chapter 4

That night, Lydia didn't come back.

We were all adults, and it wasn't hard to guess what had happened between Lydia and Finlay.

I just couldn't help but wonder—was he really that eager?

The next morning, while we were still asleep, Lydia came back and slammed something down on the table with a loud thud.

Aimee woke up instantly, shot up from bed like a spring, grabbed Lydia's arm, and started shaking her.

She called out, "Lydia, spill! How was your date yesterday? Did Finlay treat you well? Did he get you anything?"

Lydia was still wearing sunglasses, the marks on her neck standing out clearly. She waved casually toward the designer bag on the table, as if it were no big deal.

She replied, "My boyfriend gave it to me. He even promised that from now on, whatever I want, he'll get it for me.

"Oh, and he said he's treating our whole dorm to lunch today. We're going out for steak, so you guys better come."

Aimee's eyes lit up.

"Wait. What? The campus heartthrob is treating us? Lydia, you're amazing! You got him wrapped around your finger so fast. You're gonna be a rich lady soon!"

Lydia had no defense against such flattery. She puffed up with pride, her voice bubbling with smug delight.

She said, "Alright, alright. Go get ready. He'll be here to pick us up soon."

I couldn't understand it. Finlay had dated countless times. How could Lydia be so sure she'd be the one to win him over in the end?

I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.

But then she appeared at my side, looking annoyed. "Hey, my boyfriend said I have to invite you too."

I thought I misheard her. Finlay wanted me to come along with them? Was this some kind of trap?

Seeing that I didn't respond, Lydia frowned and said impatiently, "You think I wanted to invite you? He said I had to get everyone from the dorm together. He even said his roommates are coming too, so everyone can meet each other."

Finlay's roommates?

I remembered the top student in our major lived in their dorm. His name was Chris Bean.

If I could meet him, I could ask him a thing or two when I ran into a problem, which would really help with my grad school prep.

Chris was usually a loner and rarely attended gatherings, so I had no idea how Finlay managed to get him to come today.

There was no way I was going to miss a chance to meet a top scholar up close.

Before I could answer, Aimee let out a squeal beside me.

She said, "Lydia, he's totally into you! He's introducing you to his friends so fast."

Lydia snorted and then replied, "Of course. Now, whatever I ask for, he just gets it for me."

She glanced at me. "What are you waiting for? Yes or no?"

I nodded quickly. "Yeah. I'll go."

Lydia studied me with a complicated expression. "You can come, but don't bother dressing up. Wear your oldest clothes."

I knew what she was thinking—she didn't want me stealing her thunder.

But honestly, I wasn't interested in Finlay. I was coming for Chris. There was no way I would steal her spotlight.

Soon, Finlay called. His roommates were already there, and he was waiting for us downstairs.

I threw on a T-shirt, wiped my face, and followed Lydia out. She, of course, had changed into a tighter skirt, showing off her curves, the way she flaunted her chest leaving nothing to the imagination.

Downstairs, Finlay stood next to the newest Porsche, impossible to miss.

I wasn't sure if I was imagining it, but the moment I stepped out of the dorm, his eyes seemed glued to me.

It wasn't a look of affection—more like he was inspecting me out of curiosity.