Spicy Lunch

The girls waited for Miles at the lounge of the dorm hall as laughter and footsteps echoed from the nearby dorms, mixing with the hum of traffic from the street beyond. Claire glanced around, noting the bustle of students moving between classes, some carrying heavy textbooks, others chatting and laughing without a care. When Miles finally joined them, Nadia tilted her head and exclaimed:

“Finally, what took you so long?”

“You called me at the last second!” Miles defended himself, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.

“Don’t worry, she’s just being Nadia,” Claire said, shaking her head with a small smile.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Nadia asked, raising an eyebrow, but Claire ignored her as she headed for the exit, the rest of the trio following suit. The sunlight spilled across the walkway, warm against their skin, a welcome change from the cool dorm interior.

The walk to the Mexican place wasn’t too long; it was conveniently right outside of campus, tucked between the student union and the library.

“So, how is Blake?” Miles asked, frowning slightly. He always cared about his best friend’s younger brother, he kind of saw him as the little brother he never had.

“He was a mess,” Claire answered. “At least I cheered him up, and he has a strong support system,” she added.

“Let’s hope he wins this week’s game,” Miles said, shifting his weight as he walked.

“No,” Nadia said with a grin, “let’s hope he destroys the rival team.” The trio chuckled together at her dramatic phrasing.

“It’s not going to be easy; the rival team is one of the favorites to win, but I believe in Blakey,” Claire said, glancing up at the campus skyline. “I just wish you were there to encourage him,” she told Miles, a faint note of longing in her voice.

“Oh, me too,” he replied, nodding. “I can’t wait for homecoming,” he echoed the trio’s thoughts, a wistful smile tugging at his lips.

With all the conversation, they made it to the Mexican place in no time. A small crowd had already gathered around the food truck, students leaning against nearby railings and chatting loudly.

It was a popular spot, positioned near campus where students flocked after classes, the clatter of taco shells and sizzling meat filling the air. Laughter and shouted orders punctuated the hum of the line, blending with the aroma of grilled carne asada and fresh cilantro that hit them as they stepped closer, making their mouths water.

“Why is there such a long line?” Claire complained, waving her hand toward the mass of students ahead of them.

“What do you guys want?” Nadia asked, preparing herself to go order as if the line in front of her didn’t exist.

“Oh, you’re not doing this again,” Claire said, shaking her head. “Not this time.”

But Miles held up a hand, stopping her. “Let her do it; it benefits us.”

“Ok,” Claire said, sighing. “I want a grilled veggie taco.”

“And get me a carne asada one, with hot sauce” Miles added, not bothering to look at the menu as he knew it by heart.

“Mmm, great choice, Miles. You have good taste, I’ll have the same,” Nadia said with a wink, sashaying away. Her confident stride drew more than a few glances, making Miles and Claire roll their eyes.

“She’s unfixable,” Claire muttered under her breath.

“Better live with it,” Miles replied, shaking his head as they watched Nadia approach a young freshman, clearly flustered by her charm.

“Hey,” Nadia said to the guy, leaning forward slightly to accentuate her tits. “Mind if I cut in line? I’m exhausted after class and really need some food.”

The guy nodded, distracted by the mouth-watering cleavage on display. Nadia smirked, giving a casual wink as she slid ahead, _accidentally _brushing his groin with her ass.

Claire and Miles exchanged a look, both shaking their heads with quiet amusement.

“Poor guy,” Claire said, trying not to laugh.

“Can you blame him?” Miles replied, a grin spreading across his face.

“No, but I can blame Nadia,” Claire said, making them both burst out laughing.

Eventually, Nadia returned, balancing three tacos in one hand and a quesadilla in the other, the food steaming and smelling irresistible.

“What quesadilla did you get?” Miles asked, eyes lighting up.

“It’s a buffalo chicken quesadilla,” Nadia said. “They’re delicious.”

“I know,” Miles replied, reaching for a slice eagerly.

“Hey! It’s mine!” Nadia protested, swatting his hand.

Claire laughed, breaking off a piece for herself. “Sharing is caring.” She chewed thoughtfully. “Mmm, this is great,” she added, savoring the flavors.

“Ok, let’s get to business,” Nadia said after swallowing a bite of her taco. “You won’t believe the crazy stunt Tessa pulled last night.” Without waiting for an answer, she added, “She went skinny-dipping in the river.”

“Wait, seriously?” Claire asked, eyebrows shooting up.

“Yes! And apparently, Tessa dared a few people to join… or at least dared them to watch,” Nadia said with a mischievous wink.

Claire rolled her eyes, though a smirk tugged at her lips. “You’re telling me you weren’t there to try and do that?”

“Oh, I was there!” Nadia said with a sly grin. “But I wasn’t skinny-dipping — I’m not a slut like Tessa. I stayed in my bikini. Mom always said, hide some of the goods; it drives men crazy. Isn’t that right, Miles?”

“That… you’re right,” he said, shaking his head with a small grin.

As they left the taquería, the warm afternoon sun painting the street gold, Nadia leaned close. “And wait until you see what Tessa and I have planned for next week… I promise, it’s going to make last night look tame.”

Claire raised an eyebrow, curiosity and a touch of apprehension mixing on her face. “I have a feeling I’m going to regret asking… you two teaming up is never a good sign.”