Page 4 of Icebound Attraction

The three of us giggle and the waitress returns to the counter.

I let my gaze wander around the café and stop at a group of boys. They look rather sporty and, from the way they behave with each other, they seem more like a herd of teenagers than students.

Maybe the soccer team?

Let's hope not! I know I'm going to have to interview one of them as part of my journalism course - and also because I'm joining the university newspaper - and they don't make me want to approach them at all!

That's when a guy - admittedly hot - notices my stare and gives me an air kiss. I wrinkle my nose and look away, blushing.

Why can't they behave like normal people?

“Don't let the jocks throw you off. Most of them are looking for flings and are trying to seduce all the new girls,” says Maddie.

Cassy also nods, irritated.

“But whatever, today we're celebrating the fact that you're finally here! To hell with everything else!”

Then the waitress returns with our drinks, and we toast.

“Here's to an exciting year,” says Cassy solemnly.

The tingle in my belly is full of promise as I take my first sip with a smile. I can't wait to find out what's in store for me.

***

On my first official day, I'm up early. The excitement of meeting the student newspaper team and my long to-do list drag me out of bed at 6:30.

I put on my bathrobe and set off in search of coffee. A pleasant smell of breakfast is already wafting up my nose. Cassy is sitting at the little table in the center of our room, enjoying waffles.

“Good morning, sunshine! Are you an early riser too?” she exclaims cheerfully.

“Hello, Cassy. I'm trying, yes, but what I really need now is a...”

Before I can finish my sentence, she gets up and heads for the coffee machine, explaining how to use it and showing me where to find everything I need.

With my steaming mug in hand, we sit down together.

“Before you go to the paper, maybe you should take a shower and fix your hair,” Cassy says, looking at me intently.

“Oh, thank you, good idea! I was actually thinking of going out there in a bathrobe,” I reply sarcastically.

She giggles, stands up and puts on her jacket.

“Well, it's a good thing I suggested it, then! I'll see you later, I've got to go!”

She gives me a little wave before closing the door behind her. I savor the rest of my coffee and, above all, the calm. This early in the morning, conversations are very difficult for me!

Maddie said she'd pick me up at 7:30, so I'd better jump in the shower. I didn't really look at the bathroom yesterday. It's small, but functional. Simple and modern. Obviously, Cassy hasn't decorated the place yet! But I'm sure it won't be long before she does.

As I apply my mascara, there's already a knock on the door.

Is Maddie on time? That would be a first!

I greet her with enthusiasm. I still can't believe my best friend is finally with me. I really missed her.

“Are you ready?” she asks.

“Don't we have time for a coffee?” I retort, horrified.

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