~ C H A P T E R 4 ~
Eva was grateful for two things today, first; the fact that the rain had subsided, it was pleasant out she would call it 'sweater weather', and second; that she had only 4 classes.
Yay! She could go home for lunch and maybe get some sleep, since she was up all night.
All she did was dream about the boy or should she say man that came into the library yesterday night.
She was surprised that on a party night someone came into the library.
Eva was trying to do some work in the library along with running the software for database cleansing, when a low but soothingly husky voice called out to her.
She was mortified by her reaction, but never in her wildest dreams did she expect to see such a sight.
He was tall, extremely tall maybe 6'2 with mouth-watering muscles hidden in his dark hoodie.
His broad shoulders, large chest and thick arms made her weak.
Eva has seen some good-looking guys in high school and on campus, but he was an Adonis and downright sexy.
Eva was mesmerized by his dark blue eyes, heavenly deep like the ocean and alluring.
His raven black hair was messy like he had been running his fingers through it, or maybe his hair was naturally messy.
All-in-all he was breath-taking, she was stunned and wanted nothing more than feel those arms around her. The thought made her alarmed.
Reed Taylor was the name of that heavenly man, or should she say hell-ishly sexy man.
His voice was soft but deep that all she wanted was for him, to lull her to sleep, her thoughts made her blush.
She has never felt this way about any guy before, but Reed Taylor made her think naughty thoughts, her mother would be disappointed or probably not since Eva never really looked towards guys.
She had no idea how to act normal or even socialize like a person in-front of him, and to make it worse he saw her melt-down about her fingers and typing skills.
She could never forget his deep chuckle and that smirk, oh god that smirk, it made her swoon and slightly light-headed.
She could still feel the sensation of their fingers and palms touching, it made her insides warm and her heart flutter.
Eva was dumbstruck that was for sure. But she convinced herself, a man like him would never be with a girl like her – awkward and shy. Sigh
During her lectures she couldn't stop thinking of those deep blue eyes or of his cute grin, she was losing it, maybe on the brink of sanity. Her usual composed self was anything but that today, and Anand seemed to notice.
"Squirrel? Eva? Evangeline?" Anand kept calling her, waving his hand in-front of her face. He eventually flicked her forehead to get her attention, and that did it.
"Oow!" she blinked and rubbed her forehead with a pout. "That hurt Anand, couldn't you call me like a civilized human being?" she asked him with one raised eyebrow.
"Excuse me woman! What do you think I have been doing for the past 10 minutes!
Class has been dismissed, and you are sitting and staring into space.
" Anand scoffs and throws his hands in the air.
All Eva did in response was blush and murmur a small sorry.
Anand held her chin and brought her face up to his sight.
"What is on your mind squirrel? Or should I say who is on you mind? Hmm?" Anand slyly asked.
Eva's already big eyes, became the size of saucers "Pfftt what!
No no, I was umm thinking about why there are only 60 seconds in a minute, and 60 minutes in an hour but why aren't there 60 hours in a day!
Yeah!" She scrambled out her seat and almost dashed towards the front gates, but Anand was hot on trail being taller than her it only took him 3 large strides to reach her. He pulled her by her bag to stop her.
"Stop right there lil' girl, let's get something straight you suck at lying.
" He started cracking up "your ears twitch and your voice goes all squeaky.
Now I'll drop it for the time being, BUT sooner or later I will find out, if I have to squeeze it out of you, quite literally.
" He gave her a wolfish grin making Eva's heart beat pick up and hide behind her bag.
"Now go home safe, text me once you reach.
" Anand dropped a kiss on her head, making Eva give him a huge smile.
"Okay Shaggy, tell Alia I'll text her! Be safe!
" Eva waved and started her walk back to her residence.
Shaggy was the nick-name she came up with for Anand, since his hair was always in his eyes.
She thought it suited him and giggled when she came up with it.
Eva and Anand became quite close, he saw her as another little sister, and she saw him as a brother.
She was relieved that he dropped the topic, she really needed to snap out of it.
She hasn't seen Sandra and Parker since yesterday morning, she knew Parker came home because she sent a text.
But Sandra the resident party girl probably stayed the night.
Eva was never one to judge, she has known Sandra since they were in diapers, and they are polar opposites!
