In My Father's Shadow Read Online Free PDF Page B

Cole.”
    He peered in her face curiously. “No, Al, keep it
on.” He slipped his arm off her shoulders to tug on the too-long
sleeve. “I don’t mind walking you.”
    They waved at the others and took off into the dark,
the soles of their shoes thumping on the sidewalk and echoing in
the night. Crickets called out to each other, warning the other
creatures that winter was coming soon – better prepare.
    They were silent for the better part of the trip
until the dorm buildings came into sight, the brick structures
rising eerily in the night.
    “Al, if I make you uncomfortable, I really wish you’d
tell me,” he said, his voice low.
    She wrapped her arms around her waist and shook her
head. “Not at all. It’s just me, Cole.”
    Stopping, he moved in front of her, his body blocking
her progress. “Don’t lie to me. We’ve been friends for a long time
and if something’s bugging you – something I did – I want to know.”
He studied her face, bending to catch her downcast eyes. “Is this
about the stuff we talked about before?”
    “No,” she denied hotly, pulling out of his grasp.
“No. I’m over all that. It’s nothing, Cole. Let’s go. It almost ten
and if you get caught out after curfew, you won’t be able to play
your gig.”
    He resumed walking, slowing his stride for her.
“Whatever, Al.” He pulled his cigarettes out of his back pocket and
lit one up. He knew she hated it when he smoked and he desperately
wanted to irritate her. She walked quicker and reached the girls’
dorm before him.
    She peeled off his jacket and thrust it at him.
“Thanks,” she said breathlessly. “See you tomorrow.”
    He tossed his cigarette away and snagged her arm,
causing her to crash into his body. He smirked a little then
pressed his lips to her cheek. “Night, Al.”
    He spun on his heel and walked away, grinning like
mad, knowing she was still standing there, stunned, her hand lifted
to her face.

Chapter Four
     
    Monday morning, Ally dropped her tray unceremoniously
on the table in her usual spot next to Jamie, causing all three
boys to jump.
    “PMSing?” RJ asked, amusement sparkling in his hazel
eyes.
    She flashed a finger at him, making him laugh. “No. I
wish it was PMS.”
    Cole, his fork frozen between his tray and his mouth,
raised a brow at Jamie. “It must be serious if she prefers bloating
and cramps.”
    Ally sighed heavily and shook her head in pity. “You
really are too feminine, Cole, did you know?”
    Jamie and RJ laughed as Cole rolled his eyes, setting
his fork aside. “Okay, so what are you all in a tizzy about
now?”
    “My roommate,” she huffed. She crossed her legs and
wiggled her foot erratically.
    “Who just so happens to be your cousin,” Jamie
informed her.
    “Thanks for that reminder,” she said sarcastically,
shooting him a dark look. “Why can’t she be more like you?”
    Jamie shrugged and winked. “I’m one of a kind,
babe.”
    Ally sighed again and uncrossed her legs. She shoved
her tray aside as she slid her arms on the table. “I asked her last
night if she wanted to come this weekend and she totally blew up at
me!”
    Cole finished his orange juice and set the glass on
his nearly empty tray. Tilting his head, he lifted a brow. “Why?
What did you say exactly to set her off?”
    Her eyes grew round as the sun as she straightened,
totally ruffled. “I didn’t say anything to set her off,” she
claimed, her voice rising. Her cheeks colored as several heads
turned her way. She slumped forward and tossed her ponytail over
her shoulder. “She said I was totally throwing it in her face that
my dad’s in a band and can afford for me to rent a hotel room any
time I want while her dad has to actually work for a living.” She
shook her head and set her lips. “Where did that come from?”
    RJ groaned and crammed a piece of toast in his mouth.
“Jeez. I hate it when she gets that way,” he said, spraying bread
crumbs. He quickly swallowed. “Does she