Devotion

eleven ﾒ capstone

ANGELICA

In order to graduate on time, I have to take Health Economics. Usually, I'd be excited for class because I'm one of the first people there, I can prepare for the head-wrecking material, and I quite literally have time to quickly have a study session.

But no, apparently everyone else wants to be an academic weapon too today. There's a full class when I walk inside Professor Jackman's room. "Damn it," I mutter under my breath, tugging my Coach tote up my shoulder.

There's only one seat available. And it's right next to him. My fucking day couldn't get any worse. Even Leilani is here, and she's always late to every meeting because she believes in being fashionably late.

While I can't argue with that statement, I'm beyond baffled by the amount of dedication made by every stupid fucking college student to take up every possible seat, giving me no other choice but to take in the strong fragrance of Dior Sauvage.

I'm not laughing. Professor Jackman begins the lecture, allowing the students to pull out their laptops to record notes.

My body shifts around the body as I move through the thin aisle of legs to achieve my choice of seat. Luca's letterman jacket, which was previously sprawled over the chair, is now on his lap. He's got his glasses on, pen and paper out, along with his laptop.

Even he's prepared. And he's known for being the school's man whore.

I set down my tote, rummaging through the miscellaneous items scattered everywhere inside the large space. I pull my MacBook up to my lap and rush to find a pen, paper, and some headphones. Once I grab the headphones, I feel my MacBook slowly slip down my thighs.

"Fuck," I mumble to myself as I'm in a tough predicament. Thank the gods, the fucker named Luca actually helps me.

His large, veiny hand palms my laptop to keep it from crashing. I sit up in my seat and organize my belongings before nodding in thanks.

But he doesn't move his freaking hand. "Move," I said. My hand wraps around his and moves it back to his lap. "Over there, not here." I point to my laptop.

During the slight, silent argument between Luca and me, Jackman's voice booms through the classroom. "Now, let's announce the capstone project for y'all."

My stomach immediately dropped at the sound. I knew it was coming, but not today! Any day but today. He continues to say, "Since you're seniors, this project is for graduating. It's also to prepare you for graduate school if you plan on doing so."

Charlotte Jackson raises her hand. She's an economics major. "So, what exactly is the capstone project about? Is it the majority of math? Independent? Collaborative work? Research-based?" She asks, genuinely curious.

"You're asking wonderful questions, Charlotte," Jackman says. His hands clap, and a smile forms on his lips. "This capstone is due at the beginning of the second semester, which gives you a good three months to plan, design, and create whatever it is you choose."

Rio Miller raises his hand. "We get to pick our project topics."

"Indeed, you do." Jackman nods and smiles.

On the other hand, I've been typing away on a blank document everything about this capstone project. But I need to know: is the work group-oriented or independent? My hand shoots up, and even from the back of the room, Jackman notices me easily.

"Groups or independent?" I ask. I am so curious. I hope it's independent. I'm not opposed to group work; I'm just saving myself the extra stress of forcing everyone to participate a little bit so they can pass the class.

"Groups." That word makes my shoulders slump.

Then, as if I felt a pair of eyes on me, I turned my head halfway to meet Luca's stupid blue eyes. A smirk lifts on his lips as he rests his head on his index and thumb. "What's so funny?"

He shakes his head and stares straightforwardly. Those piercing blue eyes are now gazing at Charlotte with tragic lust. Gosh, he can't possibly be horny in Health Economics. Already plotting his next victim to feast on.

How romantic. And they say romance is dead.

For the next ten minutes, Professor Jackman spends his sweet time curating the perfect duo of partners for the capstone project. When Charlotte got paired with Rio, not only was Rio psyched, but Luca's jaw was clenched.

I want to be nosy. "You like her, huh?" I ask.

"We mess around here and there," he says, his voice emotionless. And for some reason, his tone actually hurts me for once.

I nod, regretting asking him a dumb question. So, he has a thing for Charlotte? Great. I couldn't care less about how he liked it because it's not my business. Whoever he fucks, fools around with, or dates is a Luca problem, not Angelica's problem.

Then, the worst thing known to mankind happens. Jackman says, "Angelica De Santis and Luca Bertarelli."

It's like my heart stops. "Oh." I manage to say. Speechless isn't even the word for this moment. So not only do I have to watch Luca lust over Charlotte, I have to be his partner for the rest of the semester.

First, Sunday night dinners. Then, our dads became potential allies. Now, a fucking group project. What the literal fuck?

To avoid the awkwardness between him and me, I turn to him and look at his neatly written notes. "Mind if I borrow your notes?"

Luca stares at me intensely. "You couldn't get here faster to actually have enough time to write notes?" I roll my eyes, grabbing his paper without another word. I sit back, reading each note and locking it in my memory safe. "I'm going to take a picture so I can copy it later when I get home."

He doesn't argue since he's so distracted by the goddess amongst us. Someone we like to call Charlotte Jackson. Ultimate academic queen. Always gets the answers right. Never shows any sort of jealousy. Dated one of the best hockey players in the NHL. Allegedly messing with New York University's sweetheart, Luca Bertarelli.

I sigh. This is not good. Obsessing over a girl for no reason. I don't even like him. "Whatever," I accidentally say aloud, attracting Luca's attention again.

"What was that?"

"I was speaking to myself. My bad." I fish out my phone from the back pocket of my jeans, snapping a quick picture of the notes before giving them back to him. "Thanks." I waste no time packing up my belongings.

This lecture is short compared to the other ones. It's only an hour long, thank goodness.

Before I could beeline out of the damn classroom, there were only the two of us left. Luca and I. Luca pulls the hem of my jacket over to him, so my body angles in a weird position in front of him. "What?"

"Text me the first meeting, got it?"

I scoff. "Don't tell me what to do. I'll text you when I feel like it."