Sandra never forced Eva into doing something she didn't like, for which Eva was always grateful.
Parker was the equator of the two, she wasn't a home body like Eva but neither a party animal like Sandra.
Parker moved from Ireland when she was in her late teens, staying alone for a long time made her into the responsible adult she is today.
Eva and Sandra met Parker during orientation and they hit it off, now two years later they have stuck together like honey.
Dropping her keys in the pug shaped bowl near the door, Eva took off her boots and made her way into her room.
She took a quick warm bath and changed into comfy clothes – an oversized t-shirt which belonged to her brother that she sneakily stole and some Nike sports shorts.
Putting her long hair into a messy bun, she made her way into the kitchen.
She didn't really feel like cooking for herself at the moment, so leftovers it is.
The only sounds in the house were of the microwave and the over-head fan that was running, she suddenly was feeling homesick, being the baby of the house, she decided she would do a video call tonight with her whole family.
Speaking of the phone, it suddenly rang making Eva flinch and almost hit her head against the countertop.
That would have a nasty fall! Why was her ringtone so loud?
It was a conference call from Sandra and Parker.
"Hi Bubbles! Are you home?" Sandra's excited voice came through even before Eva could say hi.
"Hi Sand! I'm home, when are you both coming home?" Eva replied sweetly while eating her fried rice.
"Bubbles, I'll be home in another hour, but I think Sand will be coming after me.
How was your day sweetie? Did you get home really late yesterday from the library?
" Parker's voice resonated through the phone; she was the mother hen of the house.
And she knew Eva would over-work herself if not reminded to take care of herself.
"Oh, my day was nice Parks! I didn't have much to do today.
I came home pretty early last night. Oh, oh you have to tell me!
How was the party?" Eva was genuinely exited to hear the stories they had to offer.
"But have you both eaten? I can make something and keep it!
" Eva loved to cook, luckily the other 2 girls were miserable in the kitchen.
"Bubbles!! I have so much to tell you! It was amazing, the party I mean! And don't worry cutie we've eaten. I actually wanted to ask you for a favor!" Sandra sounded a bit apprehensive.
"Is everything okay Sand?" Eva was worried now, Sandra never really asked for favors.
"She's fine sweetie, she is just worried if you are too tired." Parker comforted her through the phone.
"Bubbles, would it be possible for you to make 4 portions of dinner tonight?
I actually have a project partner coming home.
We've been given a project, and I was paired with a girl, her name is Cassie.
She's super sweet and I just thought maybe you could woo her with your mouth-watering cooking.
But it's okay if you can't really, we can, ord- "Eva cut her blabbering.
"Sand you scared me, I thought something happened! I'd love to! You know I love cooking you dufus, the more the merrier!" Eva started thinking what to make. It seemed like this Cassie was important to Sandra, so she'd make her feel welcomed.
"Told you Sand, our lil' Eva would never say no. Plus I'll help you Sweetie. I don't want you doing it alone." Parker replied.
"Thank you thank you thank you Bubbles!! I'll buy you all the chocolate frosted donuts you want!" Sandra giggled knowing those were Eva's weakness.
"I'll hold you to that Sand! Hehe, see you girls!" The girls cut the call.
Eva walked up to the fridge; she started making a mental note of what produce was in it and what was needed towards the week, it's been a while since they had a Mexican night.
So, that's what she went with, a Mexican feast!
There was enough time for Eva to whip up a three-course meal, she wanted to start with dessert since she would be making – creamy Caramel Flan and that requires some time to set in the fridge.
She connected the Bluetooth speakers her sister got her as a Christmas gift last year to her phone, Eva loved to cook with some Jazz or Blues type of music.
But she felt festive today in the spirit of Mexico, and played some traditional music.
Her body would move effortlessly in the kitchen, it even seemed like a dance to others the way she moved in the kitchen.
In a heavy saucepan, she added 3/4th cup of sugar and 1/4th cup of water over medium-low heat, until it melted to a golden color for about 15 minutes.
She occasionally swipes the pan with a flick of her dainty wrists so that the sugar doesn't solidify.
Once that was done, she quickly poured the golden sugar syrup into ungreased ramekin to coat the bottom.
