Tamara

Mom said this was going to be a fresh start. But how in God's name is it going to be a fresh start if the whole Sinclair family lives in the very town I'm supposed to get my fresh start?

The Sinclairs don't know who I am, but I'm certain the father does. If my memory serves me correctly, he used to be Dad's acquaintance in the past. They met up sometimes for a few drinks. But that was before he did Dad dirty.

He, for sure, will recognize me!

I tugged at Andy's shirt, getting his attention. "Hmm?"

I swallowed nothing, praying he would say no. "He doesn't go to Palmridge... College, does he?"

Please say no, please say no.

"Of course he does!" He responded, "Everybody here goes to Palmridge College. Why do you ask? Oh, Tam, don't tell me you already have a crush..."

"What? No!" I said, nearly in disgust. Why would he even think that?

"Good. Because I do not approve of you crushing on Devin."

Okay, I think this is a great time to panic. What should I do? What should I do? What on earth do I do? Oh, Jesus!

The Sinclairs live in Palmridge, and their sons go to Palmridge College, who also happens to be friends with Andy? Oh, my God. Oh, my God!

The audience erupted with thunderous cheers and applause as Devin scored the last goal. I knew Andy was going to meet up with him and congratulate him on a successful game. And if he's doing that, that means I'll be meeting with Devin.

I don't want that. So I pulled out my phone and texted Sue.

Me: Is dinner ready?

Sue: Totes, where are you guys?

Me: Andy took me on a tour.

Her: Without me? *Angry emojis* How dare you two?

Me: Sorry. On our way back.

Returning my phone to my pocket, I tapped Andy on the shoulder.

"Sue said dinner is ready." I announced, "We should go."

"Hold on, let me say hi to my friends."

"Sue said Aunt is like, raging mad right now and also, I'm hungry. You don't want to leave me starving, do you?" I gave him my cutest puppy dog eye, which I know he couldn't resist.

"Alright, come on."

I smiled to myself. It always works.

We shuffled through the crowd and onto the parking lot. I heaved a deep sigh of relief when Andy drove off.

I escaped him this time. I hope I do next time.

As Andy drove home, thousands of thoughts were running through my mind.

Of all the cities in the whole country, why did it have to be Palmridge? Also, how in God's name did Mom not know that they live here? Surely, she should have known, right? Should I tell her? But I do not want to worry her. She already has it hard as it is.

I glanced at Andy, whose attention was on the road, biting my lower lip as I contemplated whether or not to tell him.

When the scandal about my dad broke out, Mom refused to believe that Dad would do those things he was accused of, so she began to dig. She soon discovered that David Sinclair was the mastermind behind everything.

I don't know how he instigated it, but I overheard from one of Mom's conversations that David Sinclair was working with an unknown person, who bribed all the signed athletes in Dad's agency to come out and speak against him.

I know it sounds preposterous and far-fetched, but I'm sure that's what I heard.

And of course, the public wasn't aware of this. If I told Andy that his friend's father was the one responsible for my family's downfall, he would probably stop being friends with him just for me.

Yes, Andy is that loyal.

But I do not want to ruin someone else's friendship just for my own selfish interest.

"So, Tam, what do you think?" Andy's inquisitive voice jolted me out of my thoughts.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"What do you think about Palmridge?" He repeated.

"Um, I think it's great." I answered, "It's... cool, I guess? The people seem nice, and I love the town's atmosphere."

He smiled satisfactorily, "I knew you'd love it."

I did. But after today's discovery, I don't think I do so much.

"Don't worry about making friends. Everyone here in Palmridge is so friendly."

"Okay."

The car plunged into silence. I ran my tongue through my lips, wondering if I should ask him about Devin Sinclair.

"So, Devin Sinclair."

Andy raised his eyebrow questioningly, turning to give me one of those looks, "Uh-huh, what about him?"

"Relax, I don't have a crush on him if that's what you're worried about." I said, debunking his presumptions.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Oh, come on, Andy. I don't. He's not even my type."

"Oh, good then." He nodded, looking relieved as he returned his eyes to the road.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. What did I say about Andy being so overprotective?

"They live here?"

"Uh-huh." He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "They do."

"Since when?"

"Since forever."

What? How in God's name did Mom not know this?

"I thought they lived in Alaska." I said.

"Oh, yes. Devin's father lives in Alaska."

"Alone?"

"Not alone."

"Then..."

