Page 1 of Strong Side
PROLOGUE
NOELLE
END OF SECOND YEAR AT WALKER UNIVERSITY
One more month.I can make it one more month.This has been my mantra all day.
It’s the end of not only my second semester of my second year at Walker, but almost the end of the school year at the elementary school where I student teach and volunteer for their various school programs.
Today was field day, and the chaos from the day with kids ranging from five to eleven just about pushed me over the edge. Of course, it didn’t help that it was hotter than hell out there. And on my way home, I realized that I hadn’t eaten at all today, and the headache that’s coming on needs some immediate attention, or it’ll turn into a migraine.
My cell phone rings, and I quickly glance at the display screen in my car and see that Casey is calling me. He’s been my best friend since middle school and one of the reasons I chose toattend Walker University instead of Chandler State University. Outside of school and my boyfriend, Trey, I spend the most time with him.
I tap on the screen to answer his call. “Hello, Casey King.”
“Hello, Noelle James.” He chuckles deeply. “How was your day today?”
“Well, I’m hot, tired, and ready for a two-hour shower to try to get rid of my headache. It was field day, so it was a long day. I went straight from my last morning class to Arrow Cross Elementary School, and I’m just now on my way home.” I huff.
“That sucks. What can I get for you? Do you want me to bring anything over? I have that ginger tea you like.”
This is one of the things I love about Casey. He knows me better than I know myself.
“No, I’m good. Trey is supposed to come over later, so if I can’t get this headache to drift away, I’ll have him bring me something.”
“Uh-huh. Yeah, right. Well, let me know how that works out, and when he bails on you, just text me what you need,” he grumbles.
I know Casey thinks Trey’s the worst. And maybe he’s right. I’m not blind. I see him bailing on me. But it’s complicated.
When I met Trey in our freshman year, I was smitten. He was in my history class and asked me for my notes after the first week, then sat next to me every class afterward. Within a month, we went on a date.
Trey’s my first boyfriend and first everything. He was my first real kiss. I lost my virginity to him. And he’s the first guy to make my heart equally burst and hurt. Our freshman year was fun, and dating Trey was exciting. And then … well, he changed, and Casey has seen it all. He’s not a big fan of my boyfriend, and nothing I say will change his mind.
“You’re too good for him, Noelle. You deserve a guy who puts you before everything.”
“Okay, Mr. Football Star. Like you’d put a girl before your ambitions.”
“For you … I’d put the whole world on hold.”
I roll my eyes at his dramatics, but my cheeks betray me with a flush. “Smooth line, Romeo. Save it for the jersey chasers.”
I turn onto my street and rub at my temple. I hate talking to Casey about Trey because he has a hard time reining in his disdain.
“Case, he’s been pretty good about being more attentive to me lately since they lost in the playoffs. He’s just hanging around until he leaves for the summer league in Minnesota. He came over last night and made me dinner. It was sweet. We’re all good.” My voice hitches slightly.
It wasn’t all good really. He was on his phone the entire night and barely talked to me at all. So, I went to bed, and when he came in later, he woke me up for sex that lasted maybe all of ten minutes, then immediately rolled over and went to sleep.
“Right. Well, why don’t I just come over with some of that soup you like from The Font? It always helps you feel better. And I’m guessing you didn’t eat much today.” He would be correct, and also knows the way to my stomach is soup from my favorite restaurant on campus.
“Casey, I’m fine. In fact, I’m pulling up to the apartment now, and surprisingly, Trey is already here. So, if I need anything, he can get it for me. But you know I appreciate you, right?” I spot Trey’s Jeep in the guest parking spot next to mine.
“That I do, James. That I do. All right, call me or text me later so I know you’re okay.” There’s a slight edge to his voice, but then it softens. “Please.”
I pull into my assigned parking spot in front of my apartment building and turn off my car. I tilt my head back onto theheadrest and close my eyes to try to ease my headache. “Okay, I will. You should go out and have some fun with the guys tonight.”
He laughs. “Yeah, okay. I might. Later.”
“Bye.” I open my eyes and press End on my phone.
