Chapter 3

It was a slow morning with orientation happening. At eleven, Luke sent me a message. I tapped open the text and read the long list of food, plus dessert and a drink.

He was seriously using me like his personal ordering kiosk. I replied with a quick “OK” along with a deliberate just-in-case question. “What if some of these items aren’t available?”

Luke picked the most popular items off the menu in the campus cafeteria. It would take a world-record sprint to grab this order. One second too late, and the best food would be gone.

With the campus swarming with new students, I doubted I stood a chance against these freshmen.

While I was deep in my thoughts, Luke texted me again, nearly rushing blood to my head.

“Others might fail, but I trust you can handle the job. Just work your magic. I have faith in you.”

He capped it off with a “You can do it!” sticker. Fuming, I was dying to reach him through the screen and smack him.

I replied with a smiley face.

In my mind, I hoped he would choke on the food.

Taking my time, I strolled to the cafeteria and bought my favorite food.

Basically, I bought substitutes for the things he ordered, along with whatever caught my eye.

Once done, I gave him a call. “I’m outside your dorm. Lunch is here.”

When Luke stepped out, it was packed at the entrance of the dormitory. My eyes lit up behind my mask.

Man, he was hot.

He matched a white T-shirt with black joggers and a black mask. His eyes were so piercing that they could suck any soul into them.

Luke approached. “Have you seen enough? You’re drooling.”

Snapping out of my trance, I wiped my mouth, only to realize I had a cover over my face.

“You! That’ll be 48 bucks. Would that be Venmo or Apple Pay?”

He wired me 200 dollars. “Generous!

“Had I known, I would’ve…”

Well, I would’ve pulled his pants down sooner.

“Would’ve what?”

“Nothing.”

He patted me on the head. “Alright. Don’t forget. It’s the same deal for dinner.”

With that, he walked off. I scoffed and headed back.

I’d barely entered my room before my phone was bombarded with dozens of texts.

“Maeve, you did this on purpose. Where’s my steak?

“What about the potato croquette?”

I sent a puppy-petting meme. “Be a good boy and finish your food. You can’t be fussy. I bought a balanced meal for you, so eat well.”

Putting my phone away, I chuckled. Jorja chimed in. “Did you mess with Luke’s food order?”

“I wouldn’t call it messing. I’m just helping him get into a healthier lifestyle. After the incident at the gate, he needs all the help he can get.”

Jorja burst out laughing. “Seriously, though. He’s a hottie with brains to match. Have you thought about dating him? Since you’ve seen him in his most vulnerable moment, he should just commit to you.”

That was the plan, but it wasn’t as if Luke was giving me a chance.

I shrugged. “What can I do? I’m not his type.

“He’s got the looks, but man, he’s picky and petty as hell. Talk about immature wearing those SpongeBob SquarePants boxers.”

Jorja winked at me. “I don’t get a detailed analysis of a guy from you that often. I bet you’ve had your eye on him ages ago.

“Just go for him. Now that you’ve caught him at his lowest, don’t pass the chance to someone else.”

My jaw hit the floor. Then came a message from Luke.

“Are you attending the freshman welcome party tomorrow?”

Huh?

“I’m performing tomorrow, and I need an assistant.”

Why was that my problem?

Next, it hit me.

Luke expected me to help him with his performance.

“Luke, just admit you’re trying to kill my social life.

“We are going to go viral the moment I show my face.

“Can’t we just ignore the whole thing until it blows over?”

I could already imagine the entire school rolling in laughter. Could I just crawl into a hole and cry?

Luke was quick to respond, “I’ve put your name up. See you tomorrow.”

Holy cow!

It was not over between us, for sure!