Page 12 of Her Devil

“Rather you than me,” I reply.

“Have you met the caterers?” he asks. “Apparently, they’ll be cooking dinner for us at six every evening, there are menus and the works. There’s a canape list for the party and somewhere for you to add alcohol requests if there’s something specific you want.”

“You added anything?” I ask, conscious that he doesn’t look like a tweed-wearing toff, but it’s sometimes hard to tell.

He shakes his head, admitting, “I’m a beer kind of guy. I’m happy to join whoever for a decent Scotch after a round on the golf course, but for a party, beer is just fine.”

I agree with a high-five and a nod, something Jacob seems to approve of if the smile is anything to go by.

“So, have you had the chance to get to know anyone else?” Wyatt asks, following the ball from me to Jacob and back. “In your socially anti-social kind of way.”

“Taylor and Emmerson were in my class this morning,” Jacob replies. “They both seem nice enough.”

“I’m keeping to myself for now,” I admit. “Just waiting to see what happens from here.”

The class was small this morning, lucky considering the temperature, but I know it’s going to be helpful when the real work begins. Being able to get my head down and concentrate is always easier without lots of people.

“A couple of us are making a start on studying downstairs, if you’d like to join us? The plan is to head to the mixer event together too.”

I look at Jacob, who looks at me.

“Sure,” we agree.

I mean, half a dozen guys reading books and making notes. How far wrong can that go?

FIVE

IVY

The glass front of the main academic building is lit up by a million tiny dots of light, dancing like a screen as we hurry our steps towards it. You can see them from halfway across campus, so there’s no excuse for not making it, I guess.

Pulling my shawl over my shoulders blocks out some of the brisk autumn breeze, and whilst I’m sure Charlotte is mostly warmed by the drinks we had before setting off, and the huge coat, even she huddles in attempting to avoid the worst of it.

The driveway is long, longer than I remember from this morning, and we seriously should have considered bringing one of the cars. Instead, we huddle together, shuffling down the dark road nervously.

“So, what’s this all about?” Tamsin asks, breaking the awkward silence. “Is it just so we can meet the staff and get to know the students?”

“I think so,” Penelope replies, her heels clicking along at a pace. “Just an opportunity to show off all the money they’ve spent on the place mostly, I think.”

“Surely that would be better aimed at the parents paying for it than the students using it, but whatever.” I shrug as we get closer, the light from the main campus shining brightly as we catch up to another group of students coming in the opposite direction.

“It’s free booze and an opportunity to check out the boys on campus without stuffy lecturers and dusty halls getting in the way, so who cares?” Stephanie adds. “Just get me in there and warmed up.”

The group ahead of us hold the door as we all squeeze our way in. The large atrium is beautifully decorated with autumnal wreaths and harvest decorations, the hay bales and kitsch drinking jars giving the event a relaxed feel.

“Not quite the champagne reception I was expecting.” Penelope pouts, accepting a glass of what turns out to be some kind of bourbon and pear cocktail, full of autumnal fizz.

“I think it’s cute.” I shrug. All five of them turn to look at me, surprise colouring each of their features as I hand my shawl over and straighten the red silk blouse.

“Cute?” Stephanie scoffs. “We’re not eleven years old and going to the Fall Ball at high school. I expected something a little classier, considering the clientele.”

“Okay, well, why don’t we grab another one of these and go find some fun, eh?” Tamsin intervenes, snatching a couple more glasses from a passing waiter and handing them out quickly. Distraction is her forte. “Who’s going to the party on Friday night?” she asks, diverting the conversation.

“What party?” Charlotte asks, sipping her drink as the six of us meander slowly around the room.

Nobody knows anyone yet, and it shows.

We’re not the only ones sticking to the people we live with in a vain attempt to keep some semblance of power in this place. It’s overwhelming with its opulence, despite the seemingly childish theme of the event. It’s tastefully done.

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