Page 13 of Chasing Xander
“No… Maybe that’s the problem. Xander and I exchanged phone numbers, but that’s it. I saw him flirting with other girls today. Is he even single?”
“Well, with the way he was flirting with you last night, I’d sure as hell hope so.”
Kylie frowned. That wasn’t exactly the answer she was looking for.
Celeste turned back around and grabbed a fruit cup. “Stop worrying. He’s totally into you, and you two are going to hook up.”
“Yeah, right.”
“Seriously. I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t hunt you down. And if for some reason he doesn’t, you’d better make a move on him.”
“Yeah, that’s what I should do.” Kylie rolled her eyes. “Chase down a guy I just met so I can what? Throw myself at him? I doubt a guy like Xander is going to want anything to do with a girl like me, who’s only ever had one boyfriend and is still a virgin. Oh, and I’m a freshman, too.”
“You can be anyone you want now. Hell, go fuck some random guys and get some experience. Then go after Xander.”
A couple of guys who’d walked in behind them laughed. “Oh God.” Kylie groaned and covered her face. She lowered her voice. “I am not going to go fuck a bunch of random guys. That is like the worst advice in the world.”
Celeste shrugged. “Okay, you’re probably right about that. It was bad advice, but I wouldn’t wait. Xander isn’t the type of guy to stay single for long.”
“Ifhe’s even single.”
“Okay, knock it off.” She turned back to face Kylie, pointing. “If you’re that worried about it, just ask him.”
She sighed. Celeste was right, as usual. Kylie grabbed a cup of strawberry-flavored yogurt, a package of peanut-butter crackers, and a bottle of lemon iced tea. She’d moved toward the cashier when her phone beeped with a text message. After handing over her meal-plan card, she pulled her phone from her pocket. Her heart jumped at the name on her screen.
Xander.
The activities fair sucks. I’m so bored. Know what would make it better?
Grinning like an idiot, she replied.Me?Heat erupted on her face.I can’t believe I sent that to him.
Xander:You read my mind.There was a kissing face emoji.Come back and keep me company?
“We eating outside?” Celeste came to a stop next to her. “What has you smiling so big?”
“Xander.” She texted back:Sorry. Eating with Celeste.Slipping her phone into her pocket, she said, “Sorry, yeah, let’s go outside.”
“Told you he was into you.” Celeste stuck out her tongue, then headed for the exit. They found an empty stone picnic table and sat. “I’m bummed we didn’t get a chance to talk to anyone at Sigma.”
Kylie peeled the top off her yogurt. “Like you said, we can always check out one of their parties.”
“Your enthusiasm is overwhelming,” she deadpanned. “Look, if you don’t want to go, we won’t go.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to go. It’s just…Greek life means parties, and parties usually mean alcohol. And you know how I feel about that.” She took a bite of her yogurt and avoided Celeste’s gaze. She knew how excited her friend was about Sigma, and she wanted to be supportive, but she didn’t want to get sucked into a lifestyle that could become problematic.
Celeste’s expression softened. “Just because your dad is an alcoholic doesn’t mean you’ll become one, too.”
“There are studies that suggest alcoholism is hereditary.” She twisted the top off her iced tea and took a drink. “What if it’s already in my DNA?”
“You drank at Connor’s graduation party and were fine. Besides, if there are parties with alcohol, just don’t drink. Or only have a couple. And with me there, I promise not to let you get out of control.”
She shook her head but couldn’t stop the smile that formed. “Thanks, but I can’t expect you to babysit me all the time.” But she was right about Connor’s party. Kylie had had a few drinks there, and she’d had fun. Her hangover the next morning had sucked, but she didn’t have a burning desire to repeat the behavior. Moderation was key, and she was a lot stronger—and smarter—than her father.
“Let’s check them out, and if you’re uncomfortable or don’t think they’re a good fit, I’ll drop it, okay?” Celeste said.
“Okay, but you do know you don’t need me to pledge a sorority, right? I won’t hate you if you join and I don’t.”
“I know, but we’ve always said we’d do college together, and it won’t be the same without you.” Her voice dipped low with sadness.
