Page 40 of Redeeming the Villain

Phillip and I are just gonna grab coffee or walk around somewhere and catch up. Nothing too formal.

I shoot him a quick text back.

So soon!

June meets me outside of the building to get Sunny from me, as she’s going to watch her while I’m gone for the next couple of hours. I pass my baby girl off to her, knowing she’s about to have the best night, going on a super-long walk that I can’t really take her on without problems.

Blair wants to meet up to study for our Econ class. And to be honest, I could use a study buddy for it. Especially one as smart as her.

We’re going to her house—or her and Griffin’s house since they live together. Honestly, after seeing the Kensingtons’ place, I’m excited to see theirs.

This town is known for its unique architecture. I mean, this town is known for a lot of things. Opulence. Wealth. Being one of the most expensive places to live and hardest to move into because no one ever wants to leave.

But there is something magical about it. It’s unique, unlike anything I’ve seen from the traveling I’ve done. The air seems cleaner, the wildlife happier. It’s … special.

I text Blair quickly to let her know that I’m on my way to Hubert Hall, where we agreed to meet up.

On my way. Should be there in just a few. Thank you so much again!

I know that it’s just my anxiety talking, but there’s still a part of me that thinks this is just some elaborate plan of Malik’s. But to be fair, he would do something like this. There’s no length he won’t go to win.

I wonder why he hates me. I’ve asked myself that for a long time. Was I just in the right place at the right time? Do I remind him of someone? Did I do something to him?

But I never seem to find an answer, and I certainly don’t get any from him.

Was there something I could’ve changed? Apologized for? Something about me that I could’ve altered to save myself from the torment he put me through? Unfortunately, no matter how many times I go down this rabbit hole, it always ends the same...in disappointment.

I wanted to ask him so many times. The words have formed on my lips, but never come out. It’s not like he and I have a lot of conversations to begin with. There’s never really been a chance for an opening.

As I reach Hubert Hall, I find Blair waiting next to the steps outside. She hasn’t looked up yet. She’s typing into her phone. But as I approach her, she jams it into her pocket and greets me with a smile on her face.

“Are you ready?” She brushes her hands down her plaid skirt.

“Yes. Very. Unless, for some reason, I should be worried that you’re a psychopath who is bringing me back to your house to murder me. Then, in that case, I think I’ll change my mind.”

I chuckle, and she laughs along with me.

“It’s funny you used that line. Because the first time I ever went over to Griffin’s house, I made the same joke to him.” She smiles, her eyes seeming to drift as she reminisces.

“That makes me feel better—I think.”

We head toward a parking lot that I’m sure her car is in.

“How did you and Griffin meet?”

“Well, it’s kind of … funny and embarrassing.” She giggles.

“I have to know now.” I encourage her to continue.

“Well, we were both taking English. He was horrible at it. I had a perfect score, of course. His coach threatened to kick him off the team if his grades didn’t go up. While I had no desire to help him at first, I needed money for my dad for his treatment, and Griffin had plenty of money to spare. We were a match made in heaven.”

“So, sunshine and rainbows then?” I ask, genuinely curious about what her journey with love has been.

Having no experience myself, I can’t resist being wrapped up in their love story, wondering what it would be like to have one of my own. It’s not like there hasn’t been opportunity. There’s been plenty. Something just always went wrong.

In high school, I would go on first dates, but they never wanted a second. I used to think something was wrong with me until I got out of that town.

When I spent time with Phillip overseas, there were plenty of chances for me to have second and third dates.

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