“We’re here.” Anna grabbed her drink and took a huge gulp. She shrugged at me as she saw my look. The ‘no alcohol policy’ was definitely out for her today!
“Thanks, Sebastian.” I gave him a grateful smile, and he nodded his head briefly.
His odd little mannerisms were so noticeable that I wanted to ask him about them, but I figured that maybe that was how Europeans were brought up. He was a lot more polite than any guys I knew back home in the States. Shit, he could give lessons on how to treat a lady—lessons Xavier needed to sign up for.
“So do you?” Sebastian interrupted my thoughts and I looked up at him guiltily, annoyed that I was still thinking of the asshole.
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you.” I made a face and looked around the restaurant lounge we were in. “It’s so noisy in here.”
“No apologies needed.” He bowed his head again and nodded towards the group table. “Shall we make our way back? I think Henrietta wants to make some announcements.”
“Oh, we can’t miss those.” Anna grinned and winked at me.
We walked back over to the table and sat down. I sat next to a girl I hadn’t met yet, Sebastian sat next to me, and Anna sat next to Sebastian. I heard him whisper something to her and she laughed. I smiled to myself as I noticed Jason staring at the two of them. Typical man! Always desiring a woman he thinks someone else likes.
“Okay, great. I think we have everyone here now,” Henrietta said loudly from her position at the end of the table. “Can everyone hear me?”
“No!” a bunch of drunk girls and Jason screamed out, and Henrietta smiled.
“Okay, let’s get started. Welcome to what is going to be the best six months of your life.” Henrietta looked around the table and made eye contact with all of us. “I want everyone at this table to get to know each other tonight. Many of you will be in classes together. Some of you may even sleep together.”
“What?” Anna gasped and looked at me with a shocked expression.
“Ignore her.” Sebastian laughed. “The English can be very blunt in their humor.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Where are you from then, Sebastian?” I asked him curiously, but Henrietta gave us a look before he could answer.
“Now, I want us to go around the table and introduce ourselves.”
“Boring!” Jason cried out and the girls next to him nodded in agreement.
It seemed as if Jason was going to be the big man of the group. I wasn’t sure why all the girls were flocking to him. Granted, he was blond and had the surfer look going on. But he also seemed like a big doofus, unlike Sebastian, who was handsome and polite. I couldn’t understand why more girls weren’t trying to flirt with him. I would be all over him if I weren’t still thinking about Xavier.
“Fine, fine. But I want to let everyone know we have a very special member in the group this year. In fact, I think you should all know that...”
“Hey, Henrietta. Why don’t we all just eat and drink and be merry?” Sebastian spoke up this time, and I looked at him in surprise. His voice sounded calm, but there was a hint of aggression there as well.
“But Sebastian, your brother will—”
“Henrietta.” He said her name firmly, and she shrugged before looking around the table with a tight smile.
“Well, that’s it for tonight, folks. Don’t forget, classes start bright and early on Monday morning. Your professors will not be impressed if you are late.”
“I can’t believe that classes are starting already,” Anna groaned and then froze as she saw Jason walking towards us. I gave her a bright smile as if to say, “I told you not to freak out already.”
“Hey, Lola.” He stopped in front of me and flashed his brilliant white teeth. “I was thinking we should be study partners.”
“Huh?” My jaw fell open in shock at his words. I also felt my skin burning up as I felt at least four girls, including Anna, staring at me in jealousy.
“You seem like a bright girl, and I’m going to need someone to go to museums with.” He leaned in closer to me. “Plus, you’re the only one who hasn’t mentioned my Australian accent tonight. I don’t want this year to revolve around my being from Oz. It’s not that exciting. I’m just—”
“Fine, fine, fine.” I nodded and stood up. “Sounds good. I’m sure Anna would love to join us.”
“I don’t know.” She made a face, and I could tell she was upset.
“The more the merrier, right?” Jason shrugged and grinned at Anna. “Maybe we can smoke out while we study.”