BAD REP(151)

I would miss Jordan terribly and I still had those moments of insecurity when I thought girls throwing themselves at him.  But I just had to look into my boyfriend's eyes and know that I had nothing to worry about it.  You see, Jordan and I were in it for life.

“I have to sell back a few books, do you mind heading over to campus with me?  We can grab something to eat at the Canteen,” I suggested, putting the last of my clothes in the suitcase and snapping it shut.

“Sure, baby, I just have to text Mitch.  We're supposed to have practice at 2:30.  You coming with?” he asked me, putting his arm around my waist and pulling me close.  He kissed the back of my neck and my body hummed.

“Sure.  I haven't seen Viv this week, so we can hang out and talk girlie stuff while our boyfriends play rock gods.”  I grinned.  Jordan rubbed his nose against mine, an affectionate gesture that never failed to make my toes curl.

“You'll make a great rock star wife.  I can see it already,” he said.  My heart sputtered to a stop.  Wife?  Was he serious?  Jordan's smile widened and I knew he could read me like a book.  He had always been able to.  He kissed me on the lips this time.  “One day I'll get a ring on your finger.  You just wait and see,” he vowed and my heart soared.  

We got in Jordan's truck and headed toward Rinard College.  Jordan was talking about some new Generation Rejects merchandise that had come in yesterday.  I loved seeing him so excited.  

“Is it weird knowing you won't be here next year?” I asked him after we pulled up to the campus.  I gathered my books off the floor.  Jordan took them from me as we got out of the truck.

“Yeah.  I mean I'm really excited for the tour.  But I have to admit, I'll miss being here with you every day.”  He tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear.  “I'll miss you, Mays.  So much,” he said softly, his eyes tender as he looked at me.

I cupped his cheek and rubbed my thumb along the rough hair at his jawline.  “Me too.  But we'll make it work,” I promised.  Jordan grabbed my hand and kissed the palm.

“No more running,” he stated, grinning at me.  I nodded.

“I'm all run out, baby.  You caught me fair and square,” I replied.  Jordan laced his hand with mine and we walked to the book store.

I was able to sell my last three books for a whopping $22.  Pocketing the money I pulled Jordan by the hand toward the Canteen.  “Come on, babe.  This wad of money is burning a hole in my pocket.  Let me wine and dine you,” I joked.  Jordan pulled me up against his front and nuzzled into my hair.

“You sure do know how to treat a guy,” he teased.

We laughed all the way until we got to the Canteen. We were about to go inside when were stopped by a voice.  “Jordan.  Maysie.  Hey.”  I saw Jordan's shoulders tense slightly but his face was relaxed.  I looked toward the door and saw Olivia coming down the steps.

She looked beautiful as always.  But I no longer felt the burning jealousy I used to when we were around each other.  Because I had seen the less than perfect girl underneath it all and I sort of felt sad for her.  Olivia had flown under the radar the rest of the school year and I had heard through the grapevine that she was moving back home to Washington state, where she was from, now that she had graduated.

“Hey,” I said back politely.  Jordan nodded in her direction but didn't say anything.  Olivia looked up at him.

“Congrats on the upcoming tour.  You'll be great,” she said sincerely, giving him a tentative smile.

“Thanks, Liv,” he responded, smiling a bit in return.

Seeing the way she stared up at him, I truly did feel bad for her.  Because it was painfully obvious that she was still in love with him.  Her eyes became soft and her face held a sad sort of wistfulness.  It was hard to stay bitter toward someone who had lost the one thing she had wanted most.  Lost it and would never get it back.

Olivia looked over at me.  “So, how are you doing, Maysie?” she asked.  She seemed to struggle with what to say and I knew this was extremely awkward for her.

“Good.  How about you?  When do you leave?” I asked.  Olivia pulled the strap of her purse higher on her shoulder.

“I'm heading out tomorrow.  My older brother is coming in tonight with a U-haul,” she explained.