My Girlfriend from the Shadows Chapter 2

The sun was still bright when I finished my work-study shift at the library.

My mind buzzed with excitement for tonight. I decided to head to the basketball court and wait for Kian so we could walk back together.

“Maya Stone.”

A voice called my name. I turned, surprised to see Neil Vance, the university’s other campus prince. I didn’t know him at all. Why was he talking to me?

He walked up to me, a warm, gentle smile on his face. “We haven’t had a chance to talk since the chess tournament. This Friday night, the club is having a friendly match. I was wondering if you’d be interested in coming?”

Oh, it was about the chess thing. The only reason I’d entered that tournament was for the $5,000 champion’s prize. A friendly match had no prize money.

I looked down at my shoes, trying to think of a polite way to refuse.

Neil added with another smile, “I was very impressed by you during the tournament. I was hoping I could take this opportunity to officially become your friend?”

“Your friend?” I blushed, looking up at him.

Because of my withdrawn, strange personality and my status as a scholarship student, I was something of a pariah at AU. I hadn't made a single friend in three years. And now, a god-like figure like Neil Vance wanted to be my friend.

“Yes,” he said, his eyes softening as he seemed to notice my awkwardness. “A beautiful girl like Sienna is wonderful, of course, but a girl like you, Maya, is brilliant in her own right. You deserve to be appreciated, too. That’s what I believe.”

My face burned hotter. What did he mean by that? It felt like he was implying something.

“O-Okay,” I stammered. “I’ll be there on Friday.”

His eyes lit up. “That’s great! Friday at seven, at the club room. I’ll be there waiting for you. I’ll see you the day after tomorrow.”

“See you then.”

I stood there for a moment, stunned by the unexpected kindness.

Then, as he walked away, I silently began to follow him.