Page 44 of Lilies in Autumn

“Mhm. Sure, she is.”

“If this is how you’re going to act when we speak, I’m not sure why I even bother calling.”

I smirk, enjoying the feeling of annoying my younger sister. “You call because Bianca is batshit crazy, and you miss me.”

“True.”

I look at the time on my phone and offer an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Sera, but I need to get ready to meet C and Serena before class. I’ll see you on Saturday, and don’t forget to bring stuff to go out with.”

“Fine. Bye.” My sister hangs up before I have the chance to say goodbye or ask her to relay a message to my parents. I try not to be too annoyed with her, especially since she’s pissed at me for ignoring her for the last few weeks. Between my constant conversations with Grey, class, and otherwise avoiding my phone, I haven’t made a lot of time for my family. I should feel guilty, except I can’t apologize for taking care of myself and what’s important to me right now. While, yes, I should probably avoid all interactions with Grey, I can’t deny that he makes me feel seen for the first time in my life.

Gathering my things in my bag and draping my double-breasted chef’s jacket over my arm, I turn the lights off in the room. I have my second practical for my Fundamentals of Baking and Pastry class. Though I was thoroughly annoyed with Grey for forcing Lincoln to partner with me on my first day of class, I can’t deny that he’s a knowledgeable partner. In our first practical, our professor had us work together to create pâte à choux, a staple in French patisserie. The choux, which is used to make desserts like eclairs, churros, and beignets, needs to be light and airy, rich but light. Lincoln, with his model looks and surly attitude, is like a wizard in the kitchen and led us through a successful bake. We were one of the only pairs to present something edible to our professor, Chef Adrian. The poor doe-eyed twins presented the equivalent of a Lego. I smile to myself as I walk across campus, remembering the look of utter disbelief and revulsion on chef’s face.

Normally, I wouldn’t find joy in someone else’s failure, but the doe-eyed twins were dickheads. From the moment Lincoln made it clear he and I were partners, they decided I was enemy number one. Between their comments about the way I look and their nasty looks in my direction, they acted like I killed their dog. Whatever I thought college would be, it didn’t include making enemies in every group I came across.

Luckily, the maintenance technician in the dining hall forgave me for the coffee attack of 2023. Granted, I had to bring him the leftover pastry from my first practical, but he was no longer eyeing me warily every time I walked up to the coffee dispensers.

My trip across campus to the local coffee shop, Beans & Things, takes less than ten minutes. I inhale deeply as I open the door to the shop, appreciating the fragrant smell of coffee and buttery baked goods. If I could, I would bottle this scent up and douse myself with it every day instead of perfume.

Glancing at the tables, I see CeCe and Serena huddled in a corner booth with three drinks in front of them.

“One of those better be for me,” I joke, sliding into the seat across from them.

CeCe rolls her eyes, pushing the mug toward me.

“You look great, Ava,” Serena rushes out.

I look down at my black long-sleeved T-shirt and leggings before looking back up at her.

“Uh, thanks?” I’m in the plainest clothes I own, not willing to risk staining my beloved clothes while baking. She seems unusually peppy, but I won’t question the compliment.

“Of course. You’re glowing. Your hair looks great. Did you do something to it?”

“Okay, I was willing to accept the first compliment, but you’re rambling.” I eye her, then CeCe. Raising an eyebrow, I question, “Okay, what’s going on?”

“Nothing.” They respond at the same time. Not suspicious at all.

“Cut the shit.”

They share a look, one that immediately sets me on edge. “Okay, so we were going to wait to tell you,” Serena begins. “I spoke to Dyl, and the guys are going to the soccer house this weekend.”

I look at her, confused. “Okay, will that be an issue for you with Devin and Marina?”

CeCe shakes her head. “No, Aves, like all the guys. Meaning Dante, Lincoln, and… Grey.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. And before you even suggest going to a different party, no.”

“Wait, but it’s my birthday.” I drop my voice, leaning in closer. “You know why we can’t go to the same party as them.” In addition to telling CeCe everything about the text messages and picture, I confided in Serena, too.

“It is, my little birthday honey. With that said, the soccer party is the only one that’s open. We don’t have invitations to any of the other houses,” CeCe responds. Dammit. Because of the limited number of sports and fraternities, most parties were invite-only to control the size. Now, a month later, it was easy to understand why Felicity was such a bitch about Serena joining us at the rush event. Invitations and RSVPs were sacred here.

“Maybe we should try Redford College?”

“Ava, we are not going to a different campus to go out.” Serena sounds scandalized by the thought.

I sigh, resigning myself to a potential run-in. Fuck, who was I kidding? Knowing Grey, he would make a spectacle. My skin started to feel tight, like cellophane was shrinking around me, making it hard to breathe.

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