"People say that Devin's father lives in Alaska with his second wife and family, though it hasn't been confirmed, but everyone here believes that." Andy answered.

"So, only Devin lives here?" I enquired cautiously.

"No, with his sister."

"He has a sister?"

"Yeah. Danica. Though Danica is out of town for college." Andy explained. "And their mom... well, she still remains a mystery to me."

How didn't I know this? How didn't Mom know this?

"So, David Sinclair married two wives?"

Andy turned to give me that same suspicious look, "You know, for someone who isn't crushing, don't you think you're asking a whole lotta questions?"

I tightened my lips and turned away, deciding not to ask any further questions. At least David Sinclair isn't living here. That's a little bit of relief.

The rest of the drive was done in total silence.

Uncle Richard, Andy's father, had already arrived from work when we returned. He welcomed me warmly to his home and expressed how incredibly happy he was that I was here. He also expressed how sad he was regarding my dad's scandal and hoped everything would get better.

Dinner was awesome. They joked and laughed around the table, each trying to make me feel welcome.

Sue kept picking fights with Andy, complaining about how he always gets in a brawl with all the guys interested in her or she's interested in, making her unable to get a boyfriend.

Uncle Richard was on Andy's side. He said he couldn't be more proud.

Can you imagine? Isn't that a double standard and somehow misogynistic? Andy can get with any girl he wants but Sue can't because what, he's a boy, and she's a girl?

What nonsense.

"It's like I said, Sue, no boys allowed in this house or outside the house." Uncle Rich declared, then turned to me. "The same goes to you, too, Tamara. No boys."

I just smiled, "Okay."

They were even doing me a favor.

It's not like I plan on dating any guy during my stay here. Besides, I don't think I'm eager to date anytime soon. Especially not after... you know what? Never mind.

Tamara

So, yeah, it's finally Monday. My first day at Palmridge College.

Yay, I'm so excited.

I'm being sarcastic. I'm terrified as heck.

New people, new scenery, new experiences. Phew! It's all a bit overwhelming and slightly terrifying.

My whole plan after high school was to get accepted to an Ivy League which never came to pass, and I believe it was due to my dad's scandal.

Mom wanted to bribe her way into getting me into one, but I told her not to bother. Palmridge College had already accepted me and I wouldn't have her going through the trouble.

Thank God Sue convinced me to apply here. She has always been so excited for us to do things together, and I applied only to make her happy.

But who would have thought I would be going here after all?

Life does have a way of surprising you.

The door burst open, startling me a little. I sharply turned. Sue stood in the doorway, already dressed in a slightly provocative dress, a wide smile plastered on her face, "Hey! Who's excited for their first day in college?"

"That'd probably be you, of course." I said, turning around to continue combing my hair. Ugh, I'm not sure I'll get used to seeing my face with black hair. God, I miss my blonde hair.

"I mean, yeah, I am. Duh!" She said with a little roll of her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips, "I mean, it's college, girl. Who wouldn't? I finally get to sit and chat with all these hot college boys..."

"Really? Wait, that's why you're so excited about college?"

"Not quite." She shook her head, "The boys are just eye candy. The ones I'm interested in are the professors!" She squeaked excitedly, her cheeks turning a little red, "Trust me, there are so many hot professors in Palmridge! Just staring at them and listening to their voice will make your panties drop. Oh! I can immerse myself in a hot professor-student romance."

"Oh, please, Sue, come out of your fantasy world." I said disdainfully, "I blame it on those online novels you read. They make you so delusional. In what world do you think a professor would..."

"In my world, Tam. You'll see." She said confidently.

I made a face. "Dream on."

"Alright, let's bet on it." She challenged, "If I start a romantic relationship with a hot professor, you'll pay me a hundred bucks."

"Two hundred." I said.

"Huh?" She blurted out in surprise.

"What? Not so confident?" I mocked.

She regained her composure, "How about three hundred?"

"Five hundred." I raised it higher, thinking it would deter her confidence like the first time but it didn't. "You have till the end of the semester."

"Deal."

I was done with dressing, so I stood up. "I'm done. Let's go."

She swept in my appearance, her mouth wide open, then she scoffed, shaking her head. "Oh, please don't tell me you're wearing that to campus."

The emphasis on the "that" made me feel as though I was literally wearing a rag.

"Um, is something wrong with it?"

"Everything is wrong with it. Tsk tsk tsk." She shook her head again in disappointment and walked over to my closet, scavenging through my clothes. "What's all this? I thought all rich girls dress nicely."

