Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
Xander’s eyebrows shot up. “That cheap? Are you planning to half-ass this?”
Cameron was speechless. ‘Is it cheap? Probably not, she thought. “Enough talking,” she said, tapping the computer screen with her finger. “Look here.”
“Okay.” Xander obediently sat up straight, eyes fixed on the screen.
Cameron’s voice had this neutral quality that was actually super pleasant to listen to.
Spanish class with their regular teacher made Xander want to pass out from boredom, but somehow when Cameron explained things, Spanish actually sounded cool.
Plus, Xander could actually understand what she was saying. It was weird. He suddenly felt interested in actually learning this stuff.
When Gwen came up to call them for lunch, Cameron had just finished going through a practice test.
“Let’s continue after lunch,” Xander said, clearly not wanting to stop.
Cameron nodded. “Sure.”
Gwen couldn’t believe her eyes. ‘Since when did Xander have such enthusiasm for studying?’ she thought, barely containing her joy.
To her, Xander was perfect in every way, except he hated studying. She’d hired hundreds of tutors, and he’d hated every single one of them.
‘This Cam kid is something else,’ Gwen thought.
Lunch was seriously over the top. The rectangular table was loaded with at least a dozen different dishes, way too much food for just four people.
Gwen beamed as she gestured toward the spread. “Cam, it’s nothing special, just threw a few things together. Hope you like it.”
“Mrs. Murphy, this is an incredible lunch,” Cameron replied. “Thank you so much.”
Gwen grinned at her. “Don’t mention it. Cam, Logan and I absolutely adore you. You should come over more often. Maybe help tutor Xan while you’re at it?”
Cameron nodded right away. “No problem.” Like she’d ever turn down a chance to make money.
Logan waved Cameron over, then shot Xander a meaningful look.
Xander shifted uncomfortably, his face tight with reluctance.
Finally, he grabbed his wine glass and stood up to face Cameron. “Look, Cameron, I’ve been a total pain lately, and I was kind of a jerk to you. My bad. I hope everything is under the bridge now. Here’s to us.”
Xander knocked back his entire glass of wine in one go. stubborn ass would go. Logan had pushed Xander to apologize after Witam personally called him about the situation. But actually saying “I’m sorry” was clearly too much for Xander’s pride. Successfully unlocked!
Cameron was honestly shocked that this arrogant brat was apologizing to her at all, even if it wasn’t exactly formal. Cameron stood up and raised her own glass. “Well, you got kicked out of 316, so I guess we’re even.” am is about it?” Logan chimed in. “Xander, maybe take some notes from your classmate here.”
Any other time, Xander would have snapped back at Logan instantly. But now, he just nodded.
‘Cameron really is something else, Xander thought. ‘Damn, He’s not just crushing it in areas I’m good at, but he’s also killing it at school stuff I hate. He’s seriously on another level’
The attraction to power wasn’t just a female thing. Guys fell for it just as hard.
Gwen raised her glass. “Cam, we’ve probably spoiled Xander rotten his whole life. He can be pretty stubborn and bossy sometimes. I hope you can forgive all the stupid stuff he’s done before.”
Cameron quickly stood up. “It’s not like that at all, Mrs. Murphy. Xander’s actually a decent guy.”
‘Just sometimes in need of a good punch to the face, Cameron thought.
Xander nodded with satisfaction. “Look at that, you finally said something nice, litfie punk,”
Cameron could only roll her eyes.
“You should hang out with Cam more,” Logan told Xander. “And ditch those losers you’ve been calling friends.”
Xander was obsessed with motorcycles and had joined a group of bike enthusiasts. When he wasn’t in school, he was out racing around on his ridiculously expensive bike.
Logan and Gwen worried not just about his safety, but also about the crowd he was running with.
Cameron, on the other hand, looked clean-cut and good-looking. After chatting with him for a bit, they got a really good impression. Plus, she was smart as hell and could help Xander with his schoolwork.
Even someone as tough to please as William couldn’t stop singing Cameron’s praises.
That was the kind of friend Xander needed, someone who could help him become a better version of himself.
