Free The Same Side (University Park #2) by CM Doporto

of my life now. Which isn’t much.” She took a deep breath and her eyes watered. Delaney never talked much about her past and she still had quite a few demons she was battling. She blinked rapidly, trying to keep the tears at bay.
    Trish wiped her eyes. It seemed that our confessions were helping her. “My parents try to rule my life,” I added quickly, trying to take the pressure off Delaney. “I was homeschooled and sheltered from almost everything. I always did everything they asked of me.” I sucked in a quick breath. “It wasn’t until recently that I decided I needed to live my life for me. I was tired of living to please them,” I openly admitted.
    “See? We don’t come from picture perfect families either. And we aren’t here to judge.” Delaney smiled at Trish.
    “Thanks. I appreciate that…it’s just been tough. Not only for Raven, but all of us. Especially after Ashton’s dad died... I haven’t got back on track with life.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes again, smearing mascara in the process. “You know what I mean?”
    My heart ached for her. Raven had never mentioned anything about his stepdad dying. “I’m so sorry for your loss. How long ago did he pass?”
    “Two years ago. He had an accident at work.” She sighed. “I’m still fighting with those bastards. They claimed he didn’t have an insurance policy and worker’s comp barely covered the medical bills and his funeral.”
    “Oh my God. I’m so sorry.” Delaney’s voice shook and I could tell she was on the verge of tears again.
    I swallowed hard, trying to fight back my own tears. “If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.”
    Trish grabbed a napkin from the table and blew her nose. “Thank you, girls. I appreciate that.” Turning toward me, she said, “Just keep an eye on this one. He’s trying hard to get his shit together.” She gave him a disapproving look and Raven’s eyes darted to the floor once again. “I know you’re too good for him, but he probably needs that.” She pointed a finger at Raven. “And you better treat her right, not like all those other skanks. You hear me?”
    Raven nodded but didn’t make eye contact. “Yes, ma’am.” The shame his mother placed on him was more than enough. I now understood what he meant when he said he wanted be good and make things right in his life. I eased back in my chair, thinking about everything his mom had said. What exactly had Raven told her about us? She made it seem like we were together or dating. If we were, that was news to me.
     
    ∑
     

Chapter 6
     
    Raven remained somewhat silent on the way back to the dorm. I figured it was what his mom had said. We hadn’t discussed where we were headed or what we wanted from our relationship. Probably because it was too soon. Instead of asking, I kept to myself and allowed him to work out his own demons.
    “I’ll give you a call later.” Raven leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek. My eyes closed and for a moment, I swore it was Collin kissing me. Did he not want to kiss me on the lips anymore? Were we headed down that same road? I just left an empty and emotionless guy; the last thing I wanted was another one.
    “Okay. I’ll be studying.” I opened the door and grabbed my purse, keeping my eyes away from him. If I looked at him, I wasn’t sure what I’d do — jump him or cry and beg him to kiss me.
    “Thanks again, Raven,” Delaney said. “I’m going to scan these photos and then I’ll give them back to you so you can return them to your mom.”
    “Yeah, no problem.” He casually looked over his shoulder, acknowledging Delaney.
    We got out of the car and I closed the door. He drove off slowly and something told me that things between us were not the same.
    “Wow. That’s one messed up story.” Delaney opened the door to the building and I trudged in behind her.
    “Yeah,” I muttered.
    “After hearing all of that, I need to read one of your romance books.”