CYNTHIA's P O V

‘‘Hello, Melanie. It’s a pleasure to meet you…’’ Melanie's cheeks became flushed in response to Oliver's friendly smile toward her. Before shifting his attention back to me, he quipped, ‘‘I can steal your best friend after you two are done with the project, can't I?’’

‘‘Cynthia!’’ The sound of Julian's voice jarred me awake from my musings. ‘‘We're here...’’

When I peeked out the window, I saw that the car had already come to a stop in front of the gate to my university. ‘‘Bye, Julian...’’ I muttered as I clutched the handle of the car door and eased it open with my shaking hands before...