Chapter 3

“Thanks anyway.”

Bobby falls silent. When Ned glances over, he

finds Bobby staring at him. “What? I’m sorry.”

“Well,” Bobby sighs, “the invitation’s open.

You’re welcome to come if you want.”

They reach campus. Most of the buildings

stand dark and closed against the night, and halogen lights flicker

above empty sidewalks. The place is deserted. Ned has no trouble

finding a spot close to the townhouses where the upperclassmen

live—his car is the only one in the lot.

As they climb out of the warm vehicle, the

night air envelops them in a bitter, icy embrace. Grabbing his ice

cream from the back seat, Ned starts up the sidewalk that leads to

their dorms, Bobby just a few steps behind.

They come to Bobby’s place first. Ned doesn’t

look up, doesn’t even bother to slow his steps, but a hand catches

the back of his coat and stops him. He turns to find that crooked

smile in place again, those blue eyes watching him closely. “What?”