BAD REP(47)

I lifted my shoulders.  “You know, busy and stuff.  School is crazy right now.  With classes and rush, I barely have time to sleep,” I told him, picking out my brand of shampoo and tossing it into the basket.

I watched Jordan choose some deodorant and put in with my items.  I felt all warm and fuzzy, like we were a married couple doing our shopping together.  Married couple?  Hell, we were barely friends.  I needed a serious reality check.

“So, how's Olivia?” I asked, slamming both of us back into that reality.  Jordan's shoulders tensed a bit but I may have imagined it because his voice was even and unaffected when he answered me.

“She's fine, I guess.  But you probably see more of her than I do.  She goes into sorority hibernation the week of rush.  Nothing can deviate her focus from all things pink and frilly.”  I thought I heard a twinge of annoyance in his statement.  But again, I was most likely searching for something that wasn't there.

“Yeah, the girls go a little nutso with all of it.”  I picked out a new toothbrush and put it in the basket while Jordan tossed in some mouth wash.

“And you don't?” he asked, looking down at me.

I shook my head.  “No way.  I mean, I love being in Chi Delta, but there's more to life than cupcakes and talking to random people about how much I love sparkles,” I said sarcastically.  Jordan laughed.  He seemed to like my answer, which was odd considering he was as entrenched in the Greek system as his girlfriend.

“How's rush going for the Pi Sigs?” I asked as we made our way through the Walmart.

“Same as every other rush, I suppose.  I've been pretty busy so I've missed a bunch of the events actually.”

I looked at him in surprise.  “I thought you were the president.  Aren't you kind of required to be there?” I asked as we got in line to check out.

“Well, funny you mention it, I stepped down from my position earlier this week.”  My eyes widened.

“You did?  Can you do that?” I asked, taken aback.

Jordan shrugged. “Of course I can do that.  I just have too much going on with this being my senior year.  Plus the band is picking up more gigs and I didn't have the time for Pi Sig stuff.  Plus, I'm sort of over the whole Greek thing.  But don't say anything,” he whispered conspiratorially.

Jordan Levitt was full of surprises.  “I won't breathe a word.  Cross my heart.” I traced an 'x' over my chest and I saw Jordan follow the movement.  I flushed as his eyes darted from my boobs back up to my face.  “Will you be at the mixer on Saturday?” I asked, handing him his stuff from my basket.

He took the items and waited as I unloaded my crap.  “Yeah, I'll be there.  Wouldn't miss it,” he said, grinning.  I tried not to read too much into it, but it was hard when he was looking at me like that.

“Yeah, should be fun,” I replied lamely.

I turned away from him and paid for my stuff.  When I was finished, I grabbed my bags and started to leave.  “Well, I'll see ya later,” I called to him.  Jordan handed the teller his debit card and then reached out to grab my hand.

“Wait for me.  Why don't we go get a coffee or something?” he said.  I was torn.  I wasn't sure Jordan and me hanging out was a good idea.  But what could it hurt?  It was just coffee.

“Sure, that sounds good.”  I held my bags and waited for him to finish up.  When he was done, he grabbed his items and then reached over and took mine as well.  My heart swelled at the gesture.  We walked out of the store and stood on the sidewalk.

“Where are you parked?” he asked me.  I pointed to the aisle three rows over.  “I'm right here.  Why don't you meet me at the Cup and Crumb,” he suggested.

I nodded and went to take my bags from him.  He reached out at the same time and our hands brushed against each other.  I tried not to sigh at the physical contact as I took my things.  “Thanks for carrying them for me,” I said quietly.

“Sure,” he remarked nonchalantly.  “See you in a few minutes,” he called over his shoulder as he headed toward a Ducati motorcycle.  Of course he had a motorcycle.  Could he fit the bad boy image anymore if he tried?  If he wasn't so delicious I would have laughed at how trite it was.