I point toward the science building. “Bio with Sam,” I sigh.

Masen leaves me at the door with a pat on the butt. “Freak,” I mutter.

“I heard that,” he yells while walking away.

I take the same seat from Monday and wait for Sam. I ignore the whispers of my name and bring out my book.

Sam struts in with a frozen French vanilla coffee and a smile. “Thought you could use this.”

I take the offering. “I could kiss you,” I say jokingly.

“Ahh please don’t! I like living,” he laughs.

I shake my head. “He’s picking me up after class. You guys want to have lunch again?” I ask hopeful.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” he smiles.

When class ends, I see Masen leaning against the wall outside the door. He makes his way to us. The students part as he nears them. He grabs my hand and greets Sam. Walking out of the building, Sam says he and Sniffer are meeting in the union again at one o’clock. It’s only a little after twelve so they decide to sit in the quad for a little bit. I’m not sure how I feel about waiting here or eating in the cafe with all the attention we seem to receive. I’m tucked in between Masen’s legs, his arms resting on his bent knees talking with Sam. No one approaches us while we sit under a tree, so I start to relax. Maybe I’m overthinking things; maybe, I’m just being self-conscious.

We find a seat in the union, thankfully, not in the middle this time. Within two minutes, I see Michael coming through the doors. He spots us and heads over. After saying hello, all three men began laughing and joking. I can tell they’re very comfortable with each other.

Soon, Sniffer joins us, and we head over to the cafe to get lunch. Masen and I head to a Mongolian grill, and the others head off in different directions. We all meet back at a large table we sat our bags on when we first arrived. Moments after sitting, I see the terrible trio heading our way. “Great, here comes my welcoming committee,” I utter. Masen’s turns and follows my line of sight to see Brittany and her crew standing at our table. Her fingers are tangled in her hair like a toddler twirling away. I roll my eyes.

“Hi Mase, hey guys.” She waves. “Can we sit with you? There aren’t any empty tables left,” she asks sweetly.

Michael looks around the room confirming there are indeed no empty tables. “You guys planning on eating?” Michael asks while noting their empty hands.

“Oh yeah, we just wanted to find a seat first,” she replies smoothly.

Michael looks at Masen, there seems to be a silent commutation that passes between them. “Yeah that’s fine. We’re almost done anyway,” Michael answers. Masen hasn’t spoken at all, just watches. Huh, that’s strange.

When they return, each carrying a yogurt and small salad, I laugh to myself. Looking down at my stir-fry, I think they could all three use a few good meals. Shaking my head, I keep eating. The conversation has been easy and light. All the men make sure to include me, often asking for my opinion or input.