"I dress nicely."

"I mean... hotly." She clarified, "No offense, but Tam, all these clothes make you look like a nerd."

I frowned, not knowing whether to take offense at that statement. What's wrong with being a nerd?

"Tam, if you want to be a college baddie, you're gonna need to change your closet."

"Who said I wanted to be a college baddie?"

"I'm gonna lend you one of my dresses for today," She totally ignored my question, "And after lectures, I'm taking you to the mall. Come on."

She grabbed my hand and half-dragged me to her room. And before I could protest, she was taking off my clothes and putting on one of her dresses on me.

Did I ever mention that Sue was flawfully presumptive and painfully overbearing? Well, I'm mentioning it now. She means well, but she always oversteps and makes your decisions for you.

She gasped, eyes sparkling in admiration as she regarded me, then squealed, "Tam, you look adorbs, cuz! That dress has never looked that good on me. You can keep it. All eyes will be on you today."

I'm not so sure that's what I want. It was an off-the-shoulder, skimpy dress that stopped just on my thighs, revealing my cleavage. Sure, I looked surprisingly good in it but I don't think it's appropriate.

"Don't you think it's a little too much?" I asked.

"It's college, no one cares! And nothing is too much. Come on, let's go."

"Let me get my stuff." I returned to my room and picked up my bag, then joined Sue downstairs.

"Where are your parents?" I asked, noticing no one was around.

"They left for work very early." She answered, pulling me to the door. "Like they usually do."

"And Andy?"

"Left to pick up his girlfriend." Sue answered as she locked the door. When she was done, we got into her car. "Palmridge, here we come!"

Palmridge College was nothing like I'd expected. It makes total sense that its name has "palm" in it, because there were thousands of palm trees on the campus grounds.

Nonetheless, it was beautiful, felt cozy and welcoming.

Students walked in groups, some by themselves, while others rode in a vehicle or motorcycle.

Sue finally found an empty spot in the parking lot to park. While glancing around the place, taking in the environment, I locked eyes with a familiar pair of scary-looking eyes.

I quickly ducked, my heart skipping a thousand beats. But I was already too late, she had seen me.

I was so hoping that I wouldn't come into another encounter with that pink-haired girl who yelled at me on the plane, but what, she's here? Sheesh! What in the world is she doing here? Does she go here? And why does Sue's car have to be a convertible? She wouldn't have seen me if it weren't.

"Tam, what's wrong?" Sue asked in confusion. "Why are you hiding, and who are you hiding from?"

"Who's that girl?" I whispered, and she glanced over in the direction I pointed. "She goes here?"

"Oh! Her." The contempt in her voice was unmistakable. Thank God we both hate her. "That's Trixie."

"Trixie?"

Wow! Even the name sounds fabulous.

"Yes, Beatrice Jensen. She likes to call herself the queen bee of Palmridge." She answered, "She's a sophomore. Why do you ask? Do you know her?"

"Yeah, she yelled at me on the plane."

"I'm not surprised. She's a bitch. Just stay out of her way, and you'll be fine. She's gone, come on, let's go."

Sue led me to the registrar's office, where she and I got enrolled and other stuff. It took a while because of the crowd, and by the time we were done, I was already starving.

I told Sue I was hungry and she led me to the campus cafe. "I'll give you a tour later."

We found Andy sitting at a table with a brunette, who I guess was his girlfriend. He saw us enter and waved us over.

"I thought you hated eating here." Sue said to Andy.

"I still do." Andy replied, "Renee dragged me here."

"Hey, Renee."

"Hey, Sue." Renee replied, "So, you're finally a college student. Sweet."

Sue giggled, sitting down beside Renee, "I know, right? I'm so excited. There are so many hot..." She trailed off mid-sentence as soon as Andy gave her that unapproving older brother gazes.

"Renee, this is my cousin sister, Tamara." Andy introduced. "Tamara, this is my girlfriend, Renee."

"Hi," I said shyly, sitting down beside Andy.

"Hello, you're so pretty." Renee complimented, "I love your dress."

"Aw, thanks."

Andy turned to have a look at my dress, then turned to Sue, who quickly glanced away.

"I know Sue's handiwork when I see it."

"Oh, please! You and your nagging." Sue rolled her eyes, "I was simply just helping my cousin sister become a college sensation. Do you know how many guys have turned to look at her more than twice since this morning? She looks hot."

Yeah, well, truth is, I'm not so sure if I'm supposed to feel excited from the glances or anxious.

