Read Online The Same Side (University Park #2) by CM Doporto - Free Book Online

for a quick second before placing the game on hold.
    “Get over here now,” she scolded.
    Trey rose from the couch and slowly made his way toward us. “Hey, what’s up?” he mumbled, nodding slightly
    “Hi, I’m Lexi.” I shook his limp hand. “And this is my friend, Delaney.”
    “How’s it going?” She shook his hand and gave him a big smile.
    A timid smile formed across his face but he didn’t say anything. He casually walked back to the couch and plopped down, grabbing the remote for his game. Like Raven, I could tell there was more to his story.
    “We brought dessert. Apple pie and ice cream.” Delaney pointed at the bag in Raven’s hand.
    “Thank you.” Raven handed his mom the sack. “You girls want to help me in the kitchen?”
    “Sure.” Delaney and I followed her into the kitchen.
    “I’ll be playing a game with my brothers.” Raven touched the tips of my fingers while winking at me.
    “Okay.” I held on to him, keeping a steady gaze as I walked toward the kitchen until the space separated us. I was pathetic. And no matter how hard I tried to fight the feeling, I couldn’t. He was like a drug that I wanted more of. Being around Raven was exhilarating and I wanted to spend every passing minute with him.
    Black appliances and bright red decorations gave life to the slightly outdated kitchen. It was apparent that Raven’s mom took pride in her small home, giving it a warm, homely touch with each item she had hung.
    “If you girls would set the table, that would be a big help.” She pointed to one of the cabinets.
    “Of course.” I opened the cabinet, removed a stack of crimson ceramic plates, and handed them to Delaney. We continued removing the dishes, glasses, and eating utensils from the cabinets and drawers and then worked on setting the table in the kitchen.
    “Raven tells me you’ve been helping him with his writing.” Trish glanced at me as she placed rolls on a tray.
    “Yes, that’s right. I work in the writing lab and Raven was assigned to me. I’m an English major studying to be a teacher, so I enjoy tutoring people.” I stopped, momentarily thinking about what I had just told her. Aside from the slight lie about still working in the writing lab, I contemplated if I really wanted to be a teacher. Growing up, I always liked helping people and teaching others came naturally. As I recalled that Collin and my parents planned for me to homeschool our children, I began to have second thoughts about being a teacher.
    “That’s great. No wonder he’s doing so well.” She smiled at me.
    “He’s been working really hard.” I wanted to reassure her that I wasn’t writing his papers for him.
    “Thank you for helping. Writing has never been a favorite subject for Raven.” She tossed the empty plastic wrapper in the trash. “So, you two are roommates?”
    “Yes.” Delaney filled each glass with ice and then handed them to me to pour the tea. “We’ve been rooming together since last year.”
    “How nice. Are you studying to be journalist or something?” Trish removed a roast from the oven and placed it on top of the stove. Then, she placed the tray of rolls on the rack and closed the oven door.
    “No, I’m actually working toward being a professional photographer.” Delaney closed the freezer door.
    Looking over her shoulder, Trish replied, “Okay, that make sense. Why you needed old pictures of Raven, that is.”
    “I really appreciate it. I had no idea who to base my project on until he agreed,” Delaney said. “Do you mind if I take candid pictures of everyone today?” She picked up her camera case sitting on the hutch.
    “No, not at all.” Trish gave a slight pose and I could immediately tell that she was fun to be around. Unlike my mom.
    “You didn’t have to make us dinner, but we appreciate it.” I leaned against a chair, unsure of what to do next.
    Trish waved, holding a carving fork in one hand a knife in the other. “It was no trouble. These