Smoke and Wishes (Best Wishes #1)(7)

"Here you go, my little coffee bean, one Xtra Large Caramel Latté with additional espresso shots," Em announced cheerfully. "I know you said no croissant, but I heated up your favorite, on the house." She pushed the wrapped chocolate chip croissant over the counter towards me with a knowing look in her eyes. "Good luck today, Lucie, I know it was a bit of an adjustment when you first got here, but don’t let that get your knickers in a twist, you’ll do great," she whispered in an encouraging tone low enough that the rest of the customers in the shop wouldn’t hear. Her concern warmed my heart and brought a genuine smile to my face, causing my dimples to make an appearance.

"Thanks, Em, I owe you one," I gave her a grateful nod as I backed away from the pick-up counter to make room for the next customer. I took a sip of my latté, weaving my way through the growing crowd within the shop. I specifically made sure to keep my eyes away from the familiar faces seated by the door. Once I was able to squeeze my way out of Coffeeology and into the quad, I took a big bite of my croissant despite my stomach’s protests, and leisurely made my way over to the Music and Arts building where orientation was being held.

I finished off the chocolatey goodness of my croissant and tossed the wrapping into the sidewalk trash can, feeling better now that I had something on my stomach. I walked up the wide, stone steps of the building before pushing open one of the many doors. When my eyes finally adjusted to the indoor lighting, I was entranced by the high, domed ceiling with three expensive-looking crystal chandeliers. The ceilings were adorned with silver filigree and impressive architectural features that connected to burgundy painted walls with white decorative trim. Large theatre and musical posters hung on the walls showcasing the recent plays put on by the drama department.

I realized I was still standing in the entryway, the surrounding crowd seemed to be making their way towards the auditorium, so I followed, making sure to stay far enough on the outskirts to keep my anxiety at bay. The several sets of double doors to the main auditorium were propped open, murmured voices within spilled into the lobby. I turned to the left after entering and navigated through the other freshman to the furthest section, away from everyone, ascending the stairs that led to the amphitheater-style seating. I slid into an empty seat and took off my messenger bag, placing it inbetween my feet on the floor, content to enjoy my coffee in peace as I waited for the orientation to start.





3





August 25th

Saturday Morning

Landon





I was perusing the open seating of the room when my twin threw his arm over my shoulders, jostling me into a couple on my right side.

"Do we want to sit with everyone or do we want to sit somewhere on the outskirts?" Logan asked, making a face of discontent as he eyed the large crowd sitting in the main floor seating section. I rolled my eyes, already knowing the answer to that question when I caught sight of a girl who was seated alone a few rows up on the other end of the room.

"How about over there with her?" I tilted my chin towards the little blonde who just finished taking a long drink from a coffee cup that looked to be the size of her face.

"Who? Blondie over there?" Logan tilted his head, his brows furrowing, "I'm pretty sure she was at the coffee shop this morning, the one Em was excited to see." His eyes twinkled with the same mischievous glint I knew shined within mine. He pulled his arm off my shoulders and pushed through the remaining students.

As we neared the bottom of the stairs, I noticed that she averted her eyes away from us and pulled her coffee cup up to her mouth to take a drink. Her blonde hair was pulled back, bringing attention to her delicate, heart-shaped face. She shifted as we closed the distance between her and us. Pulling her shoulders back in a steeling gesture, I caught a glimpse of navy lace through one of her shirt sleeves. Oh, have mercy. I clenched my jaw, trying like hell not to stare at her tits. Logan veered into the row in front of her before he stepped onto the seat to launch himself to her left side.

"Hey, lemon drop, quite the spot you snatched up over here. I love the space away from the masses," I announced, dropping into the seat after pulling off the bag I had slung over my shoulder. I stretched my arms and legs out before settling back, hands behind my head. "I'm Landon."

"And I'm Logan, it's lovely to make your acquaintance, m’lady,” my twin stated as he stuck his hand out for her to shake. She seemed to stiffen a bit, but lowered her coffee cup and put it into her left hand, returning the handshake.

"Lucie," she responded in a quiet voice, after shaking Logan's hand she turned to look at me. I stuck out my hand with an amused smirk on my face as I peered into some of the deepest blue eyes I had ever seen. Her hand was thin and smooth within mine, which she quickly pulled back into her lap to fiddle with the sleeve of her coffee cup. Sensing she was slightly off-put from our sudden arrival, Logan slouched down to prop his feet onto the empty chair in front of him, attempting to put her at ease by getting comfortable.

"So what do you think of Redwood so far, Lucie?" Logan asked, his head was propped onto his right fist as he gazed at her expectantly, the lighting in the auditorium seemed to amplify the red tint in his pupils.

"I like it so far, I haven't explored too much," she responded, sipping some more coffee, but not before I noticed her hands trembling a bit.