Page 3 of Lodged

Ruin: Fall break will be here before you know it, and I’ll spend a whole five days at home.

Rain: Yeah, yeah. Two more months… I miss you, sis.

Ruin: It’s only been three days since I came to Raleigh *laugh emoji*

Ruin: But I miss you, too. You sure you can’t take a weekend off and come visit?

Rain: And who would help Mama with the diner? You know I can’t do that to her.

I hate that our lives changed so much after Daddy passed. Rain quit college so she could help Mama run our family diner.

Ruin: I know, I know. I love you, sis.

Rain: Love you too.

Chapter 3

Gio Bianchi

“It’s finally here,” I murmur to myself as I grab the letter from my mailbox in the tiny office I share with other grad students in the environmental department. With six desks, there's not much space to wander around or have any privacy, but I enjoy having an office on campus. I quickly pocket the letter, and after dropping my book bag on my desk, I rush across campus to get a coffee before I start the day. The walk is quiet; the campus is almost empty, with the first classat eight in the morning and it’s only seven. The air is already humid, even at this early hour, and I can’t wait for the weather to cool down. Unfortunately, we’re in the middle of summer, and it will be a while before the leaves change color and I can enjoy the crisp morning air.

The ringing bell as I enter the coffee shop pulls me out of my thoughts. The intense coffee smell mixed with that of warm bread puts a smile on my face. It doesn’t matter if it’s cold or hot outside; my morning coffee can’t be skipped.

“Morning, Gio. The usual?” one of the baristas asks as I approach the counter.

“You know it,” I reply with a smile. I’ve been coming here for so long that everyone who works here knows me and greets me by my name. That’s what I love about living in Raleigh—it has all the perks of a big city but is small enough to get to know people on a deeper level.

After paying and leaving a couple of bills in the tip jar, I scan the cafe to pick a spot to sit down. I don’t even know why I do this—I always sit on the loveseat by the bay window. There’s an electric furnace in the middle of the cafe, and even though it’s off during summer, it gives a cozy vibe to the place. There are also bookshelves with well-loved books ranging from textbooks to sci-fi, to fantasy, and even romance novels. I usually don’t have much time to read things that aren't research-related, but I do enjoy looking at the titles and spines from time to time.

The barista places my coffee and croissant on the counter, and after murmuring thanks, I head toward the loveseat. I usually engage in conversation with whoever is manning the store, but more customers arrived while I was wandering around. I don’t like interrupting them while they work.

Once I’m situated, I take the envelope out of my back pocket, and with butterflies in my chest, I unfold the letter and take a deep breath before reading it.

Wolfe University

The Graduate School

Mr. Giorgio Bianchi

With this letter, we inform you about your doctoral thesis defense presentation on November 1st at two in the afternoon. It’s your last step before you can apply for Fall graduation. Your committee members have been notified, as well. An auditorium will be assigned at a later date.

Please let us know if there’s anything we can help you with.

Regards,

Sue Berkoff,

Graduate Student Services

“Fuck yes!” I shout, fist-pumping the air.

“What’s all the commotion about?” Penny asks, taking a seat next to me. I cover my face with the letter and grin like a lunatic even though she can’t see me.

“Are you going to tell me or no, Giorgio?” she says, emphasizing my full name, knowing I hate it when people do that.

Penny was actually the first person I met at grad school orientation. She came for her MBA and stayed to pursue a PhD in economics. Her mom is from Colombia, so we instantly clicked—our shared Latino roots made it easy for me to connect. I’ve always been a bit of a loner and not great at making new connections. I adore my siblings, and the few friends I have I consider family, but opening up to others has never come easily.

Contrary to what everyone thinks, Penny and I are best friends—there’s never been an urge to explore anything romantically. I’ve never admitted this to anyone before, but I’ve never felt theso-called “butterflies” with anyone in my life. I often wonder if there’s something wrong with me, but instead of worrying about it, I’ve simply devoted myself to my studies and making sure my siblings are okay and thriving.

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