Page 121 of Catch
“I think I can arrange that.”
Ethan’s phone buzzes again. When he pulls it out of his pocket, he stares at the screen like it’s about to attack him.
“Oh God, it’s my mother. He must’ve called her as soon as he hung up the phone. What the hell?”
“I’m going to let you take this one in private.”
Ethan leans over and kisses me.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I need to get to class.”
“Meet up for lunch at the lounge?” he asks.
“I’ll see you there at one.”
I make my way out of the building, but instead of going straight to my lecture hall, I decide to take a walk around town to enjoy the fall colors. My class doesn’t start for half an hour, so I have the time, and I need the exercise.With all this stuff about Renner finally over, I feel like I can breathe again.
There’s a notable chill in the air, but I’m bundled up in my puffy jacket and my thick wool scarf. I take the scenic trail and cross the covered footbridge where so many tourists stop for photos.
There’s no one here today, not like on the weekends, and it’s so peaceful and serene. The rich autumn colors remind me of home, and I take a moment to appreciate the sight.
When I reach the other side of the bridge, I hear what sounds like footsteps behind me.
Probably the wind rustling through the trees, I muse.
I turn around, and no one’s there.
See? It’s nothing.
I keep walking, but I hear it again, footsteps and the crunch of leaves.
This time, when I look around, there’s someone standing a few feet behind me. They’re wearing a black hoodie pulled down low, so I can’t see who it is.
“You fucking cunt.”
Oh, shit.
Renner pushes his hood back as he stalks toward me. His expression is furious.
We’re out here alone and… I think I might throw up.
I back up so fast that I trip over myself and almost fall on my ass.
“I’ve got nothing to say to you,” I state as calmly as I can, even though my heart is beating like a jackhammer. “Leave me alone.”
“How dare you report me to the school?!” he roars. “You can’t just walk away from me and ruin everything!”
I pull out my phone, but my hands shake so hard that I nearly fumble it. Somehow I manage to tap my camera app to record. I need to dial campus security too, even though, technically, I’m not on campus right now. Fuck.
“Don’t make things worse, Ren. Go away, please,” I urge. “Walk away.”
“How can things be any worse, you stupid bitch? I’m suspended from school and they’re charging me with vandalism!”
“So youdidbreak into the boatshed?”
“I should’ve broken your face instead.”
