Chapter 9

Franklin

We went to Camila’s dorm room, where I had a surprise waiting for her. Her hands covered her mouth as we entered her room. In the middle of the table was a bouquet of long-stemmed roses.

“How did you get in my room to do all of this?” She buried her face in my chest. I heard soft sobs followed by sniffling.

“I paid off the rental manager, and she opened the door for me.” She wiped her tears away and patted the wet spot on my shirt.

Dinner was amazing; we had roasted vegetables, lamb chops, garlic potatoes with gravy, and buttery French bread. She chatted endlessly about her goals in life and her family.

We danced to the jazz music that filtered through the room. Our heartbeats were in sync. I could spend the rest of my life inhaling her pumpkin scent. The silence between us was welcoming. Since spending time with her and Serenity, my crappie life has turned around.

“How long have you known Serenity?”

“We grew up together in the Slasher Pack. Our parents are best friends.