Page 56 of Voices

I trace my finger over his words.

But he didn’t leave me like everyone else does when I’m stuck in my head. My birthday is always hard, but he stayed with me.

I stick the note in the empty slot in my wallet where the cash goes. I slide on my shoes and head out to the elevator. As it’s reaching the main floor, I remember that Shane drove here and I have no idea how to get back to campus. Checking the time on my phone I know that Lily and Noah are both in class for another forty minutes. Shane said he has classes all day so I can’t ask him for a ride.

I bite my lip as I step outside and look around at the unfamiliar buildings. Pulling up a ride-share app, I notice the tall quiet guy from last night step out of an old pickup truck and waves me over. I look around me for someone else he might know but I’m the only one standing here.

I slowly walk over to him and stop a few feet away, not sure what to do.

He tilts his head towards the passenger side and then climbs in without saying anything.

O-kay.

I climb in and buckle my seat belt. I glance over at him as he pulls out of the parking spot, still not looking at me. He has a country station playing on low and the windows rolled down. He’s taller than Shane but doesn’t have as much muscle. His short black hair is blowing around as he squints against the bright sun. He doesn’t seem to be the talkative type, which Iappreciate, so the ride is quiet besides the twang of the singer on the radio.

Twenty minutes later we are pulling under the Welcome to Gannon University arch. He picks up his cell phone, holds it to his face, then hands it to me. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do with it though.

He pulls into the student parking lot and parks. Looking at me, he points to my phone I have on my knee and then his phone in my hand. I look at his home screen for a clue as to what he’s trying to tell me but it’s just a picture of some kids.

He lets out a huff through his nose and takes his phone back. He taps on the screen a few times then hands it back to me with his eyebrows raised. Looking down at it I see a contact has been created with my name but no number.

Oh.

I quickly punch in my number and hand it back as my neck starts to heat in embarrassment.

Why else would he give you his phone, you dumbass.

My phone pings with a new text.

Unknown: Where do you live? All Shane said was on campus.

I save his name and number in my phone and quickly text back.

Me: I’m over in the student townhomes behind the main building.

He nods once and heads in that direction. I look out my window so he can’t see my face I can feel turning red. This is why I only have two friends. I don’t get people and picking up on hints or reading people’s minds isn’t my strong suit.

He slows down when he pulls into the parking lot for the townhomes and looks over at me.

Not again. I bite my lip and look out the windshield.

What does he want now? Why won’t he just ask?

As he drives past my building, I realize he was asking which one I live in.

Real smooth.

“Umm, you can stop right here. Thanks.”

He pulls into a parking spot and puts the truck in park. I’m about to jump out but turn to him at the last second. He lifts a dark brow when I don’t do or say anything. I send him another text and wince as I hit send.

Me: Not to sound rude but…what’s your name?

He huffs out of his nose again but this time I see the edge of his lips curve up in a tight smile. A second later my phone pings in my hand.

Tall guy: Asher

I’m about to look back up at him when another text comes through.

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