Instead, I take a detour into the campus bookstore.
It’s quieter in here—cooler, too. The air conditioning hits like a wall the moment I step inside, at least ten degrees colder than the lingering summer heat outside. A shiver runs up my arms, goosebumps rising as I adjust to the sudden chill. The chaos of campus life fades behind the thick sliding glass doors, replaced by the soft rustle of turning pages, the occasional ding of a scanner at the checkout kiosk, and the low murmur of voices drifting between shelves. The scent of freshly brewed coffee curls through the air from the Starbucks tucked in the back—rich, warm, and dangerously inviting.
I head toward one of the oversized red leather chairs nestled near the balcony railing, which overlooks the lower level where students pick up their textbooks or seek help with their electronics. The chair lets out a soft creak as I sink into it, worn just enough to be comfortable.
From my bag, I pull out my current read—a dark romance I’ve been chipping away at between classes like it’s contraband. The cover is curling at the corners, spine bent from overuse, the kind of book that’s clearly been dragged around and loved a little too hard. I flip to the chapter I marked and skim the first few lines before letting myself sink into it completely.
Obsession. Violence. A dangerously charming man with a crooked smile and blood on his hands.
Precisely the kind of escape I need.
An hour slips by faster than I expect. I slide my bookmark into place, close the book, and drop it into my bag with just enough care to keep the spine from snapping. My phone is the next thing I reach for, and I check it out of habit more than urgency.
Two messages.
The first is from Khloe, ranting about how her juvenile delinquency professor isnothot and how disappointed she is. Shocking.
The second is from Tessa.
TESSA:
On my way.
I fire off a quick reply to Tessa and leave Khloe on read. I’m not about to encourage her thirst-fueled professor fantasies this early in the semester.
Tessa responds almost immediately.
TESSA:
Be there in five.
That’s my cue to get moving.
I stand, stretch out the stiffness from sitting too long, then head toward the exit. The cool air inside clings to me for a second before the dry heat outside takes its place. I make my way toward the stairs that lead up to the third floor, already anticipating the mixed scents of the different foods offered and the sound of my friends’ laughter waiting on the other side.
Marlena and Austin are already waiting by the doors, half-leaning against the metal railing, caught up in their own quiet conversation. Marlena’s laughing softly, her eyes bright, while Austin casually twirls one of her pigtails around his finger like it’s second nature.
“Hey, guys,” I say with a smirk as I saunter up to them.
“Howdy,” Austin drawls, flashing me a grin.
Before I can reply, I hear footsteps pounding behind me, followed by the sound of breathless giggles. Khloe and Tessa rush up the stairs, looking slightly winded but energized, like they just sprinted from opposite ends of campus.
“Oh, good—we’re all here!” Tessa beams, skipping the last few steps before launching herself at me. Her arms wrap around my neck, nearly knocking me off balance.
“Whoa!” I squeak, laughing as I steady myself. “Hey, Tess.”
She loosens her grip just enough to let me breathe, and I return the hug. Her enthusiasm is impossible not to love.
“Hey, Rae,” Tessa greets warmly as I fall in step with her and Khloe. “How were your classes?”
“Criminology was solid,” I say, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. “Public Finance, though? Absolute ass.”
Khloe perks up instantly, a hopeful glint in her eye. “Was your professor at least hot?” she asks with a giggle as we weave toward the growing line outside The Cactus Grill.
I shake my head, holding back an eye roll. “Not even close. Picture a strict librarian with a monotone voice, glasses sliding down her nose, and zero tolerance for joy. That’s her.”
Khloe groans dramatically. “Ugh, the worst kind. What a waste.”
