The kid who had done all the heavy lifting insisted on tagging along for a free meal.
Could they really say no?
It was easy enough for Dexter to crash their dinner.
Claire was treating, and paying for one more person was perfectly fine with her.
Besides, the buffet was only about thirty dollars per head, which was truly inexpensive for them.
The group agreed to meet at the mall entrance.
They were to arrive promptly at five-thirty.
After all, getting to a buffet early meant securing a good table, fresh food, and avoiding the crowds.
Claire finished getting ready and headed out right at five.
Her stomach was completely empty.
She simply grabbed a pack of Sweet Caramel Rolls from the trunk of her car to eat.
They were originally meant as Cabinda souvenirs for everyone, but for now, she needed a couple to tide her over.
Once she reached the mall and parked her car, the first person she spotted was Sophia.
Then she saw Grant Miller.
The two of them had actually arrived early.
However, their dynamic seemed a bit odd.
Grant looked like he was acting as Sophia's loyal lackey.
She didn't overthink it and called out to Sophia, causing them both to turn around.
"Claire!" Sophia rushed over and pulled her into a tight hug.
"I haven't seen you all semester, and you've gotten even prettier!"
Ugh, when would she ever get a little prettier herself?
"You look gorgeous too, and your complexion is absolutely radiant."
Even though Sophia had also enrolled in a university in Cabinda, she and Claire genuinely hadn't seen each other all semester.
They had both been incredibly busy.
Sophia had tried to make plans a few times, but Claire was always tied up with patients and medical consultations.
Left with no choice, Claire had to turn her down.
Sophia completely understood.
They could always just hang out during the holidays.
Plus, having just arrived in Cabinda, she found everything new and exciting.
Even without Claire, she had roommates and classmates to explore the city with.
She was never short on entertainment.
In fact,
Cabin and Grant, neither of
whom had spent much time in
ol
Cabinda, had made plans to explore everywhere together
During the fall break, the two of them had even gone on a road trip.
Their relationship had rapidly heated up.
"Is it really glowing?"
"I was worried the harsh northern winds would ruin my skin." Sophia touched her cheeks, pleasantly surprised.
"You've been using the skincare products I gave you, right?"
Claire had made a few extra sets of her custom skincare line earlier.
She had given one to Shirley and another to Sophia.
"I have, I use them religiously every day."
"Come to think of it, my skin barely suffered during freshman boot camp."
"Do you think it's really because of the products Claire gave me?"
Grant was quick to chime in smoothly. "It definitely is. Isn't Claire a doctor?"
"During the academic competition, I saw her save someone's life abroad."
Claire didn't deny it. "The skincare helps a little, but it's mostly because you have a great foundation."
"Plus, you used to be such a tomboy, never caring about the summer sun."
"Now
pl you're in college, you
probably spend less time outdoors,
so your complexion has naturally brightened up."
The fact that she hadn't suffered sun damage during boot camp was absolutely tied
to the skincare products.
But after that, it was a mix of both.
"That makes sense, but your products are still amazing." Sophia showered Claire with compliments.
The three of them chatted enthusiastically about college life.
Shirley and Dexter arrived a bit late.
Well, not exactly late; they walked in right on the dot.
Shirley was impeccably dressed, as always.
Dexter, on the other hand, was casually dressed in a black puffer jacket.
He was just tagging along with his
sister and cousin for a free
he wash
the main char
anyway.
FindNovel.net
bet
"Shirley, did you get a boyfriend?" Sophia asked, noticing the guy behind her.
She actually knew Shirley's brother was coming.
However, Dexter was so tall and broad that he easily looked the part of a boyfriend.