“What’s wrong with my old friends?” Xander protested. “They’re great people.”
Logan raised an eyebrow. “As great as Cameron?”
Xander’s mouth opened and closed. One simple question, and he was completely shut down.
Gwen rarely saw her spoiled son looking so thoroughly put in his place. She couldn’t help but laugh. “Cam, don’t mind them. These two are always going at it. You must be starving. Try some of these dishes.”
Gwen then placed several plates in front of Cameron.
“Thanks, Mrs. Murphy,” Cameron said politely.
“Such good manners,” Gwen said with a warm smile. “If only Xander had half your sense.”
“Mom!” Xander groaned. “Why can’t you compliment someone without dragging me in the process?”
“Because I feel like it,” Gwen replied simply.
Xander threw his hands up in defeat.
“Cam,” Logan chimed in, “make yourself at home. If you need anything, just say the word. No need to be formal with us.” Cameron nodded. “Thanks, Mr. Logan Murphy.”
Xander rolled his eyes. “Look at you two grinning like that. I swear, I don’t know who’s the actual son here, me or Cameron.” Logan set down his fork with dramatic seriousness. “You know what? You’re right. Starting today, I’m making Cam my godson.”
Cameron’s head snapped up. “Wait, what?”
Logan was glaring at Xander with exaggerated sternness.
“Are you for real right now?” Xander asked, his face scrunched in confusion. He turned to Cameron. “Hey, when’s your birthday? I’m eighteen and three months. How about you?”
Cameron couldn’t believe this was happening. ‘Seriously? That’s his concern? Shouldn’t he be objecting to this whole godson thing? Why is he suddenly fixated on my age?’ she thought.
“Cam, how old are you?” Gwen asked with a warm smile.
“I just turned eighteen not too long ago,” Cameron replied.
“Yes!” Xander pumped his fist. “You’re younger than me. That means I’m your big brother now.”
Cameron stared at him in disbelief. ‘Is this guy missing a few brain cells? He’s actually excited about being my brother?’ she thought.
“Son,” Logan said, “you should take some lessons from your little brother from now on.”
Xander made a face. “Yeah, whatever, Dad.”
Successfully unlocked!
Cameron just sat there, utterly speechless. ‘What? Since when am I Xander’s brother?’ she thought.
Cameron set down her utensils and looked straight at them. “Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, you can’t be serious right now.”
Logan shook his head. “No, Cam, we’re dead serious. We want to make you our godson. What do you think?”
Cameron went quiet for a moment before firmly shaking her head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t accept that. It doesn’t feel right.” Logan and Gwen exchanged shocked glances. They couldn’t believe Cameron had actually turned them down.
Does she realize how many people in Viremont would kill for a connection to the Murphy family? Does she not understand the advantages that would come with being our godson? they wondered.
“Cam, Logan said, “my wife and I are completely serious about this. Once you become our godson, in the future-“
“Mr. Logan Murphy, Cameron cut him off, knowing exactly where this was headed. “I appreciate the offer, I really do. But I’ll have to pass.”
Logan was left speechless.
Gwen jumped in with a smile. “Alright. We respect your decision, Cam. I suppose springing this on you out of nowhere wasn’t the best approach.”
They had only suggested it because Xander and Cameron seemed to get along so well. Cameron appeared to be a good kid, and they’d hoped this arrangement would keep him in Xander’s life.
Since Cameron wasn’t interested, they didn’t push the issue.
“Thanks for the offer,” Cameron said politely. “It’s really my problem, not yours.”
Xander rolled his eyes at her. “Look at you being all high and mighty. I offer to make you my brother and you turn me down?” ‘Most people would jump at the chance to be my brother, and this little punk had the nerve to say no. Talk about ungrateful,’ Xander thought bitterly.
Cameron gave him a cool glance. “Are we still having our lesson this afternoon?” The subtext was clear. If not, she was out of there.
Xander was speechless for a second. His expression cycled through several emotions before he finally said, “Of course we’ re having the lesson.”
Cameron nodded.
