WebNovels

Chapter 7 - CHAPTER 6 - Rainy Day

By Monday, the heat from Field Day had given way to overcast skies and the kind of drizzle that made the school courtyard look washed-out and sleepy.

Rhaine didn't mind. She liked the quiet that came with rain the way people walked faster, talked less, and left her alone.

Unfortunately, Maya was immune to the weather's mellowing effects.

"Rhaine. Café. After school," Maya said, dropping into her seat before homeroom started.

"Why?" Rhaine asked without looking up from her book.

"Because," Maya said like that was enough explanation, "we need cake. And I need to tell you about my cousin's engagement party, because apparently you're coming."

Eli wandered in and sat across from them, shaking water off his hoodie. "You roped her into a family event without asking her first?"

"Yes," Maya said. "That's called initiative."

Rhaine sighed. "Fine. But only if the café has their chocolate fudge cake today."

"They will," Maya said confidently. "The cake gods favor me."

---

The rain was heavier by the time school ended. The three of them ducked under Rhaine's umbrella, which wasn't quite big enough for all of them, so Eli kept muttering about how Maya's hair was "taking all the coverage."

The café was warm and smelled like coffee and baked bread. Their usual table by the window but far enough from the door to avoid the draft was miraculously empty.

"I'll order," Maya said, already halfway to the counter.

Eli slid into the booth and stretched his legs out. "So," he said, "how's your new best friend?"

Rhaine gave him a flat look. "Who?"

"Sam," Eli said, like it was obvious. "You two were joined at the ankle on Friday. Very symbolic."

"She needed a partner," Rhaine said. "I was available."

"Mmhmm," Eli said, smirking. "And the glaring contest with Jace?"

"I wasn't glaring."

"Right," he said. "You just have a naturally threatening resting face."

Maya returned with three mugs of hot chocolate and a plate of cake slices. "What are we talking about?"

"Rhaine's not glaring at people," Eli said.

Maya grinned. "Oh, we're talking about Jace. Good. Because I have theories."

Rhaine groaned. "You two are exhausting."

---

Halfway through her cake, Rhaine spotted movement near the counter. She froze.

Sam.

She was in a dark green hoodie, her hair damp from the rain, holding a paper cup. She scanned the room, her eyes landing on their table.

"Hey," Sam said as she walked over. "Mind if I sit?"

Maya looked like Christmas had come early. "Not at all."

Sam slid into the seat next to Rhaine, close enough that Rhaine could smell the faint scent of rain and vanilla.

"Didn't know you came here," Sam said.

"It's our spot," Maya said. "We're basically VIPs."

Eli snorted. "VIPs don't get ignored by the staff."

Maya ignored him. "What about you, Sam? Here for coffee or cake?"

"Coffee," Sam said. "But cake sounds tempting." She glanced at Rhaine. "You recommend it?"

"It's good," Rhaine said shortly, cutting another bite of her slice.

Sam smiled like she found Rhaine's lack of elaboration amusing.

---

The conversation drifted between Maya's upcoming family event and Eli's complaint about gym class being "state-sanctioned torture." Rhaine stayed mostly quiet, sipping her hot chocolate, but every so often, she'd catch Sam looking at her.

It was… unsettling. Not in a bad way. Just in a way that made her heartbeat feel a little too obvious.

When Maya excused herself to take a call outside and Eli went to order another drink, Rhaine found herself alone with Sam.

"You were good in the three-legged race," Sam said, breaking the silence.

Rhaine raised an eyebrow. "We came in second."

"That's still good," Sam said. "Besides, I think you were holding back."

Rhaine smirked. "Or maybe you were slowing me down."

Sam laughed softly. "Could be. We should rematch sometime."

"I'll think about it," Rhaine said.

Sam leaned her chin on her hand, watching her. "You're hard to read, you know that?"

"Good," Rhaine replied.

"Is it?" Sam tilted her head. "Makes people curious."

Before Rhaine could respond, Maya returned, talking about her cousin's obsession with floral centerpieces. Eli followed with his drink, and the moment was gone.

---

They stayed until the rain lightened. As they stepped outside, Sam pulled up her hood.

"See you tomorrow?" she said to Rhaine.

"Yeah," Rhaine said before she could stop herself.

Sam smiled, gave a little wave, and walked off in the opposite direction.

Maya waited until Sam was out of earshot. "You so like her."

"I do not," Rhaine said immediately.

"You do," Eli said.

Rhaine tightened her grip on the umbrella. "Drop it."

They didn't.

---

That night, Rhaine lay in bed listening to the rain against her window. She thought about Sam's smile, the way she didn't push for answers but still seemed to see more than Rhaine wanted her to.

It was just curiosity.

That's all.

She told herself that twice before finally falling asleep.

More Chapters