Chapter 1

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The first impression I had of James Cromwell was 'self-centered.".

"But you don't understand El; he is the perfect man," the blonde girl in the seat next to me cried.

Not again, oh my god. "How many times do I have to repeat myself?"

"No one is perfect for everyone. Yeah, yeah, but have you seen him in his compression shirt at the gym? Omg, I would climb that man like a-"

"VI!" I surprised myself and the professor, who was innocently trying to teach. "Sorry, sir," I say as I shoot a glare at my best friend of eight years. "If you don't shut up and let me take notes, I'll tell Daniel that his sweetheart is contemplating infidelity."

Wide-eyed, she leans in and grasps my arm. "Fantasy is different from reality El! James Cromwell has everything! Height! Money! Looks!" I snatch the phone she is drooling on; her Instagram is open to a photo of a man at the gym.

Damn, maybe someone is perfect. He looks about twenty-three, has a strong build with height to back it up, and though the photo looks like it was taken unknowingly by a stalker from across the room, even I couldn't deny how gorgeous he was with his slightly tanned skin and beautiful auburn curls just hiding the back of his neck. My true thoughts slip into "as hot as he is, who takes such a stalkerish photo and posts it?"

"He is famous, so I'm sure he is used to it." she retorts, Famous or not, I snap back into reality at the chilling thought and open her messages to the number saved as baby. Let's see how Daniel feels about her so-called fantasies. "No," she cries, reaching for her phone, "don't be mean!" I can never stay mad at those stupid puppy eyes of hers. I throw her phone back into her hands and once again pick up my pen.

"You know I'm only joking. Now, please, if you fail this class, we can't take next semester together." Though she grumbles to herself, she starts diligently writing down the notes on the board.

After what felt like hours of note-taking, I had finished all my classes and could finally head home. Jesus Christ, I was starving. I could feel my stomach crying out as Vivian yelled, "Fuck, I'm starving! What's for lunch?"

"I think the cafeteria has curry today."

she sighs. "Oh god, not again... ah! I'll text Daniel! How about sushi?"

"Sorry, Vi, you're really cute, but being a third wheel is a lonely existence." I fake cry till she becomes flustered.

"What? You are never a third wheel! If anything, he is! We've known each other longer! You are my wife." I shove her as she leans in for a kiss. no matter how long she has known me it still works till this day.

"So not only am I a third wheel, but... I'm the other woman?" as she realises im teasing, she laughs at my idiotic attempt.

"No baby, please~." She joins, "We can't divorce. Think of the children." We both burst out laughing.

"Sorry, Vi, I've got work."

She turns back towards me with a worried look and asks, "Did you pick up another shift?",

"Yeah, you know I want to move out of the dorms."

"Aww, come on, they aren't that bad; you even have a whole dorm to yourself at the moment."

"Ever since my so-called best friend moved out to tie the knot, I've been terrified of what random they are going to stick me with."

"Who knows, maybe they will be a new friend! As long as they aren't closer than me, I don't mind some infidelity."

"Ha ha, very funny, but you know they are co-ed dorms; what if they stick me with some creepy dude and my only choice will be to move into a shithole because I haven't saved enough?" She looks at me with a pitiful look. "Don't look at me like that, Vi; it's just a few extra shifts; I'm not overworking myself; I promise," I reach out and take her hands, "the more shifts, the less time I have to spend there."

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