Without You

Joe slapped my back, scaring the shit out of me. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to your dorm. I sent Callie a text and told her to meet me there.”



“Sounds good!” I said with a laugh. The beer was starting to get to me.



Joe and I started making our way toward my place, and the whole way, he kept talking about how wonderful Callie was. I could see how much the two of them loved each other just by the way they would look at each other.



“When are y’all getting married?” I asked.



“After school. Our parents insist on it, and since they’re paying for school and the wedding, I wasn’t about to argue.”



I laughed. “I see your point.”



“Shit, I see Roger. I need to tell him something. Let me run and catch him. I’ll meet you and Callie outside your dorm.”



“Sounds good.” I watched as he took off, calling for Roger.



I started toward my dorm and smiled when I saw Callie.



“Hey you! Where is Joe?”



“Took off after some Roger guy to ask him something. Said he would be right here.”



“Okay. Were you able to enjoy yourself and relax for a bit?”



I laughed. “Does it show that bad?”



She nodded her head. “Yeah, kind of. Listen, Will, I’m really sorry about you and your girlfriend. I hope that y’all can work it out.”



I tried to smile, but it came off as a poor attempt. “Yeah, I’m thinking when she calls me again, I’m going to talk to her.”



“Good. You need to give her a chance to explain. Is she still calling every day?”



I nodded and felt my stomach knotting up. “Yep.”



“Answer her when she calls. I’d hate to hear that she stopped calling because you kept blowing her off.”



I needed to change the subject. “I have some news for you.”



“Good or bad?” She laughed.



I reached over and pulled out a stick from her hair. “Jesus, where have you been? You have sticks and leaves in your hair.”



“I was helping an older lady trim trees this afternoon. I’ve never been hit with so many branches in my life, but I had fun. So, what’s the news?”



I raised my eyebrows at her and smiled. “I’ve decided to join y’all in Oklahoma over winter break.”



She threw her hands up to her mouth. “Oh my God. Are you serious?”



I nodded my head as she jumped into my arms. I laughed at how happy she was. She loosened her grip, and I set her down.



“I’m going to peck you on the lips!”



She quickly did what she’d said, and I laughed.



“Wait until Joe finds out!” she said.



“It’d better be good!” Joe said, walking up to us.



“Will’s going with us to Oklahoma, Joe!” she said.



Joe reached for my hand and shook it. “Damn, Hayes. You have no idea how much you’re helping us out. We really could use the extra help, and with your background, dude, you just saved us. I’m gonna kiss you now!”



I pulled back and held up my hand. “Uh…let’s not!”



Joe and Callie both laughed.



“Listen, give me all the details later, and count me in. I’m gonna head inside. It’s getting colder out, and it’s starting to rain.”



Joe shook my hand one more time, and we said our good-byes.



I made my way inside, but then I stopped and looked around. For some reason, I had the strangest feeling that someone was watching me. I shook it off and decided I would lay off the beer for a while.



“Alex! Jesus H. Christ! Slow down!” Grace called from behind me.



My heart was pounding, and I was fighting like hell to keep my tears at bay. I was so stupid for coming here. I should have known he had moved on. He hadn’t answered any of my calls or text messages. He was done with me.



It was starting to drizzle, and I began walking faster. That was when I heard Grace let out a small scream. I turned to see her on the ground, and a guy was practically on top of her.



“Oh my goodness! Grace, are you all right?” I asked.



I ran over to help her up, but the guy was already helping her.



“Are you okay? I didn’t see you. I’m so very sorry. Are you hurt?” the guy asked.



I looked at Grace and smiled. She was awestruck. I peeked over at the guy, and I could see why. He was handsome, tall, and he had dark brown hair and caramel-colored eyes.



“Grace? Are you okay? Did I hurt you? I swear I didn’t see you,” he said.



Grace’s mouth dropped open. “How do you know my name?”