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Lil: No.

Sebastian: There are even more people I have to share you with?

Lil: For now. 3. 4, if we count Ju.

Sebastian: Who are the other two?

Lil: Gemma and Mary.

Sebastian: Gemma and Mary?

Lil: Yes, I just met them recently, and we’re getting along well.

Sebastian: Okay. Don’t forget the game tonight. You promised, princess.

Lil: I didn’t.

Sebastian: Let a guy hope.

“Well, isn’t this interesting,” she muses, eyes gleaming with delight. “You look like a kid in Candyland. Will he join?”

“I don’t know. It didn’t sound like it.” I put my phone back in my bag.

Gemma goes back to her scribbles of designs. It’s a long red gown.

“It’s beautiful,” I say.

She grins. “Just wait until I have my own fashion line. You’ll be my first model.”

I laugh. “I don’t know about that.”

“Please, with your figure? The camera would love you.”

My body grows warm at the compliment.

Mary rushes in as the professor wraps up the lecture. She plops down next to Gemma, out of breath.

“Cutting it close there,” Gemma teases.

Mary rolls her eyes. “Blame my snooze button.”

I chuckle, gathering my things. “Ready for lunch?”

“Starving,” Mary says.

We head to the cafeteria, chatting and laughing.

“I’m so hungry.” Gemma pouts.

“Me too,” Mary says with an exaggerated groan. “By the way, I don’t get how you survive English Lit, Lil. I swear Professor Collins has it out for me. That’s why I studied all night.”

Gemma pats her arm. “At least it will be over soon.”

“Until next week. But at least there is this cute guy I have a good view of from my place,” Mary says.

We shuffle forward in the line, the aroma of frying oil and spices wafting around us.

“Speaking of guys,” Gemma says. “Who were those messages from?”