Page 703 of Filthy Elites

“Dumping them out. Haven’t you learned by now? Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know well and when you don’t see it being made.” Janie raised an eyebrow as she popped the lid from the first one and poured it into the sink.

Kelsey looked longingly at the hot delicious-smelling brew. “I know, you’re right, but it’s from The Coffee Shop on campus.”

Janie dumped the empty cups, lids, and carrier into the trash. “We can stop there on the way to class if we hurry.”

FIFTEEN

An Unexpected Ally

Adrian was grumpy as hell.Once again, he hardly slept at all and his back was aching so badly, he didn’t think it would ever be right. He needed to find some place to stay. Sleeping in the car was not working.

He also needed to find out who kept trashing his stuff. When his room was destroyed, before he was kicked out of the team house, he was pissed that the guys in his house had been such assholes, but he hadn’t given it much thought. They had been known to pull some crappy pranks.

Staying there wasn’t something he had wanted to do so he didn’t fight it. His car getting vandalized last night wasn’t something he could ignore. Add in getting attacked in the locker room and he was forced to consider it all could be related.

Someone was looking for something they thought he had. But what? He had next to nothing of value except for his car. He brought some of his nice clothes but left most behind. Living out of his car didn’t require designer labels.

He had a tablet, laptop, and his phone, which were all only a month or so old. His mother had updated all his electronics before the semester started. Adrian didn’t think that stuff would be of any interest to anyone. That brought him back to someone messing with him. Even that didn’t make sense.

Adrian needed help but he didn’t know who he could trust. He showered and dressed as quickly as he could while keeping watch. He was not going to let down his guard again. He was not about to let someone attack him again.

Walking out of the locker room, Adrian noticed Maggie Spruce, the athletic trainer that was at his disciplinary hearing. It appeared she was waiting for him. “Hi.” He hoped she would let him keep going if he didn’t make eye contact or stop to chat.

Luck was not on his side. She pushed off the wall she was leaning against and fell into step next to him. “How are you doing, Adrian?”

He wanted to reply, ‘how do you think I’m doing,’ but he wouldn’t be rude to her. She had tried to help him. “I’m fine.”

She laughed abruptly. “No, you’re not. You don’t have to be fake with me.”

It was Adrian’s turn to laugh. “You’d be the only one.”

She sighed. “There are a lot of people on this campus that care. You have to be willing to open yourself up to them.”

Adrian folded his arms across his chest. “Yeah, that’s worked out so well.”

Maggie tipped her head to study him. “Did you know that Katherine Hogan and I went to college together? We’ve been good friends since our freshman year. You don’t see it now, but this suspension may turn out to be the best thing that’s ever happened.”

Adrian stopped moving and looked at her like she was crazy. “Yeah, my ex-friends have been arrested, my money’s frozen and I’m sleeping in my c… Listen, I appreciate you voting in my favor. That was cool of you, but no offense, I don’t feel like talking this morning. I’ve had a crappy couple of days.”

“I might be able to help you.” Maggie faced him.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m fine.” He shifted his backpack on his shoulder and lengthened his steps. He wanted to get away from the athletic trainer before he spilled his gut to her. He almost told her he was sleeping in his Porsche.

Maggie watched him walk away, determined to help the stubborn guy. She knew just what she was going to do.

* * *

Kelsey and Janiewere walking into the Coffee Shop when Gwen and her boyfriend Drew came up behind them.

Kelsey grinned at the couple. They were cute together and completely in love. She couldn’t help feeling a tad bit of jealousy when watching them. Gwen’s boyfriend was incredible. Drew Maxwell was one of the most popular guys on campus and deserved the title. He was drop dead gorgeous with messy blond hair and blue eyes a girl could get lost in. He was also the top soccer player on campus and nationally ranked.

“Hey, Kels!” Gwen called out. “Drew, you remember my friend, Kelsey?”

Drew gave her a smile that Kelsey was sure would make most girls drop their panties right then and there and wish they could have their way with him. “Hi, Drew. It’s nice to see you again. I heard the game tonight is going to be a tough one.”

Drew lifted one shoulder. “Nah. It’ll be fun. I love the challenge.” His phone dinged with a text message; he pulled it from his pocket and read the text. “Babe, I have to run. Dean’s gotten himself into something.” He hooked Gwen’s neck and kissed her on the side of her head. “See you after my history class.”

“You have stars in your eyes.” Kelsey bumped Gwen with her shoulder. “I’m happy for you.”