my pocket. Let me wine and dine you,” I joked. Jordan pulled me up against his front and nuzzled into my hair.
“You sure do know how to treat a guy,” he teased.
We laughed all the way until we got to the Canteen. We were about to go inside when were stopped by a voice. “Jordan. Maysie. Hey.” I saw Jordan's shoulders tense slightly but his face was relaxed. I looked toward the door and saw Olivia coming down the steps.
She looked beautiful as always. But I no longer felt the burning jealousy I used to when we were around each other. Because I had seen the less than perfect girl underneath it all and I sort of felt sad for her. Olivia had flown under the radar the rest of the school year and I had heard through the grapevine that she was moving back home to Washington state, where she was from, now that she had graduated.