CAMPUS HEARTS

CHAPTER 3

Chapter 3

"What?"

I opened my mouth to say something, but only a gasp came out. Then I started choking. On air. Like literal Actual air.

Charles immediately helped me sit back down on the bench. "Are you okay?" he asked looking concerned.

I held up a finger, telling to wait for a moment. No. No, I was definitely not okay. After a few moments, I finally stopped coughing and looked up at him.

My mind still felt scrambled. "Why?" I asked.

He looked confused for a second before remembering what we had been talking about. "Oh. Right." He rubbed the back of his neck. "It wouldn't be real. More like fake dating." He tried to explain, it didn't work though. Because that somehow made things even more confusing.

Why was Charles Martinez asking me specifically to fake date him? Out of every girl on campus, why me?

I shook my head. "Okay... I don't fully understand what's happening right now, but what makes you think I'd want to fake date you?"

Charles sighed and stood up, I stood up because there was no way I would understand what he was saying while seated down. "Because I need this. And because you could benefit from it too."

I crossed my arms. "How?" Like in what way ?

"My dad knows a lot of celebrities," he explained. "He also owns a clothing company. You could make a lot of connections through him."

I paused. Because actually A few hours ago, I probably would've considered it. I needed money for rent. My car desperately needed work. I wanted to transform it into something else. And connections weren't exactly easy to come by. But things were different now.

Professor Shane had already handed me an opportunity that felt too good to be true. And more importantly—I was done with boys. At least for now.

"Thanks for the offer, Charles," I said. "But I don't need it." I turned around and started walking away. "There are one hundred and twenty-six students in my class. I'm sure one of them will say yes." With that, I left.

I hoped though that I got my point across to him and he understood that I wasn't fake dating him.

I put in my earbuds, got into my car, and drove away from campus. Fifteen minutes later, I arrived at my apartment building. I tried the elevator.

It was still broken. Of course it was. I shook my head and headed for the stairs. After climbing all the way to the third floor, I finally reached my apartment. I unlocked the door and stepped inside.

Monica was in the kitchen cooking. The smell alone made my stomach growl. She hadn't really spoken to me since yesterday after I broke up with her brother.

I walked over to the counter and placed my bag on it. "What are you cooking?" I asked.

She glanced at me briefly. "Pasta."

I nodded. "Okay. That's good." The conversation died immediately. We'd never really fought before.

So This just felt weird. I sighed.

"I'm sorry, Molly." She paused. I continued. "I guess you were right. Maybe I don't know what I want. That's why I've decided to stay away from boys for a while." I looked at her hopefully. "So please stop ignoring me."

Monica stared at me for a second. Then she burst out laughing. "Jeez, Kathy." She shook her head. "I didn't tell you to swear off boys forever."

She laughed again. "And I'm not ignoring you. Why would I do that?"

Relief flooded through me. I smiled. "Good. Because I have some amazing news."

She motioned for me to continue while stirring the pasta. I practically bounced with excitement. "I think I might have a job with Rachel Forbes."

Monica froze. "The Rachel Forbes?"

I nodded enthusiastically. Her eyes widened. Then she screamed. Loudly. I immediately covered my ears. I had expected that reaction from her. "Shut up!"

I laughed. "No, seriously. Professor Shane told me today. She gave Rachel some of my designs, and Rachel wants me to email her."

Monica's mouth dropped open. "You're kidding."

"I already sent the email. Now I'm just waiting for a reply."

Monica switched off the cooker and grabbed two plates. "Wow. That's incredible." She started serving the food. "Maybe you'll finally make enough money to help with rent."

"Right?" I said excitedly.

She handed me a plate and took one for herself. We sat by the counter and started eating.

The apartment door suddenly swung open. I immediately remembered that I'd forgotten to lock it.

Rebecca and Ruby walked inside. "I heard screaming," Rebecca announced as she headed toward the couch.

Ruby ignored everyone and walked straight into the kitchen. She grabbed the remaining pasta pot and started eating directly from it. "Kathy might be working with Rachel Forbes," Monica told them.

Rebecca shot up from the couch. "No way!"

I nodded. She squealed and rushed over to hug me from behind. "Girl, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you."

Ruby looked up from the pasta. Her mouth was completely full. "I think we should go clubbing."

Rebecca lightly smacked her arm. "Gross. Don't talk with food in your mouth." She paused. "Although... I think she has a point."

I laughed. "It hasn't been confirmed yet. Rachel still hasn't replied."

Monica rolled her eyes. "Duh. We're celebrating anyway." She pointed her fork at me. "We are going out, ladies."

The others immediately started cheering. Apparently, I had no choice.

---

An hour later, we were all dressed and ready.

I wore a black skirt with a cropped black long-sleeved top and paired it with my favorite boots. After finishing my makeup, I finally felt ready.

We took Monica's car. By seven o'clock, we had arrived at the club. Ruby confidently led us toward the entrance. She flashed a VIP card at security. The guard immediately stepped aside.

Well. Apparently she really was a VIP. We followed her into the VIP section. Music blasted through the building. Lights flashed across the room. The place was packed.

I headed over to the bar and ordered drinks for everyone. When I returned, I handed a glass to each of them.

Rebecca raised hers. "To Katherine's success."

"To Katherine's success!" we all shouted. Then we burst into laughter.

We knocked back our shots and headed to the dance floor. For the next hour, we danced, laughed, and celebrated. For the first time in days, I felt genuinely happy. Eventually, I decided I wanted another drink.

I made my way back to the bar and ordered a refill. The bartender nodded and disappeared to make it. "Hello, stranger."

I froze. I knew that voice. Slowly, I turned my head. And there he was. The naked guy from before. Well, thankfully not naked this time. He sat beside me wearing a smug grin.

I immediately recognized him so He then winked. Then his grin widened. "Do you want me to take off my clothes?"