Page 10 of Replay

“Fiiine,” I protest as I stand with a groan. “Let’s get this over with so we can go float in the pool.”

“Oh, you’re not working later?” she asks as we walk side by side to the bookstore.

“No. I don’t usually work Sundays. Why?”

“I figured you were, and that’s why we’re on campus at the ass crack of the day to buy our school shit.”

“Oh, stop being dramatic… It’s not that early.”

“Is it lunchtime?” she questions.

“No.”

“Then it’s too early!” she whines, and I shake my head at my night owl bestie.

We remain silent for a few moments while she checks the messages on her phone and then glances in my direction. “What’s that look for?” I ask, noticing the nervous gaze she gives me. Like she wants to tell me something but isn’t sure how to.

Thinking about her words, she bites her lip. “So, I told Cash and Mav I would hang at The Wolves Den tonight. This was before I knew Nate was their new roommate. They’re having a little party before classes start this week. I can totally cancel, or…you could come?”

“No, it’s fine. Go and have fun. Carter had mentioned going to the party the other day, but I think we decided to just stay in and chill.”

“Are you sure? I would much rather hang with you and not watch a bunch of girls hang all over those boys.” She slings her arm around my shoulders.

Yeah, that’s what I'm trying to avoid as well.

“If I change my mind, I’ll totally let you know,” I say, just as we enter through the store doors. “Come on, let’s make this quick;the pool and some sort of fruity drink are calling my name,” I add, trying to raise the mood.

Even though I really don’t want to be around Nate, or the girls who will be throwing themselves at him, I can't help but wonder what his reaction would be to seeing me for the first time.

After a fantastic afternoon floating around, drinking, and soaking in the last licks of the summer, Bell and I retreat to our apartment. She’s busy getting ready for the party, and I’m mentally planning what Netflix movie I want to watch as I wait for Carter to come over with our pizza.

Speaking of which… I walk to the front door to double-check that it’s unlocked. Opening it up to check the handle, I see an orange bag lying on our welcome mat. I pick it up, leave the door slightly ajar, and head into the kitchen. The orange bag turns out to be UTZ Honey Barbecue chips with an envelope taped to it, my name scribbled across the front.

I’d know this chicken scratch anywhere.

My heart nearly stops as I take a seat and rip open the envelope.

Hey BB,

It’s me… Nate. Probably the last person you want to hear from, but here I am.

Literally.

I’m sure by now you’ve heard I transferred toMRU…. I also know you likely don’t give a shit, but I do.And I wanted to be the one to tell you I’m here, but I also didn’t want to bombard you.

I’m not here to ruin anything for you. I’m sure this will go unanswered, but I’ve wanted to ask you these questions so many times, so I figured I’d write them instead.

How do you like Mountain Ridge?

Did you decide for sure on teaching, or did you change it up?

Oh, and I hope this is still your favorite flavor of chips.

I miss the taste of honey barbecue. And I never take a sip of Diet Coke without thinking of you.

I heard you work at The Wolfpack… What should I try from there? Do they have good wings?

This last one I know I shouldn’t ask, but… Graves? Really, B?

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