Thankfully, my work shifts are light. Since my bosses are used to dealing with college kids and their schedules, they’re flexible when they know we’re under pressure. I head to Clemson to study. It’s open twenty-four seven for two weeks when there are midterms and again for two weeks during the finals. I have to make sure I do a good job on every exam.
–Grant: Still studying?
I see the text he sent about an hour ago. I missed it while going over my notes on intermediate microeconomics. The professor wants us to do multivariable calculus, and I need to do some extra review to make sure I’m comfortable with it. He has a rep for allotting no more than two minutes per question on average, and his tests arelong. It’s like you need both speedandendurance to survive the ninety-minute exam.
–Me: Yeah.
I hit send, then realize it’s after midnight. Hopefully I’m not waking him up.
–Grant: Need a study buddy?
Although I’m tired and need more caffeine and food, I smile.
–Me: I’m done studying for Culture and Music in History.
–Grant: I’m good for other subjects, too.
–Me: Don’t you have to study for whatever midterms you have before the break?
–Grant: You gonna say no to coffee?
I shoot him a raised-eyebrow emoji. I was about to text him that I need to go grab some snacks.
–Me: You didn’t mention that.
“I am now.”
I look up. Grant gives me his signature killer smile—it never fails to make my belly flutter, and nowhe’s holding two cups of iced coffee. It’s like he knew what I needed even before I told him.
“How did you know where I was?” I whisper, then move my backpack from the seat next to mine.
Grant takes the hard plastic chair. “I got mad skills.” He winks, handing me one of the cups.
“Thank you.” I take a sip. The caffeine floods my system like some divine elixir, and I have to stifle a moan. “I needed a little boost.”
“And that’s not all…” He lifts a brown paper bag.
“What’s in there?”
“Chocolate-cream-filled croissants from Sunny’s.”
My mouth waters. They’re my favorite. Actually, they’re everyone’s favorite. They aren’t always easy to get because they sell out almost as quickly as they’re taken from the oven. You have to wait in Sunny’s parking lot for the “Fresh Croissants” light to go on if you want to grab them. The bakery stays open until one during the midterms and finals because it does so much business with college study-zombies desperate to jack up their blood sugar.
“Oh my God, you are thebest.”
“I know.” He hands me the whole bag.
I grab a croissant as he watches me with an amused smile. Suddenly, I feel self-conscious about digging into the food like a starving pig. “You want one?”
“If you think you can spare it.”
“There are four. I’m not eating all of them.” I grin. “Just three.”
Laughing softly, he takes one and bites into it.
“So. You’re on a break from studying?” I ask as I enjoy my croissant. The chocolate cream is rich, the pastry light. It’s the best thing to pair with the slightly bitter coffee.
“I’m done.” Grant shrugs.
