I turned away so I could smile. Lacy was a junior. I wondered if Kyle liked older girls.
“I’m only a few blocks from here, but sure. I feel pretty dumb walking around this way.”
“I can drive you.” I decided to give him the out if he wanted it.
“No. Aaron might still be out there with campus police. You shouldn’t have to go near him. Plus, they might want to talk to you more—and you should want to talk to them.”
“I’m really sorry about this.” I touched his shoulder gently. “And to think you thought you were going to owe me.”
“We’re even now.” He gave me a half hug. “But don’t be stupid about this. Aaron’s harassed you twice now. Worry about yourself and not him.”
“I’m worried about you right now.”
“Don’t be. I’m kind of a hero.” His smirk emphasized the sarcasm in his remark.
I laughed. “Make sure Kyle gets home all right, Lacy.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of him.” She winked.
“Not too good of care.” I knew she was just playing around, but she seemed interested in him. I’d have to pump her for info when she got home. Maybe something good could come from Aaron’s jerk move.
“Lacy can take as good care of me as she wants, Cara.”
I laughed again. “All right.”
Less than a minute after Lacy and Kyle left, my roommates arrived.
“Oh my god, are you okay?” Mallory pulled me into a hug. “We came as soon as we heard.” She pulled back so she could look at me.
Juliet put a hand on my arm.
“I’m fine, but Kyle got hit hard.”
“We saw him.” Juliet hugged me next. “I can’t believe Aaron did that.”
“He’s such a jerk.”
“I know. Reed’s with him now trying to sober him up. I guess Kyle has to decide whether he’s pressing charges. Have you decided whether you want to get the police involved more?”
“Why would I be the one to do anything? He didn’t hurt me.”
“He’s threatening you.”
“I just want him to leave me and everyone else alone.”
My phone buzzed again. I assumed it was Chase, but it wasn’t. It was Rachel. I heard what happened. Do you want to stay with us tonight?
Mallory read the message over my shoulder. “We’ll stay at the house with you tonight. Don’t worry.”
“I’m fine. It’s not like Aaron is coming in here.”
“But you have to be shaken up.” Juliet eyed me warily. “I expected you to be hysterical.”
“I’m more numb than anything.” I slumped down on the couch. “I can’t believe how crazy my life’s become.”
I wrote a quick reply back to Rachel. Thanks, but I’m fine. Thanks for checking in on me though.
Ok. Let’s do coffee tomorrow then? Eleven? And Riley wanted me to tell you he can walk you through the restraining order process if you want his help.
“Restraining order?” I showed the phone to my friends. “Riley is Chase’s brother, and he’s a lawyer.”
“Wow. I can’t even imagine.” Mallory sat down next to me. “It’s so dumb because Aaron’s the one who messed up. It’s not like you broke up with him for no reason.”
“He called me a whore. Kyle defended me, and well, you know the rest.”
“You a whore? That asshole.” Juliet balled her hands into fists.
I took a seat on the arm of the couch. “This must be so awkward for Reed.”
“Awkward?” Juliet sat down on the couch next to me. “He’s more angry than you can imagine. Reed doesn’t take this stuff lightly. I wouldn’t want to be in on the conversation I’m sure they’re having tonight.”
I couldn’t understand why Reed would side with me so easily. I was Juliet’s friend, but Aaron was his best friend. “He’s just really protective of women?”
“His sister was in an abusive relationship.” Juliet looked off at some unidentifiable spot in the distance. “And she ended up taking her life.”
“Oh my gosh. That’s horrible.”