Prodigal Thorn

Chapter 3

To say seeing Nate wasn't a mind fuck is an understatement. I was currently insta stalking my Senior commander, and well Nate's always had a thing for cinema photography. His page was filled of black and white selfies with a bit of arrogance I didn't remember him exhibiting. There were pics of him with the guys and that piqued my interest to stalk them as well.

I must have fallen asleep before my phone was pinging with notifications of texts and.. dms. I checked my texts from Adrian.

Adrian mwah: so like don't get mad, but Dad ttly said no to visiting Penn State :(
Me: it's okay I've barely been here and already swamped
Adrian mwah: damn I rlly wanted 2 c u ;)
Me: I bet perv lmao. I thought we said strictly frendz
Adrian mwah: well yeah but c'mon I miss that meow
Me: gn perv :)

There was a time I might've sent him a little something to get him through the night, but being home just made me realize we wouldn't work anyway. I sat up as a follow request from Xan popped up as well as DMs from him.

KingXanR: Way 2 tell me ur back Lex.

I sigh, flopping back into the bed. Yep, maybe I should've reached out to Xander before ambushing a meeting, but nope I have to make things harder on my self. I decided to bite the bullet and reply:

LexiiLex: Hey Xan....
KingXanR: That's all I get? Nice Lex.
LexiiLex: Dude I've barely been home. Also ambushed by the old dicks and ur brother.
KingXanR: what did u expect? Not why I'm mad Lex.
LexiiLex: How about we meet up and I'll explain.
KingXanR: Maybe. I've got an art show. Come to the Pavilion at 7.
LexiiLex: So long as there's food lol

After scrolling through social media, I eventually fell asleep, which was much needed with the jet lag. I woke up sometime after nine as mom wandered into the room, "Good morning. The movers will be at house in an hour. I figured we could get breakfast, if you're up for it?" Her brown eyes filled with concern. I yawned, hopping out of bed and grabbing my toiletries bag, "Oh can we go to that bagel place?" I was never a big breakfast person, but Poppy's had the best bagels this side of New England.

"Sure, I could use a chai latte," she hums, brushing her hair as I walk into the bathroom. I take the time to wash and condition my hair while brushing my teeth. Fully dressed in a black cropped muscle shirt with a bralette underneath, high waisted shorts and my favorite black vans, I did a basic make up look and put my damp hair into two braids.

Checking out of the hotel is madness, because everyone who's anyone staying for the festival is trying to book rooms day of. "Honestly, people never learn," Mom tsks as we drove off in my 'stang. The drive to Poppy's is longer than expected due to the streets being flooded with tourists and locals enjoying the Rosewood Arts festival. I managed to find a spot a short walk from Poppy's, my stomach already excited to enjoy a bacon, egg and cheese bagel sandwich.

"Well looks like we won't be getting a table" Mom huffs crossing her arms. I scanned the room and instantly noticed the looks and whispers from the natives, but my green eyes connected on a set of brown eyes and the face they belonged to a frowning Luca Rossi. Time has definitely been kind to Luca. His features are now chiseled, almost as much as Nate, but Luca with his Italian roots and tanned skin, his dark brown hair, shorter in the back and sides brushed back, he still has that boyish charm to him. He doesn't break eye contact with me, but remains engaged in conversation with his companions. By the looks of them I'd say they were Shrubs.

"Tell you what, why don't we just order to go?" Mom suggests, bumping my shoulder. That pulls my attention from Luca and I smile, "okay, but I want avocado toast and a iced soy macchiato with my breakfast bagel" I glanced back over at Luca's table and he's now full on glaring at me, death grip on his phone. I lift a brow, a challenge of sorts as my mom went to place our orders. My phone suddenly chimes and I considered going outside, the shop getting more crowded. As if my morning wasn't already unpleasant as I passed Luca's table, I was suddenly getting aquatinted with the floor.