Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
The gardens could host a horse race. The fountain dwarfed city squares. Housing just Pearl here seemed almost wasteful.
“I’m starving!” Eddie complained, striding toward the grand hall. “When’s dinner?”
Cameron craned her neck at the over 30-foot vaulted ceiling. The crystal chandelier alone screamed luxury.
“Your preference?” Bradley gestured toward the limited-edition sofa.
Moments later, a middle-aged m?n in a chef’s uniform appeared. He looked at Bradley and smiled, “I specialize in all cuisines, sir. What would you like t dinner tonight?”
Bradley tilted his head toward Cameron.
“Mr. Wallace? the chef inquired.
“I’m not picky. No preferences,” Cameron said.
“Then prepare your signature dishes.” Bradley decided.
The chef nodded and headed to the kitchen.
Eddie groaned, “Hello, Brad? Did you forget I exist? I’m hungry too.”
Bradley glanced at him. “Order yourself. You’re not a child.”
Eddie pointed at Cameron. “So he is?”
Bradley said, “He’s younger than you.”
Eddie was speechless.
Cameron frowned, “Brad, how does the chef know my surname?”
Eddie grinned. “Of course I told him ahead of time. You’ll be coming here often.”
Cameron nodded.
Eddie then sidled closer, prompting Cameron to immediately shift away. She wasn’t used to people getting that close, especially not someone she barely knew.
“Don’t dodge, cutie,” Eddie teased. “I got something to tell you.”
Cameron said, “Just say it, Eddie. I prefer personal space.”
Eddie shot a glance at Bradley before whispering, “I can’t let Brad hear our secrets.”
Cameron was speechless.
Bradley stood. “I’ll head upstairs.”
As he reached the foot of the stairs, Eddie spoke, “Don’t you think Brad treats you differently?”
Cameron stiffened. “Huh? Different? Brad has helped me a lot. Hmm… He’s generous,” In her view, Bradley was a good guy.
Eddie smirked. “Generous? Yeah. He dropped 100 million dollars on this castle just for your tiger.”
Cameron was dumbfounded upon hearing this.
Eddie rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “If you were a girl, I’d think Brad had his first crush. But you’re a guy.”
Cameron slightly parted her lips, then pressed them again. She was speechless.
Eddie watched her with a satisfied smile. “Cutie, you’ve got really nice skin, so tender and smooth. Mind if I touch it?” As he spoke, he reached out toward her face.
The next second, his hovering hand was abruptly intercepted by Bradley’s grip.
“Ow! Damn it. Brad, let go!” Eddie screamed in pain.
Bradley shoved Eddie’s wrist away. “Keep your pickup artistry outside. Cameron is male.”
Rubbing his wrist, Eddie huffed. “Pickup artistry? I just wanted to see if his cheek was as soft as it looks.”
Bradley stared at him.
Cameron finally spoke up, “Eddie, just call me Cameron. My name is Cameron Wallace.” Being called “cutie” was odd.
“Sure thing, Cam.” Eddie grinned.
Cameron was speechless.
The three of them chatted while dinner was prepared.
The dishes on the oak banquet table were impeccable, aromas weaving through the hall.
As they settled in, Eddie picked up a bottle of vintage wine. “Have a drink, Cam?”
Cameron nodded. “Sure.” Tomorrow was Saturday. She didn’t have to go to school.
Bradley offered no objection.
After decanting the wine, Eddie filled three glasses.
Cameron stood up, holding her glass. “Brad, this toast is mandatory. Thank you for everything.” Her gaze dropped to Pearl, curled obediently at her fee
Bradley motioned downward. “Sit, please. It was nothing.”
Cameron stayed standing. She thought, ‘Nothing? This castle is worth 100 million dollars!’
Bradley relented, standing to clink glasses. “Friends help when needed.”
Cameron raised her drink. “It’s all in the wine.” With that, she drank it all in one go.
Eddie applauded. “Good drinker, Cam.” He replenished Cameron’s glass instantly.
Bradley drained his own but frowned at Eddie’s refill. “That’s enough for Cameron.”
Eddie grinned. “Enough? Cam is a good drinker. Wait, you drank yours too?”
Bradley, holding his glass, said simply, “I have a high tolerance.”
Eddie blinked. “Huh? Since when?”
Bradley didn’t respond.
Cameron raised her glass again. “Eddie, I should thank you too.”
Eddie sprang up cheerfully. “No need for formalities between bros.”
Bradley frowned, “Just a sip, Cameron. He didn’t contribute much anyway.”
Eddie nearly choked on his wine. He thought, ‘What? I didn’t contribute much? I literally scouted every property in Viremont!’
Cameron held back her laughter.
Eddie waved a hand. “Fine. Just a sip.”
Cameron took a sip before putting her glass on the table.
The next second, Bradley took it away. “No more for you.”
Eddie rolled his eyes. “Brad, Cam is your classmate, not your girlfriend. Since when are you his keeper?”
Bradley snorted, “I brought him. That makes him my responsibility.”
Swirling his wine, Eddie smirked. “Drinking alone is boring. Join me, Brad?”
“Not good with alcohol.” Bradley deadpanned.
Eddie’s jaw dropped. “Seriously? Weren’t you just bragging about your tolerance?”
Bradley shrugged. “I didn’t.”
Cameron bit back a laugh. She hadn’t expected Bradley to have this playful side.
Bradley turned to Cameron. “Try these dishes. You’ll come here often. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”
Cameron nodded and picked up her fork, taking a bite of the braised lamb chop. “It tastes great.”
“I’m glad you like it, Mr. Wallace,” the chef smiled warmly. This job was definitely secure.
After dinner, the caretakers led Pearl to take a bath and then into its private room.
