“No, thanks. And yes, I knew,” I smiled, gazing at her lips which were now the same color as the popsicle—reddish orange. If she had offered her lips instead, I would have gladly accepted. I would have sucked them until the color disappeared from her lips and tongue, and then some. I was already doing it in my mind anyway.

“I thought you had a class?” she asked, closing her textbook. Her eyes shifted to my schedule on the fridge.

“I did. How’s your schedule?”

“Good. I had a class this morning.”

“What’s your major?”

“I’m undeclared for now.”

“That’s okay. I was, too, when I was a freshman, but I’m majoring in Economics.”

“That’s great,” she smiled and looked at her watch. “I better get going. I have to work. See you later,” she said in a hurry and took off to her room.

Just before she left for work, I told her Seth and Lexy were bringing Chinese takeout for dinner around seven if she wanted to hang out with us. The truth was, I didn’t think about inviting her since she lived here, but Lexy told me to ask.

I heard three steady knocks and two short ones following after. “Alex, could you get the door? It’s Lexy and Seth,” I shouted from my bedroom. Feeling groggy after just waking up from a short nap, I didn’t have the strength just yet to get the door. When I heard their voices, I knew Alex heard me.

“Get your sorry ass out here, Ellie. Some of us are starving.” I heard Seth laughing.

“Ok, Sally,” I scowled, opening my bedroom door.

The white containers and chopsticks were already laid out on the dining table. Lexy and Alex came out of the kitchen with paper plates and drinks. My eyes went straight to Alex and I couldn’t look away. With a high ponytail, she wore short shorts and a T-shirt that hugged her perfect shape.

“Hey, sleepy head,” Lexy teased, breaking my observation. “You needed to recharge for tonight?”

“I’m not on the list tonight, remember?” I narrowed my eyes at her. I never wanted Alex to know what my other job was. Working part time at the Administration office paid the bills, but it was boring as hell. Mostly, I input information on the computer and other miscellaneous stuff. Ever since I realized the necessity for a second job, I discovered not only a thrill, but also a hobby. Besides, it was a great way to make fast cash. It was nothing to be ashamed of, but I’d rather not have it announced to the world or to every new friend I meet.

Alex looked at me in confusion. I knew she was hoping I would offer an explanation, but she wasn’t getting one.

“I meant our drinking game, silly.”

“Oh, then you know the answer. No need to recharge there.”

After we filled our plates, we sat around the table and started to chow down.

“Have you heard from Jimmy?” Seth asked, glancing at Alex, and then me. “Did you ask him why he didn’t mention that Alex happened to be a girl?” He looked at Alex again. “Not that it matters, Alex.”

“He did. He called me to tell me to deal with it.” I craned my neck to Alex. “Not that I have anything against you being my roommate. I called to let him know that he should have told us. That’s all.” I hoped she wasn’t getting the wrong idea.

“I understand,” Alex said, swallowing. “I left him a message, too. At least you got a call back. He texted me and told me that you’re a great guy. He said you would watch out for me.” She said that last sentence quickly. “But you don’t have to watch over me. I’m not a little girl,” she smiled.

She was right. She was not a little girl in any curve of her body, but I did feel the need to watch over her. I wasn’t sure if it was because she was Jimmy’s cousin or because she was my roommate.

“How are your classes?” Lexy asked, stabbing her fork through the broccoli.

“Great. I got lost a couple of times on campus,” Alex snorted. “I just need to get used to the schedule. I love not having to be at school all day.”

“How do you like your new job?” Seth asked, shoving chicken in his mouth.

“I love it. I like working with Lexy.”

“Don’t let her boss you around.”

“I don’t boss people around,” Lexi nudged Seth. “I only boss you around ‘cause you act like a child.”

“I do not,” Seth pouted, and then his eyes sparkled. “Alex, you have an amazing voice.”

She did, but I never complimented her. “Thanks,” she said shyly, blushing. “But my voice isn’t as amazing as Ellie’s.”

I couldn’t believe she’d said that. I didn’t like how she was making me feel, so I tried to brush it off. Arrogantly I said, “American Idol thought I was too good for them. There would be no competition if I entered.”

We had a good laugh after my comment, but I was still blown away by hers. Seth took a sip of his drink and continued with his endless questions. I was curious about Alex too, but I didn’t want to ask. I had Seth for that. He was the nosy one in our group and he wasn’t afraid to ask.

“How long have you and Liam been going out?”

“Seth,” Lexy scolded.

“It’s okay, Lexy,” Alex smiled at her. “I don’t mind. Liam and I went to the same high school. He was a senior and I was a freshman when we first met, but we didn’t hook up until way later. He would come home and visit his family and we ended up getting together at a friend’s party. We started dating several months before my father passed away from lung cancer. He died about three months ago. My father smoked all his life, probably like a pack a day.” Her eyes became glassy. “Liam was there for me then, but it’s difficult when we’re in two different schools with two different schedules, not to mention his internship. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”