They run into Sable on the way out of a lecture

The day continued much in its usual fashion, although Laura couldn’t help herself but think back to the chocolate that Sable had given her. It’s taste, it’s texture. It really was super nice. She’d have to ask where he got it from.

But then, she mused sadly, it was probably some super expensive foreign import only meant for the uber-rich. But that wasn’t all bad. Maybe if they ran into each other again, she could buy her way into some more…

A moment of clarity lapsed refreshingly over her and she smiled, feeling foolish. What was she thinking? She couldn’t try and get in good with a rich kid for chocolate. What kind of priorities were they?

The day proceeded as normal, that is except for one other belligerent, badgering addition.

‘You’re telling me you didn’t get his number!’ exclaimed Michelle in disbelief. ‘Girl, what the hell is wrong with you!? Don’t you see when you’re in with a good thing?’

‘Well, you said he’s identifiable in a crowd.’

‘That’s not the point!’

The two were walking out of their most recent lecture and were chatting animatedly, discussing Laura’s encounter.

‘I hear he’s rich,’ said Michelle. ‘I mean you can kind of just tell.’

‘Really?’

‘It’s the way he carries himself. He’s used to getting what he wants. And the stuff he wears is just dreamy. He’s either got a really good sense of fashion or his stylist does. Either way, you screwed up.’

‘Michelle!’

‘Just saying. Could have been yours.’

‘We just… well… the conversation didn’t turn out that way. I think you’ve just got the wrong idea. I don’t think he even knows-’

They turned the corner. The pair of them froze.

‘Oh my god,’ said Michelle.

Laura blinked.

‘He’s right there,’ said Michelle, slowly.

Laura nodded, also slowly.

Indeed he was, standing nonchalantly only a few feet away on the walkway, absent-mindedly staring at his phone. They had just been coming out of the lecture building and out into the main square, and there he was, in and amongst a crowd of brightly coloured students. It was like a raven in a circus.

‘I can see that,’ said Laura. She was blushing.

‘You should go talk to him.’

‘I should?’

‘Yeah, come on, get a wiggle on it. Work your magic.’

Michelle pushed Laura forward.

‘But-’

‘No buts, except yours in front of his face.’

‘Michelle!’

‘Or the other way round. I’m sure he’s open-minded.’

Laura had to take the next couple of steps on her own. She approached nervously and opened her mouth to talk.

‘Hi-’ was as far as she managed before her speech functionality short-circuited.

Sable looked up. When he saw it was her, he grinned.

‘Laura,’ he said in that honeyed voice of his, ‘how nice to see you. Sorry, I had to dash off like that. You know how it is here.’

Laura found herself to be grinning stupidly again. She was also trying to correct her hair as she spoke.

‘Oh, no, it’s fine, I understand. I just saw you as my friend and I were passing and-’

Something barrelled into her at speed and she was hefted to the side.

‘Hi,’ went Michelle, ‘I’m Michelle.’

She giggled at him and fluttered her eyes. Laura had to stop hers from rolling.

Sable adjusted to the interruption with admirable aplomb.

‘Why, hello,’ he said. ‘I’m Sable.’

‘I know,’ said Michelle a tad too hastily. ‘I mean, I already know. I’ve heard your name about campus.’

There was a pause as Sable seemed to digest this new information.

‘All good things I hope,’ he chuckled.

The girls chuckled too.

‘Are you this friend of Laura’s then?’

Michelle punched Laura in the arm.

‘You didn’t mention you were talking about me.’

‘Only just now,’ said Laura quietly.

Michelle leaned in close and whispered into her ear: ‘I’m doing you a favour, follow my lead.’

Laura didn’t react, but her eyes were a picture of dread.

‘Well, yes I am,’ said Michelle, holding Laura close by the arm. ‘And me and her were just talking earlier about you.’

‘Oh yes?’

‘And we were hoping to see if you were free some night? Laura would absolutely lo-’

‘Michelle,’ hissed Laura, jabbing her in the side.

‘Oh I see,’ said Sable, his gaze still on Laura. They were masked by his glasses, but Laura could feel his eyes crawling over her. She didn’t entirely dislike the sensation. ‘Well, how about tonight?’

‘Oh, er,’ Laura stuttered; this was all a bit much for her, and all going too fast. ‘I don’t know. I-’

‘Perfect!’ said Michelle. ‘Go with me here,’ she whispered when she caught Laura’s eye.

‘Splendid. I’ll see you tonight, at my house at 7. I’ll treat you to dinner. Give me your number and I’ll send you the details.’

‘Ah, well-’

‘Here you are,’ said Michelle, bringing up her phone.

‘Marvellous. I have to go now and tend to some business - busy schedule and all - but I’ll see you at 7.’ He grinned and looked her up and down. ‘Wear something nice.’

And with that, he was off.

‘Michelle!’ hissed Laura. ‘You know I have coursework to do.’

‘Coursework schmoursework, we’ve got a date to get ready for.’

And with that, Michelle grabbed Laura by the hand and began to lead her away.

‘Where are we going?’

She looked back and flashed Laura a smile. ‘To get you something nice.’

A sudden craving took Laura.

‘Ok,’ she said uncertainly, ‘but can we get some chocolate whilst we’re at it?’