Chapter 54: Delivery Guy
JULIA
I walked out of the classroom while reading the contents of the envelope.
A party at the Astoria Grande? One of the most prestigious hotels in the city?
Oh, and of course, the hotel was owned by none other than Evan again. What was this all about?
The main question was why me, of all people? Was Mr. Matthews that excited to see my artwork?
“Ah, whatever,” I said, tucking the envelope into my bag.
As I rounded the corner toward the cafeteria, I spotted Heather leaning against the wall near the vending machine. I paused in my tracks, and it seemed like she noticed.
Her gaze locked onto me immediately, and her lips pressed into a tight line.
I looked around. It was only the two of us in the hallways. I hesitated for a moment but realized that this may be the best time to apologize–even if Harper and Gianna told me I hadn’t done anything wrong.
I really didn’t want the misunderstanding to grow between us. As much as I wasn’t fond of her personality,!
was still Evan’s girlfriend, after all. It would be good to have a civil relationship with her.
I mustered a small smile and approached cautiously.
“Hey, Heather,” I said softly, trying to keep my tone light I just wanted to say–I’m sorry if I’ve done something to upset you. I never meant to-
“Stop,” she snapped before I could finish my sentence.
Her eyes narrowed, and her hands clenched into fists.
“Don’t act like you’re innocent. Just stay away from me. From us. Don’t even look at Anders!” she exclaimed.” You meant to embarrass me at that party. I should have never invited you in the first place!”
“Like I said, it wasn’t my intention.”
“I don’t care,” she snapped. “What’s done is done. Now, stay out of our way, or you’ll regret it.”
I stared at her, unsure of what to say, but before I could respond, her friends appeared behind her. The three of them threw me the same icy expression Heather had.
They didn’t say a word, just glared at me before walking away and giggling to themselves.
Heather smirked and turned on her heel, leading her entourage away without a second glance. I stood there for a moment, my lips pressed together.
“Well,” I muttered. “At least, I already apologized. It’s up to her if she’ll accept it or not.”
Shaking it off, I continued to the food hall.
As I scanned the room, I spotted Glanna and Harper waving enthusiastically from a table near the window. I felt my shoulders relax as I made my way over to them.
“Hey!” Glanna greeted as I slid into the seat across from them. “I got your usual. Thought you might need a little pick–me–up today.”
a plate of creamy pasta with Carl
I glanced down at the tray in front of bread on the side.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 54 Delivery Guy
“Gianna,” I started, already reaching for my wallet. “You didn’t have to-
She waved me off. “Don’t even think about it. It’s my treat
“Seriously,” I protested, but Harper chimed in before I could say more.
“And I got you coffee,” she said. “I figured you’d need it after class. But it’s not here yet. It’s near, though!”
“It’s only been one class,” I muttered.
“Consider it a team effort!” Harper exclaimed.
“You guys…” I groaned though I couldn’t help but smile. “Stop treating me like this. I can pay for myself, you know.”
“Not happening,” Glanna said with a smirk.
Harper nodded in agreement. “Yeah, no. Just enjoy it.”
I rolled my eyes playfully but didn’t argue any further. They meant well, and honestly, it was nice to feel cared for, especially after everything that had happened the past week
Just then, Harper’s phone buzzed with a notification. “Oh, it’s here,” she announced, standing up.
I placed my hand over hers. “Let me get it,” I said. “Let this be my contribution to the team effort for now.”
Harper raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? We could go get it with you.‘
I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. I’ll be quick.‘
11
“Alright,” Harper said. “It’s supposed to be a black motorcycle.”
“Yeah, I got it,” I replied, heading for the exit.
I stepped outside and looked around the parking lot. It didn’t take long to spot a motorcycle. It was a black beast parked near the curb–a big bike.
I stopped in my tracks for a second. What was it with ordinary workers and their fancy rides? Do these jobs pay well? Should I consider having a career change?
However, I quickly snapped out of my thoughts.
1 approached with a smile, trying to seem friendly. “Hi,” I said brightly. “I think that’s mine.”
The rider didn’t respond. He just stood there, frozen, his gloved hands resting lightly on the handlebars.
“Thank you so much!” I added, slipping a tip into his hand before taking the bag he held out.
Still no response.
Weird. I shrugged it off and started walking back inside, only to see Heather walking toward the bike.
As we passed each other, she deliberately bumped into me hard enough to make me stumble. I turned to say something, but before I could, she was already gone.
I sighed and shook my head. I made my way back to the food hall. However, for a second, I thought I heard Heather’s screech from the parking lot.
I turned around and saw that, indeed, she was arguing with the delivery guy. I watched for a moment, half- curious and half–confused. What had he done to set her off like that?
+25 BONUS
Chapter 54 Delivery Guy
Deciding it wasn’t my problem, I shrugged and headed back inside.
Gianna and Harper were still at the table, laughing like hyenas. As I approached, I set the bag down on the table and opened it.
“Here,” I said, pulling out the drinks. “Wait…did you guys order four?”
“No,” Ha
“No,” Harper said. “It must be a special promo or something.”
Gianna smiled. “Well, don’t mind if I do. I need two doses of caffeine for this day!”