"Did she tell you she needed your help?"

"Oh, come on, you have a girlfriend for fucks sake. Stop being a dick."

My eyes unconsciously wandered to the exit.

Andy grunted. "You..."

I sharply caught my breath in my stomach the moment I saw him.

There he was, in all his glory, with his entourage of friends surrounding him, which only did nothing but amplified his powerful aura.

I swallowed.

Devin Sinclair.

Tamara

Badump! Badump! Badump!

Sweat baby Jesus, my heart’s about to explode!

From the stands yesterday, I have to admit he was hot, but this close? Fucking lethal. Please pardon my French.

The dark sleeveless shirt hugged every inch of those broad shoulders and carved chest, its fabric stretched tight over pecs and abs that shifted with every breath. His arms are pure sin… thick, veined, flexing like they could lift me without effort.

The grey jeans he had on slung low, clinging to powerful thighs that made my mouth dry as he walked with confidence. A thin sheen of sweat traced his collarbone, sliding down that sharp throat, and when he pushed dark, slightly wet hair back off his forehead? I’m done. And that face card though… damn!

How in the world is it possible for someone to be this… this… this perfect?!!

“Oh, Devin is here.” Andy announced as he sighted him, jolting me out of my shameful thoughts.

I felt a little embarrassed at the fact that I was drooling over him.

“Hey, Devin! Reed! Hunter!” Andy waved at Devin and his friends, who headed over to our table.

I straightened up sharply, a little bit nervous, suddenly self-conscious. Oh, God, I shouldn't have worn this dress.

“Hey, what's up, Andy?”

Andy rose to his feet and shook hands with the three of them while they talked about last night's basketball game.

God, is it just me or did it suddenly get hotter in here?

“Oh, Andy, who's the girl?” One of Devin's friends, whom I presumed to be Reed, asked, his eyes giving me a quick sweep. “She your second girl or what?”

“He wishes!” Renee said.

Both Hunter and Devin turned to me, and I felt like dying. I was too shy and embarrassed to meet either of their eyes.

They were probably staring at my exposed boobs. After this, I'm gonna kill you, Sue.

“Reed, Hunter, Devin, meet my cousin sis, Tamara.” Sue introduced, mischievous delight in her voice. “She's staying here with us, and she's a freshman.”

I had no idea why I was acting like this. I mean, it's not like it's my first time being around boys. Mustering up my courage, I glanced up at them.

“Hi,” I said with a shy smile.

“Oh, hey, sweetheart.” Reed replied, “You're cute. Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Oh, in your dreams, Reed, she's off limits.” Andy warned.

“You know, I don't get you, Andy. What's your problem??” Reed asked, “Your sister is off limits, now your cousin too?”

“Oh, you're not my type, Reed, so.” Sue shook her head.

“What about me?” Hunter asked, flashing his teeth. “Am I your type?”

“Hmm,” Sue thought for a while, then shrugged, “Well, you could do. I can manage you.”

Hunter snickered, “You can't manage a guy like me, baby. I'm the full package.”

“Oh, you wish.” Sue scoffed, rolling her eyes.

“I told you guys not to have this kind of conversation with my sister.” Andy cautioned, a deep frown on his face. “I'll kill you both.”

“Oh, take a chill pill, Andy…”

My eyes shifted to Devin, and I felt my soul abandon my body. The realization that he's been intently staring at me all this time made my pulse rise for no reason.

His ocean eyes were eerily piercing deep into mine, which made me feel as though he knew what I was thinking. And I couldn't help but get anxious and started wondering what he was thinking about, and if he recognized me.

Then suddenly, his eyes shifted down to my cleavage, stared at it for a few seconds, then back up to meet my eyes again in a swift move.

I felt hot blood rush to my face. He did that on purpose. He just objectified me and made me feel violated. I should take offense, but... I'm... I'm blushing instead?

His lips gave a little twitch, then turned into a smirk, which made me shoot him a deadly glare.

If anything, my death stare amused him more as his smirk turned into a full, amused smile. Then he turned away.

“Oh, Dev, baby!” A familiar voice shouted from the entrance, making all of us in the crowded cafe turn our heads.

The pink-haired girl, Trixie, stood there with the broadest smile on her face. Is she his girlfriend? He didn't look that excited to see her, though.

Trixie sashayed over to our table with all eyes on her. She threw her arms over Devin's neck and gave him a kiss on the lips, which he didn't respond to.

