‘That smells divine,’ I say, pointing to the candle nearby.
‘Oh hey,’ she tosses over her shoulder, beaming at me.‘How’s it going?’
‘Good!I’ve been busy doing chores, and I amsoready for a drink.’
‘Well then, perfect timing.’She hands a cocktail glass to me.I inspect it; it’s glittery pink with a strawberry on top.
‘This looks lush,’ I comment, wafting it under my nose.
She winks.‘Just a little something I threw together.Have a taste.’
Bringing it to my lips, I take a sip of the fruity sweetness.‘Oh,’ I moan, licking my lips.‘Yum!’
‘Good, right?’
‘Bloody beautiful.’
‘Oh, you can put that up in the spare room,’ Anya says, noticing the bag slung on my shoulder.‘You and Cami can share it, if that’s cool.’
‘Yeah, of course!’
‘You know the way?’she asks.
‘Yup,’ I reply, turning and trotting towards the stairs.
Taking them two at a time, I get to the top floor easily and move down the hallway to the spare room.I swing the bag onto the bed.Heading back out, I pause, waiting to hear any noises or movement from the other rooms, but it appears that Mason and Zayden aren’t home.They might be out doing something with the team.
I love their house.It’s so calm and quiet here, with a lot more space than my cramped apartment.The neighbourhood is open, dotted with gum trees, with lorikeets screeching from the branches.Merinda Waters is a good area.Far enough from campus, but close enough to the city that it’s convenient to get anywhere.I wouldn’t mind buying a house around here, at least while I’m studying.I have a few things planned for my future investments, and I think this would be an excellent place to start the process.
A year ago, I was living week to week, unsure I would even survive coming to university.The fact that I have the opportunitytoinvestfunds is literally crazy to me.Initially, I wasn’t in a rush to purchase a house, but if the environment at the apartment doesn’t improve, I might be buying earlier than expected.The whole process is overwhelming, especially since I haven’t spoken to any family about it, since hardly anyone knows I’m even able to do this.
By the time I return downstairs, Cami has arrived, and we almost collide when I jump off of the last step.She grabs my arms, steadying me as I almost go flying.We burst into laughter, seeing as that is exactly how we first met.She is always running late, rushing from one place to another, and we’ve connected headfirst on more than one occasion.
‘You gotta slow it down,’ I tell her.
‘Where’s the fun in that?’She waves me off, sauntering towards the kitchen and dumping her things onto the floor in a very Cami-like fashion.She does not have a single care in the world about where her things are or whether they’re in the way.I’d love to have that level of obliviousness, but if anything, I’m stressed as hell about making sure whatever I do is convenient for other people.We couldn’t be more different, but I’m so thankful we are friends.Our differences have only made us closer.
Dressed in high-waisted shorts with a tight top tucked into them, she looks effortlessly boujee.Bracelets litter her arms, her long, black hair falls down her back and those gorgeous dark legs of hers look like they’re the length of my entire body.Anya on the other hand has a pale complexion, with sweet emerald eyes and semi-permanently blushed cheeks.She has that soft, kind look about her, but I know she has a fierce side, too.She has been through her fair share of drama these past few months and has faced it head-on like a true champion.I’m so happy for her that she and Mason have found each other again.They are a match made in heaven.
My gaze flickers to the outdoor area where the sun slowly sinking into the horizon casts an orange glow across the pool.It’s such a nice place, I’d prefer to be over here than out in a busy bar.
Cami fills us in on the latest gossip among the cheerleading squad.There is always something going on with the team, and I love hearing about it.Drama is fun to listen to when it has nothing to do with you, but you know of everyone who’s involved.It’s like I’ve subscribed to a podcast involving the real-life people around me.It’s awesome.
Barely pausing to breathe – or sip her drink – she dives into more stories and things she has heard around campus.She knows anyone who is anyone, whereas I swear I exist and hear nothing, and don’t know anyone very well outside of these two girls.I don’t mind it, I’m busy with study, my writing and everything else that comes with it, but it would be nice to be more social.I’m simply not as outgoing as Anya and Cami are, but I’m thankful they’ve welcomed me with open arms and we’ve formed this trio.It’s made my time here so farmuchmore enjoyable.
The afternoon slips away.We consume too many cocktails, laugh far too loudly and honestly, I’m having the best time ever.These girls are so much fun.
As the sun disappears behind the horizon, I feel like all the drinks have completely gone to my head.
‘I might have a time out,’ I announce, pushing to my feet and swaying slightly.‘I think I need a shower and some water.’
‘You okay?Do you want us to pause the movie?’Cami asks, looking over at me, concern etched on her face.
‘No, no, keep watching.I won’t be long.’
‘Oh!’Anya says.‘The main shower isn’t working at the moment, you’ll have to use Zayden’s, in his room.The plumber is coming tomorrow.’
I straighten slightly.I don’t know why that made weird tingles erupt inside me.Zayden Stark is hot as hell – anybody with eyes knows that – but being inside his room, in his shower … it feels very intimate.It shouldn’t, it’s just a shower, but there’s something about Zayden that has caught my attention.I often find myself looking up his social media, or watching him when I see him on campus, or purposely putting myself in his way when I’m over here simply so he acknowledges me and starts a conversation.Nothing is ever going to happen, he’s my best friend’s brother, and he also has so many options that I’d never ever register on his radar, but still … a girl can dream.
