“What can I get you, hot stuff?” Lexy giggled.

“How about wrap yourself naked in a tortilla with all the fixings,” I winked. Lexy and I were so comfortable with each other that even when I flirted, she took it as a joke.

“One special ultimate Lexy burrito coming up.” As I watched her create my special burrito, dumping in chicken, beef, lettuce, and everything that was in front of her, I spotted Nolan, the guy I loathed, and his group.

How could anyone not notice them? They had a way of making heads turn by being loud when they entered. At least they settled down at a table and only one stood in line to order lunch for all five of them. I guess he was the unlucky one who had to pay today. Being in the same room with them was not how I wanted to spend my lunchtime. “Lexy, make that to go, please.”

Lexy’s vision followed mine. She understood. “Sure. I’ll make it to go. I hope those ass**les won’t stay too long. I can’t stand them.”

After she slid my tray to the cashier, I flipped open my wallet, ready to pay.

“That’ll be seven dollars, please. Would you like something to drink?”

Wait a minute. I knew that sweet voice. With a flash, I peered up to see the most beautiful, angelic smile. Her smile temporarily took me to a happy place, the smile that I couldn’t seem to turn away from. “Alex?” She was standing next to another girl. It looked like the girl was training her.

“Hi, Elijah,” Alex waved, flashing that innocent smile again. She looked shy and happy at the same time. I think the girl beside her said hello. I wasn’t sure. I only had my eyes on Alex, so I just smiled at both of them. I had no idea who the other girl was. Many girls I didn’t know said hi to me, so it wasn’t anything new.

“You work here? When did you start?”

“Two days ago. I wrote it on the whiteboard. I guess you didn’t see it.”

She just answered my question about her whereabouts. “Oh, yeah…the whiteboard.” I arched my brows and nodded in a way of apologizing. I’m an idiot. I told her the purpose of the whiteboard and I dismissed it. “I must have missed it. Sorry about that. I’ll make sure to check it daily. It’s been a while since I had a roommate.”

“That’s okay,” she shrugged sheepishly. “Lexy got me the job.”

“I’m sure they hired you because of who you are.” I wasn’t sure if that was the right thing to say when I saw her tilt her head sideways, looking baffled. After I paid, I decided to stick around so I found the table furthest from Nolan. Bringing my cap forward, I tilted it lower, hoping to become invisible so I could enjoy my burrito, but that didn’t last very long.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted Alex walking around with a tray in her hand. She wore longer shorts than what I was used to seeing her in, and a fitted T-shirt that conformed to the curves of her br**sts. She was picking up the trash from the tables that the lazy people didn’t throw away. That reminded me of when she told me that she collected trash and it made me laugh.

Because she was new, she got to be the gopher. Poor Alex. It was one of the drawbacks of working in the school’s dining hall. I casually observed her from a distance and ate my lunch. I didn’t think much of it until she stood in front of Nolan’s table. That got my attention big time.

“Are you finished with your drinks?” Alex asked.

“You must be new. What’s your name sweetheart?” Nolan’s smile was too big. I wanted to erase the perverted expression that was smeared on his face.

“Alexandria,” she said quickly. “If those are trash, please throw them away, thank you.” Then she started to walk away. Alex suddenly swung around from Nolan’s grip, causing me to stand up. I had an urge to protect my roommate, who had somehow become my responsibility now. I didn’t want another confrontation with Nolan, but I swore that if he did anything to piss me off, I was going to break one of his bones.

“Don’t walk away, Alexandria.” He took the tray she was holding out of her hand, placed it on the table, and pulled her tightly to his chest.

Seeing Lexy was ready to make her move, I sat back down so I wouldn’t make a scene. It was better to be scolded by the manager rather than by me. At least he would listen to her.

“What do you want?” Alex huffed. I couldn’t tell if she was afraid.

Nolan loosened his grip. “How about you and I go out?”

“Sorry, but I’m taken.” Alex pushed his hands off her.

“Do you know who I am? Let me start over. My name is Nolan Smith, and these are my friends.” He didn’t ask her to shake his hand; he just shook hers.

“It’s nice to meet you and your friends, Nolan, but I need to get back to work.”

I liked how she played it off cool, not affected by him at all.

“Do you know how many girls want to go out with me? No, let me rephrase that. Do you know how many girls want to sleep with me?”

Alex gawked at him, most likely unbelieving what she heard from this arrogant bastard. “That’s nice, Nolan, but like I said before. I’m already taken.”

“And I don’t take no for an answer,” he huffed, sitting back down on his chair. “Why don’t you give me a chance? I promise you, you’ll be leaving your boyfriend after I show you the best time of your life.”

“And I don’t say yes after I say no. I really don’t care who you are, but no means no. And please get your hand off my ass.” Alex meant business by the sound of her voice and her facial expression. Her cheeks were pinched in and her lips protruded out.