Read Online All These Perfect Strangers by Aoife Clifford - Free Book Online Page B

sign on the door, with ‘out of order’ scrawled across it. The other phone was being monopolised by a plump second-year girl. I stood in her line of sight, jangling my coins, trying to get her attention, but she ignored me as her conversation became fraught. Remembering Toby’s advice, I had brought The Big Sleep to reread and settled down on a low-backed vinyl couch that had been placed opposite. I could hear boys playing the pinball machine in the Rec Room further along the corridor, the sounds from the dining hall and the general noise of conversation around college. Far off, someone was practising a violin in one of the music rooms and I began thumbing through the book to find my place.
    â€˜Aah, Ms Sheppard.’
    I looked up to see Marcus. He stood out amongst the scruffy students, impeccably dressed in a tailored charcoal suit with a subtle pinstripe running through it. It wasn’t so much a uniform as armour. No one in my town had ever dressed with such authority.
    â€˜How has your first month been? A whirlwind of activities, I expect, as you haven’t paid me a visit.’
    It had never occurred to me that Marcus would want regular updates on my progress and I gave some stumbled response about assuming he would be too busy.
    â€˜I take a keen interest in those I see potential in. Student well-being and all that. How are you coping financially? University can be such a money pit.’
    The truth was, my savings were disappearing rapidly but I didn’t want to complain to the one person who had already been so generous. I told him that it was all fine.
    â€˜Good, good. I live by the credo that one should take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves. No doubt, you are more sensible. And here’s another of Scullin’s rising stars. Good morning, Mr Cohen.’
    Coming around the corner from the dining hall was Rogan. He had caught sight of us and was about to turn the opposite way.
    â€˜Oh . . . hi,’ he said.
    â€˜Pen and I were just discussing that necessary evil, money. I understand it can be hard to find part-time work that doesn’t interfere with your studies. Perhaps, Joshua, as a later-year student, you could give Pen the benefit of your experience.’
    â€˜Sure,’ said Rogan, coming closer, though his voice sounded uncertain.
    â€˜Delightful. We must all catch up soon . . . perhaps afternoon tea? But I must go. Appointment with the Vice-Chancellor and he does hate waiting.’
    He walked away, happily nodding to passing students and replying with a ringing ‘Good Morning,’ to those who greeted him.
    Rogan sat down next to me.
    â€˜Sorry about that,’ I said. ‘I’m not really sure what Marcus was going on about.’ Rachel had told me Rogan had lots of money. He didn’t need to get a job.
    â€˜Don’t worry about it,’ said Rogan.
    â€˜What do you mean it’s not working?’ snuffled the cubicle, loudly, interrupting our conversation. ‘Do you want to see other people?’
    â€˜You left breakfast quite abruptly,’ Rogan said. ‘I’m hoping it was Joad and not me.’
    â€˜Definitely Joad. He’s a complete pig,’ I said.
    â€˜Perhaps Rachel should roast him.’
    I laughed. The girl in the cubicle started to cry.
    Emelia and her posse came by on their way to a breakfast of coffee and bitching. She did a showy double take at Rogan talking to me, and they all chorused, ‘Hi Rogan’ as they cantered past. Emelia turned round and gave him a smile that showed off all her expensive orthodontic work. It looked like she wanted to eat him.
    â€˜Want to have breakfast with us, Rogan?’ asked Emelia.
    â€˜Just finished, actually.’ Turning back to me he said, ‘So, what are you reading?’
    Emelia’s face glazed over and the group of them muttered their way up the corridor.
    I showed him the