She accepted the book. It was exactly the one she was looking for.
“How did you know it was here?” she asked.
“I wrote my history project about her, too, last year, and one of my friends is actually a direct descendant of Marie Laveau, so she helped me with the books and some info you won’t find in books.”
Again, for that same inexplicable reason, Eva wondered whether that friend he just mentioned was something more, or really, just a friend. Because, she could totally understand the wish for more. Sebastian was charming, and incredibly good looking. While Dorian and Frey had their boyish good looks and charm, Sebastian seemed so much older than they were, even though his physical appearance didn’t reveal any such age. There was something in his voice, in the way he spoke to her, the way he looked at her, which showed worldly wisdom beyond his age.
“I could help you, if you’d like,” he offered, scratching the back of his head.
“That’d be great!” she jumped at the opportunity but then realized she sounded just a little too eager. “But, only if you have the time. I don’t want to keep you away from your obligations.”
“I actually came here to do some reading. I enjoy the peace and quiet. A guy can think in here, you know?” he nodded.
She smiled. It was like she was hearing her own thoughts come out of his mouth.
“I know what you mean,” she replied.
“I think us bibliophiles can smell one another a mile away,” he laughed and she joined in. “Like it’s written on our foreheads: ‘I love books.’”
“Yeah,” she agreed.
“Well, let’s go sit over there and I’ll try to remember some of the stuff my friend told me. That will really make your paper pop.”
“Thanks,” she held the book in her arms and followed him blindly.
The following few hours passed by in total admiration and awe at what he was telling her. He knew exactly what she should mention, what she should leave out, how to word herself, and what to add for that extra flair. When they were done, Eva could hardly believe that this was her paper. It was the best thing she had ever written and she had him to thank for that.
“This is… amazing,” she was speechless, looking at the paper in front of her.
“Yeah, sounds about right. Mr. Hakim will love it. I can vouch for that.”
“I really don’t know how to thank you.”
“Treat me to a coffee?” he suggested. “I know the coffee at the cafeteria tastes like watered down, dog shit, but it’s the only thing we have here in these fucking mountains.”
Eva was about to agree, when she felt a slight tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Bella’s cheerful face.
“There you are!” Bella sang sweetly, as if she hadn’t seen Eva in ages.
However, the moment she turned to Sebastian, her smile disappeared. The look on her face changed completely, and both Eva and Sebastian noticed.
“Hey,” Sebastian greeted her, not unkindly.
“Hi,” Bella said curtly.
It seemed to Eva that she wasn’t planning on saying anything to him, and the only reason she did, was because she didn’t want to seem rude and not reply. It was strange. Why was Bella acting this way?
There was an uncomfortable silence for a few seconds, then Sebastian got up to leave. Eva felt like this decision was forced upon him, rather than it being his own choice.
“Well, I guess I’d better be heading off,” he raked his fingers through his hair, and Eva got another glimpse of his tattoos. “Had no idea it was this late.”
“Um, I really appreciate your help with this,” Eva felt the need to say something else but Bella’s behavior was ruining everything.
“Sure thing,” he winked at her. “Don’t forget about that coffee.”
“I won’t,” Eva smiled sweetly. “Bye.”