We walked out of the building to a group of people in a huddle. As we walked passed, I heard my name. I turned to Forest walking toward me. His dark hair and eyes twinkling as he his steps quickened toward me. I rushed over to him throwing my arms around his neck. He swung me in a circle before setting me on my feet.

Cayla and her parents walked over.

"You're Forest Warsaw." Liam said, but his smile began to fade.

Forest cocked his head, then wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "I am."

"This is my new roommate, Cayla and her parents." I said.

"Her parents?" Forest cocked his brow.

Both men seemed to posture, glaring at each other. "I can get something with Forest, if that's easier." I finally said hoping to remove the tension.

"Nonsense." Anna said. "He can join us."

"Thank you." Forest looked down at me. I took his hand and began to follow Cayla.

Forest release my hand as we walked toward a small restaurant. He slowed down to meet Liam. I caught up with Cayla, and we headed inside. We were seated in a large booth. Anna excused herself to use the ladies room, leaving Cayla and I alone.

"Can I ask what all that was about?" I asked.

Cayla shrugged. "With my dad, who knows. Maybe he didn't like a play or a game or something."

"What?"

"Forest Warsaw is the punter…."

"I know that, but how can your dad be so upset by a game?"

"Oh my god, I know." Cayla laughed. "Add in my uncles, and it's almost comical." She looked across the restaurant then turned to me. "So, you're not dating him, and he just shows up to see you?"

"Believe me, there's nothing between us. He is so sweet, and I think he does it for Maggie more than anything."

"But there's nothing there? I think you could totally hit that."

I laughed. "First, no I couldn't for so many reasons, but mostly, I haven't really dated. I don't see most guys that way."

"Oh, I see." Cayla nodded her head. "Good to know."

"Wait, what?"

"You're gay?"

"No. I've had someone before. It ended suddenly, and I'm just skittish." I took a deep breath. "Forest understands, and honestly he's saved me from having to date. Neither of us were really ready, and since I'm not related to him, he could use me to defend against people. I guess, I've used him, too. But honestly, we are not interested in each other like that."

"That's too bad. He's hot, and I'm sure we could have found you a girl."

"Seriously, enough about my nonexistent love life."

Cayla smiled. "I don't really have a boyfriend either. I mean there is someone, but sometimes I think he'd rather die than give me a chance."

"Wow, I'm sorry."

Cayla shrugged. "Now you know you're not the only one, and my love life isn't great either."

"You're kind of odd." I blurted out.

"Yeah, I get that." Cayla smiled. "My mom says it cause I have no filter or shame."

I'd started to really like Cayla. The fearless unapologetic attitude was something I didn't really have. Cayla's parents and Forest joined us at the table. Caylas' parents slid in next to her, and Forest next to me, leaving Cayla and I in the middle of the rounded booth. Forest's arm rested over my shoulders as I read the menu. We all ordered, and it appeared the tension from early was gone. Cayla's dad and Forest laughed and joked about football and Forest's career.

Cayla talked about her family. She'd grown up in Montana, near the Canadian and Idaho border. She had a large family, with cousins scattered throughout the country. She talked about Christmases and Summers where her entire family returned to her grandparents house to celebrated as a family. Cayla lit up when she talked about her family. She didn't get specific, but she had aunts and uncles and dozens of cousins. It was hard to imagine such a close knit family, at least for me.

Once we finished our meal, Forest pulled me back as we walked. Cayla and her parents walked in front of us, getting further as Forest kept slowing his pace until he stopped altogether.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Just be careful." Forest said.

"Where is that coming from?"

"I'm allowed to worry about you." Forest said looking toward the dorm building. "These people don't have the southern hospitality us Texans are known for."

"I don't think I will be getting into any trouble."

Satisfied, Forest walked me back to my room for my first night in Montana.