In the mean-time she preheated the oven to 350 degrees.
She started to beat the cream cheese until it was smooth when she heard the main door being opened, and in walked Parker.
"Hey sweetie! Oh you started cooking already!" Parker was removing her wedged sandals by the door and walked over to Eva to giver her a bear hug.
"Hi Parker! I thought since I had the time and it's been a while since we all had a Mexican night; I'd go for it. What do you say?" She asked while beating in the eggs into the cream cheese mixture.
Parker had a huge smile on her face while looking at Eva, "I think that's perfect for tonight, and you know how much we love your Pico de Gallo" she says almost moaning. "Okay let me go freshen up and I'll help you".
Eva completed the mixture and poured it over the set caramelized sugar, she placed the baking dish into a larger pan which had boiling water already present.
Next was the main dish, Chicken stuffed Cubanelle Peppers, one of Sandra's favorites, so it seemed fitting.
She quickly got to work cutting the peppers, cleaning them and making the stuffing.
The stuffing comprised of shredded chicken, Salsa which was homemade, cooked long grain rice and pasta sauce.
"I'm here, what should I help you with bubbles?" Parker had changed into a pair of baggy sweatpants and a tank top.
"Could you please cut the tomatoes, onions and Cilantro for the Pico de Gallo" Eva replied while assembling the main dish and putting it into the oven.
Looking up towards the clock she realized how fast the time went.
"Oh, tell me how was the party?" Eva knew for sure something hilarious would have happened.
Sandra had a sly grin, and amusement in her eyes while chopping the vegetables, "You won't believe what happened!
So, I met up with Sands and we decided we'd stick together cause you know she gets a bit too crazy, but that bitch ditched me as usual.
" Parker chuckles and shakes her head remembering the night "I spent probably 45 minutes looking for her everywhere bubbles - which I think was useless, but anyways, only to find her dry humping a guy in the middle of the staircase partially naked!
She had no top and no bra! The guy was shirtless too! " Parker toppled over in laughter.
"No way! Seriously?" Eva cracked up and slightly shuddered thinking about it. "And then? What happened?" Making sure the main dish was put into the oven, Eva made her way to the dinning table to clean it up.
Parker had an evil grin, "being the angel that I am, I recorded it for future blackmailing purposes! Plus, I figured that things would become way too much to watch for my innocent eyes, so I ran out of there as soon as I could."
Eva could not stop laughing, it was a weird thing these two had, taking embarrassing videos as blackmail.
"I am so going to ask Sands once she comes home!
" Eva said squealing. They got into a smooth groove in the kitchen, with Eva telling Parker what she needed help with which wasn't much.
With the main dish in the oven and the starter almost completed Parker and Eva were dancing in their cute kitchen.
Eva may not be loud and a party-goer but with the right company she would laugh and have her fun.
"You guys are dancing without me?" Came a sad pouty voice near their door. Sandra being the epitome of beauty in a beautiful light baby blue dress and next to her was a tall beautiful girl, well everyone is tall for Eva.
"Hey come in, come in. I'm Parker this bitch's roommate" Parker says towards the other girl while nudging Sandra. "And this cutie is Evangaline."
"Please call me Eva" Eva said with her soft smooth voice.
Cassie usually is very loud and stands her own, but that's how she is on the outside, that's how she's always been on the outside. On the inside she's shy and nervous. Sensing this Sandra moved them all towards the kitchen island.
Sandra heled set the island with bowls while making eye contact with the girls. "And this is my project partner Cassie, we've been partnered together for a Fashion design magazine. She's mad skilled with a camera, she can make a pebble on the sidewalk look aesthetic, she's that good"
"It's so nice to meet you all. I'm sorry for coming in so unannounced." Cassie said while wringing her fingers. Her shoulder length blonde hair with brown highlights, light blue eyes, and tall model like height made Eva wonder why she was so nervous with 3 girls who seemed out of her league.
"Oh gosh no! We are so happy you could come over.
Honestly, dinner is the time where we wind down and just enjoy Eva's fucking fantastic cooking.
Honey you're not bothering us at all" The conviction in Parker's eyes made Cassie relax.
Eva never liked being the center of attention, and now with these 3 girls looking at her it made her slightly conscious.
