“I read that Iceland is one of the most progressive countries when it comes to the equality and rights of all people—gender, sexuality, orientation included,” Wendy says. “I think I expected something a little more… obvious.”
“Or proud, maybe,” Sarabeth says.
“Wait, look. There’s a pride flag,” Anna says, pointing.
Everyone cranes their necks, shifting in their seats to get a glimpse. We silently watch it until it’s out of sight as if it’s going to do tricks for us. Or duplicate in front of our eyes.
“It’s not the UN of representation like we have, but I guess that’s a start,” Corwin says.
There’s a group of people waiting in front of a large building as the shuttle bus pulls up. We wait in our seats as Kendrick gets off first, and I watch through the window with a smile as he shakes a man’s hand.
I like watching Kendrick. I don’t know why or what it is about him, but I could watch him for a long time. He’s dressed as we are, though his scarf isn’t covering half his face and leaving just his eyes uncovered like mine is. He’s far more… distinguished than that. Is that the right word?
They talk for a minute. I can’t hear what they’re saying, and I’m too busy enjoying the warmth that I don’t so much as contemplate lowering the window to listen. Not that I would.
After another minute, Kendrick turns toward the bus. That’s a cue for us.
Byndley, who had apparently been standing in the doorway of the shuttle bus, climbed back up the stairs. “Let’s go. Grab whatever you brought—the bus isn’t staying here.”
I’d only brought my water bottle and tablet in case I needed to take notes on something. As I wait my turn to get off the bus, I note that almost everyone brought the same things. Some have a small pack, like Wendy, Anna, and Samuel. Otherwise, they’re lugging their items like I am.
The air feels a little warmer than it did yesterday, but it’s still cold. It might just feel cold because northern California, where RDU is located, remains relatively warm all year. It’s not unheard of to drop into the fifties in winter, and there are always exceptions, but it doesn’t get cold like this. Which makes the freezing weather of Iceland extra cold.
Anywhere you can see your breath when you exhale is too cold in my opinion.
We’re led down a paved path toward a building that appears relatively new. It’s blessedly warm inside. I’m not the only one who sighs in relief. I wonder if everyone is from warmer states like I am.
We’re brought into what I think is maybe a large conference room. We walk through halls that have that school smell—I’m not sure how to describe it. It justsmellslike whiteboards, cleaning solution, and books. There are people already waiting for us. They get to their feet as we enter, all with big smiles.
I’m so nervous. Meeting new people always makes me anxious. I’ve never been convinced that I make a good first impression. In the corner of my eye, I see Philomena, and my stomach rolls.That’sthe first impression I give: big, dumb jock. Maybe if I don’t talk, no one will think that.
CHAPTER 14
KENDRICK
When we walk into the conference room, my attention immediately snags on Brevan. I’ve been keeping an eye on him all morning. I’d like to say it’s because he’d overheard the girls talking about him, and I want to make sure he’s okay.
I’m not in the habit of lying to myself, though. Itisthe truth, but it’s not theonlytruth. Brevan captivates me. He shouldn’t. I think if I hadn’t joined them for trivia last night, I might have gotten away with mild interest.
Our eyes are constantly drawn to each other. My heart feels like it skips a beat whenever our eyes meet. It startled me the first time since it had been so long since another person stirred any interest in me at all.
Of course, the first person who does in a couple of decades is a damn student. Because that makes perfect sense. Why the hell not?
Even so, even as I try to control myself andnotstare, I meet his eyes as soon as he steps into the room. His face is flushed when he pulls down his scarf, which could very well be from the cold. But the way his shoulders are raised indicates he’s a little tense, suggesting something else.
Thankfully, I’m not the only one who notices Brevan’s discomfort. Xile, Wendy, and Jerome seem to have taken Brevan under their wings. I sigh in relief because it’snotappropriate for me to comfort him right now.
Right now… It’s not appropriate at all! Cue internal eye roll.
“Welcome,” Dr. Magnus Albertson greets once everyone is in the room. He raises his hands. “It is good to have you. I hope you’ve enjoyed the Arctic greeting.”
Several of the students huff, earning wide smiles from everyone else in the room and a hearty laugh from Magnus.
“Please have a seat. We will begin introductions when everyone is settled. There’s hot tea and hot coffee behind you if you’d care to warm up.”
“There’s also hot cocoa,” one of the men says.
“I could totally use something hot,” Xile murmurs. “I’m not picky. Brev? Want something?”
