The Lovers Abroad

Chapter Three

As I try to fathom what is happening and how much of a coincidence this is, I hear him mumble something under his breath. Not quite catching what he said.

"Huh, what did you say?"

"I said it's funny running into you again. I didn't quite get your name last time, since I was rushed out of the room by the Border Customs Officer."

"I'm Victoria, nice to officially meet you..?"

"Same goes for you Victoria. I'm Ishir, but you can call me Ian."

"You could have mentioned you were attending this University as well, since you pointed out the hoodie," I told him jokingly. He laughs quietly at what I tell him and he's smiling at me again.

"Well, maybe it's because I was mesmerized by the beautiful girl in front of me at the time."

As I was about to respond, the professor walked into the class and began to discuss what we should expect for the term. Throughout the remainder of class, I try to not glance over at Ian because I can sense his strong presence. Maybe this is a sign that I should go for Ian and if I run into Theo again I could get to know him then. Okay, I got this. The lecture is finally over at 9:15 am and I have some free time before my next class starts. As I'm leaving the class, I feel a hand brush my arm and I look over and see it's Ian.

"Hey, I was wondering if maybe you would like to hang out sometime. I mean especially since we have the same class, maybe we can study together," Ian asks me surely.

"Yeah, sounds good. I was just about to grab some coffee before my next class if you'd like to join me. I mean only if you are free at the moment."

"Yeah, that's cool with me. My next class isn't until 10 at the North End Building anyways."

"Wait same. Is it with Professor Harris?"

"Yeah, I picked her class because there were a lot of good reviews about her, what about you."

We continue to discuss the classes we have this term and it turns out we have the same classes. It's a little nerve-racking to have him with me for every class, but I'm glad to have someone to study with. As the day continues, I feel more comfortable around his intimidating presence. However, I have this weird feeling about him, but maybe it's just me being paranoid from my past relationship. Ian offers to walk me back to my flat once our last class finishes. Turns out he lives in the building across from mine.

"So... there's a party happening at my place on Wednesday, you should come and your friends can come too," Ian tells me.

"I don't know, I'm not the biggest fan of parties," I tell him as we reach the outside of my building.

"Oh come on, it'll be fun! How about you come for a bit and see how it feels? If you don't like it then you are free to leave, promise."

"I guess, but just text me the details and I'll let you know what I think."

"Alright cool, see you around Victoria."

What a fucking day. I go straight to my bed when I enter my room and check my notifications. I received a text from my mom reminding me that I need to fly out to the Madrid restaurant after going to the London location during my Christmas break. Great. I am not prepared since the reason why I have to fly out is to check on our restaurant in the city, and I have a feeling they'll send me to Toronto since it's the other location I usually overlook. My two older sisters Andrea and Emma usually go to New York City and Mexico City with our parents since they are trusted enough to help overlook those locations. I mean, how could they possibly trust me to have such a big responsibility? It's not like they have taught me everything I know about the industry. I even held off going to university for 3 years so I can help them smooth things out at the locations I currently overlook. Of course, I'm just the youngest daughter who can't be taken seriously like my older sisters.