Chapter 4 Campus Activities And Coffee

Harley

After the meet and greet on Thursday, they had events planned all the way to the first day of classes on Monday. Tonight, Friday night, they were having a big bonfire and pep rally type of thing. Evidently, the football team, as well as the cheerleaders, and a bunch of other people were supposed to be there. That was absolutely not my scene in any way, shape, or form. 

Saturday, there were supposed to be a bunch of parties at all of the fraternities and sororities around campus as they looked for those wanting to pledge to this house or that house. I was very much not sorority material of any kind. So, I would also be avoiding that like the plague. 

I had started to peruse the job boards and look around for a possible part-time position to supplement my scholarship. I would need to purchase all of my toiletries, feminine products, and any other little things I would need in the dorm room. I also wanted to be able to indulge from time to time in a cup of coffee at the coffee house or stash some candy in my room or something. 

I was dodging my roommate as she was trying to drag me out to be involved with all of the social stuff happening. I had managed to stay out of the room long enough on Friday night to avoid her. Then Saturday morning she started talking to me about sorority parties she thought we should check out. I have told her that’s not my thing, but it’s like she just can’t understand how everyone wouldn’t be stoked to pledge to a sorority or go to their stupid parties. 

So, I thought I would go and check out the library today. I had heard it was open to the students now, so I was very interested in that. When I walked out the front door of my dorm, I stopped in my tracks. Standing, leaning against a nearby tree with flowers in his hand was none other than Cooper Landon. I blinked, looking around, thinking there was no way in hell he would be here to see me. 

“You have a very surprised look on your face there, Miss Jacobson.” I didn’t respond, still trying to get my brain to work with the idea that he was here to see me of all people. 

“What are you doing here?” I just had to clarify the absurdity of all of this. 

He laughed, “I am here to ask if you will be so kind as to have a cup of coffee with me.” I blinked and looked around me, half expecting someone with a camera to hop out and say, gotcha. 

He moved closer to me. “I assure you it is just me, and I am very serious about wanting to take you for a cup of coffee. I would like the chance to get to know you better, and that seemed like a relatively harmless way to do so.” 

He handed me the flowers and so, not wanting to be rude, I took them from him. I had to admit they were beautiful. I had never in my whole life gotten flowers from anyone for anything. Now, I had soft pink roses in my hand. I was glad it wasn’t a large bouquet, but only like six flowers. 

Finally, being at a total loss as to what exactly to do with this completely foreign situation, I just whispered, “Yes.” 

His smile was breathtaking. “Thank you, Miss Jacobson. Now we can go back to the coffee shop here on campus where we met, or I can take you to another coffee shop that I go to normally.” 

“Honestly, I have no clue what to do here. I have never been to coffee with anyone in my life.” He nodded. 

“Fair enough. How about you let me take you where I normally go, and I know the people. Not to mention the coffee is top tier.” I nodded, and he started walking, me following behind him. 

When he stopped at a rather expensive-looking car, I hesitated and looked back at him. Today he wasn’t wearing a suit, so he was more casual. Still, I’d have to be blind to not notice that he was probably still wearing name brands I had never heard of or would ever be able to afford. 

He opened the door for me, so I got in and buckled my seatbelt. He walked around and got behind the wheel, buckling his own seatbelt. The car purred to life, having that sleek, soft rumble that only came from a very expensive car. Then we were off. 

I watched and noted street signs and things. I realized that, should I wish to leave, I’d need to be aware of my surroundings. Granted, I had GPS on my phone, and no doubt as this town was quite large it had a public transportation system. The campus would be a major hub for buses and the like. So, I had confidence I could handle getting back should I need to. 

“I swear I am not kidnapping you or anything. I know we are just getting to know one another, but I will deliver you back to campus safe and sound.” I nodded, although I didn’t comment. 

We reached a very nice-looking establishment for a mere coffee shop. I looked down at my blue jeans, T-shirt, and tennis shoes, and thought I would very much be out of place here. Even though Cooper was dressed in jeans and a polo shirt, it still screamed money to me, so I didn’t measure myself against him. 

Once we were parked and the car stopped, he turned and looked at me. “Shall we go and have a cup of coffee, Harley?” 

“I’m not sure I am dressed for a place like this. Is this a coffee shop? It looks a bit fancy to just be a coffee shop.” He smiled his dazzling smile, and my heart fluttered.

“You are beautiful, and you are with me. If I think you are dressed appropriately to be seen with me, then no one will think about it. Yes, it is a coffee shop, I swear. You’ll see when we get in there.” With that, he got out and came around to open my door. 

I accepted his hand to get out of the vehicle, and then took a deep breath. I held onto my purse more to cling desperately to than thinking anyone would dare grab it. Then I followed Cooper into the 'coffee shop’. I was wondering if this was a massive mistake.