“Oh, I missed you, baby.” She purred, fondling his chest. “Did you miss me too?”

“Hey, Trixie, what happened to your hair?” Reed asked.

“Have you gone blind? Of course, I dyed it pink, moron.” She snapped at him, glanced at me, then away.

“Sorry.”

“Damn, you look good.” Hunter complimented, his eyes giving her body a quick sweep in admiration… or was it lust? I don't know.

“Come on, baby, I'm hungry,” She interlinked her arm with Devin's... who looked pissed off by the way... and dragged him to another table, Reed and Hunter following behind.

I heaved an inaudible sigh of relief.

Sue started giggling.

“What's so funny?” I asked in confusion. Did I miss something?

She shook her head, then shrugged, “Absolutely nothing.”

“She's crazy.” Renee commented with a disappointed sigh.

“Come on, baby, you're being too kind. We both know she's more than crazy.” Andy stated.

“How can she not see that Devin is tired of her? Everyone sees it except her. Surely, she's not that clueless.”

I'm now certain they dated in the past, but I do not want to ask any questions that would get Andy suspicious.

At least I'm glad Devin Sinclair doesn't know who I am, even though he comes off as a perverted creep.

“I'm hungry. Let's order.”

Sue waved the waitress over.

After our breakfast, Sue led me to the lecture hall where my first class of the day was taking place.

“So, what do you think about Devin?” She enquired suddenly.

I had a sense of where this was heading.

“They're all great.” I answered, “Andy's friends seem nice enough.”

“Pffft. Those guys are anything but nice. I don't get why Andy even hangs out with them. But I was asking about Devin in particular, not those two morons.” She chirped.

“I don't even know him well enough to form an opinion of him.” I answered carefully.

“Girl, puh-lease! You know that's not what I'm asking.” She exclaimed, tugging at my arm, “He's hot, isn't he?”

“I don't know.” I raised my shoulders in a shrug of indifference. “Maybe.”

“Oh, come on, Tam, don't pull that move with me. He's so hot, and we both know it. I saw you drooling at him earlier.”

“I… wasn't.” I denied, though I didn't sound very convincing. “I wasn't.”

“You totally were. You can't hide things from me!” She beamed, “It's okay for you to drool over him. I mean, he's so incredibly hot that it's impossible not to drool. I just want you to know that Devin is bad news.”

“What do you... mean?”

“He's a jerk, and a player who keeps a list of girls he’s slept with, and brags about it with his friends.” She told me with a disgusted look on her face, “And trust me, there's a whole lotta long lists. Heard that there were about three hundred girls or something. You do not want to join that list. You can drool, but don't do more than drool.”

And why am I not surprised? I mean, it'll be unrealistic for a guy looking like that not to be a fuckboy. But... three hundred? Jesus, that's a whole lot of girls. And many STDs waiting to take his life.

Sue sighed, “He’s totally my type, but he'll crush my heart, stomp on it and won't even care. He doesn't do girlfriends. Trixie was a surprise for everyone. Plus, there's Andy, who's ready to throw a punch if his friends look at me twice, so yeah.” She poked my cheek, “Just a friendly warning before you fall head over heels.”

Noted.

Besides, it's not like I was going to fall for the son of the very man who ruined my family.

“What about Trixie?” I had to ask, “Isn't she…”

“Aware?” She scoffed, “Of course, she's aware. Apparently, she'd rather cling on to him than break up with him. They're both perfect for each other if you ask me.”

Sue and I soon parted ways.

During the first lecture, instead of paying attention to the professor, I found myself on Instagram, typing the name Devin Sinclair in the search bar.

I wasn't done typing when his profile popped up. I clicked.

He had over a hundred thousand followers? Wow. Impressive.

I kept scrolling through his page, unable to stop. God, he's so goddamn sexy. Look at those abs, so toned, so defined. Look at those pecs, those biceps, those girthy legs, his nipples. Look at that... that face… mmm.

“He's so hot, isn't he?” A voice whispered behind me.

“I know, right?” I muttered under my breath without even realizing it, tilting my head to the side as I bit my lower lip. “So, so hot!”

Hold on a second…

I quickly whipped my head around to see who it was. My heart skipped a million beats in absolute horror, jaw dropped.

Oh, my fucking God!!!

It was him. Devin Sinclair sat behind me, an arrogant, conceited smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

I felt so mortified. And I wished for nothing more at this moment but for the ground to open and swallow me whole.