"I hope you like Mexican? It's what came to mind at the moment, but if you would like anything else I can make it ready?" Eva's nerves suddenly skyrocketed thinking maybe she should have asked Sandra what Cassie liked. Sandra noticing her nerves rubbed her back in circles.
Cassie started bouncing on her toes "Oh my gosh!
I love Mexican food. My boyfriend is from Mexico, so I can genuinely say I love it.
His mom babies him with all the home food, his appetite is insane like I swear his stomach is the black-hole" Cassie cracked up while talking.
She was also cooing over Eva's small but womanly frame, her doe eyes looking up at Cassie.
Eva released a breath she didn't know she was holding.
Little by little the four girls got comfortable with each other, and started munching on the food. Cassie was blown away by the food, and even questioned Eva if she was Mexican.
"I spent a lot of time with my mom and grandma in the kitchen while growing up, while kids my age would be go partying I would be home trying new recipes for my family. It sort of got engraved in me to cook. And I love it." Eva didn't realize she has three pairs of eyes on her.
"If Ryan, my boyfriend found out I had this bloody good food I can 10000% assure you he will hound you for your cooking. Him and his roommates are hopeless well except one." cassie said giggling.
At the mention of this said Ryan, it peaked Sandra's interest. "Wait hold the train, are you talking about Ryan Diaz? The one who is center of the UCLA Bruins?"
Parker snorted and rolled her eyes "She is only asking because she basically dry humped and almost has mind blowing sex on a staircase with his teammate!"
For the first time Eva's life she saw Sandra blush, this got a giggle out of Eva. Sandra has the confidence the size of the Eiffel Tower. But I guess this guy got her wound up.
Cassie choked on her drink and went all comical "Holy shit so you are the girl Caleb said he couldn't find after the campus police came to their place!
Dude! He is going crazy about you. And uh yeah" Cassie became a bit timid and shy while saying "Ryan and I have been dating since high school, we keep our relationship on the down-low but it's good. "
"Wait campus police almost showed up? You guys you can't be risking it like that!" Eva was terrifies that her best friends would get in trouble.
"OH bubbles! No no, we left before that. Well Parker ditched me." Sandra threw a piece of bread which Parker gladly threw back. Turning towards Cassie she said "I can't really imagine him looking for me, I mean he's on the Basketball team. And well I assumed he'd want a quickie and forget me".
"Well I mean some guys on the team are like that but not all. Caleb is super flirtatious and can be a pervert but he respects women. Ryan, Caleb Vinod, Felix and Reed are sweethearts. Really." Cassie said with conviction in her voice.
Eva was busy stuffing her face with the Flan when she heard the name Reed, she choked.
Her mind went straight to his turbulent ocean blue eyes and thick arms. He can not be the same reed she met.
Her Reed. Wait what! Her Reed? Since when!
Parker passed some water and looked at her in worry.
Eva didn't tell her roommates what transpired in the library but in all honesty it wasn't much.
Right? She could feel her face flaming up at the thoughts of Reed.
Ugh get a grip woman. The three girls spoke animatedly while Eva was in her own world, was Reed a basketball player?
I mean with his height and muscles he did seem fitting.
Oh god I made such a fool out of myself in front of him.
"Eva? Evaaa?" Parker and Sandra were nudging her. Out of a trance it felt like deja-vu.
"Huh? Sorry I got lost." Eva replied sheepishly.
"Cassie was asking us if we could join her for the next Bruins game!" Sandra was clapping and dancing in her seat.
Cassie could see the doubt in Eva's face and went soft. "I don't really have girl-friends who don't use me to get in with the team. And most of the time it's all for selfish reasons that they try to befriend me. But you three are the first people who felt so warm and honest. So please?"
Eva felt anger that people would use such a sweet girl like that.
She never understood why it meant so much for girls to be seen with sports players.
She never understood why it was such a big deal.
Eva wanted an honest love, a pure love and deep down she wanted a fairytale sort of love.
Reaching across the table she squeezed Cassie's hand, "I think our dinner dates may have turned from a table of 3 to a table of 4.
" She said with a big smile. Sandra & Parker put their hands on top making Cassie emotional, in the first time in a long long time Cassie felt like she had people to fall back on.