Page 51 of Waiting to Lose
MADI PATIENTLY WAITED outside Kendra’s dorm room for her to grab her books. She hadn’t seen her since she’d been back. Kendra had caught some kind of “bug” and had been in bed since Halloween. Madi had so much to tell her.
The door flew open and Kendra stepped into the hall. Sunglasses covered her eyes and her nose had a red tint from too much blowing. Madi smiled for a moment at the outfit Kendra had thrown together. She was wearing her pink sweats with the color branded on her rear, a white sweatshirt with a red flared sweater over it, and her red mule slippers. For most people, this would look ridiculous, but for some unknown reason, it worked for Kendra. She could make anything look good.
“Don’t come near me,” she said, holding up her tissue-filled hand to Madi. “If I didn’t have a test today, I’d still be in my fucking bed.”
Madi grinned as she grabbed Kendra’s backpack from her shoulder. “I missed you.”
“Yeah, yeah… I’m sure you were thinking about me the whole time you were licking his abs.”
Madi laughed as they walked out the door.
Rob stood as they approached, and took the backpacks from Madi.
“Who the fuck are you?” Kendra asked as she slid her glasses down her nose just enough to get a look at him.
Madi cleared her throat. “Ken, this is Rob, my new security guard.”
“Ms. Parker.” Rob nodded his head to Kendra.
She turned to Madi and pointed her tissue-filled hand at Rob. “What the fuck happened to Nate?”
“Mr. Matthews was needed elsewhere,” Rob explained.
Kendra glared back at him. “I wasn’t talking to you, sweetheart, but since you’re so anxious to talk to me, maybe you can tell why you’re here and why you look like you eat puppies for breakfast.”
Madi chuckled to herself. She hadn’t had the chance to warn Rob about Kendra. Kendra hit the nail on the head. He actuallydidlook like he ate puppies. His tough-as-nails exterior was pretty intimidating.
Madi grabbed Kendra’s arm and pulled her forward as she stood motionless, staring at Rob and waiting for an answer. “What?” she asked as she wiped her nose. “He only talks when you give him permission? That’s pretty fucked up, Mads. Actually, I thinkI’mpretty fucked up.” Kendra stumbled alongside Madi as she glanced back to Rob, following them cautiously. “I’m starting to think I should have used that stupid little cup they give you with cough medicine instead of just taking a swig before I left.”
“Ken! How much did you take?”
“Not that much. Jesus, Mads, don’t look at me like that. I fucking drink jack and coke for breakfast. I can handle a little medicine. I’ll probably get an A on my test because of it.”
Kendra turned back toward Rob as they walked. “What do you like to drink with your puppies for breakfast? Kitten milk?” She laughed. “You look like the kinda guy that has them hooked up to little pumps.”
Rob kept a straight face and didn’t say a word.
Kendra stopped in her tracks. “Cat got your tongue, Buzz?”
Madi grabbed her elbow and lurched her forward. “What?” she asked in surprise.
Madi whispered, “Please try to be nice. I’ll explain everything later. After class I’ll stop by the grill and grab you some soup. I’ll meet you back at your room, k?”
“Thank you, beyotch. I’d kiss you, but I’m pretty sure you don’t want the cold I got from the football player. I should have just stayed in your room and finished the Doritos.”
“Yes, you should have.” Madi laughed.
They stopped when the sidewalk diverged, and they parted ways. As Rob handed Kendra her backpack, she made a V with her fingers and motioned from her eyes to his, letting him know she was watching him. As soon as she was out of earshot, Rob strode next to Madi.
“Sorry about Ken. She’s actually pretty amazing. Just super protective of me.”
Rob nodded his head. “It’s good to have friends who look out for you.”
They slowly walked along the path to the Business Management building when curiosity got the best of her. “If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”
“Twenty-nine.”
“And how do you know Jake?”
