"Great idea!" Lyla perked up. "Our dorm leader's never had alcohol before. We should test her limits now so she doesn't embarrass herself at graduation."
"Cook it properly, or it'll taste bad when it's cold."
"Eat it yourself, don't just serve me. I can't finish all this."
Tina and Lyla were subtly competing, both trying to play the role of the attentive, caring woman by piling food onto Ryan's plate the moment it was done.
Gemma, with her natural nurturing instincts, was the most diligent—but since she was busy grilling and eating herself, she didn't have a chance to fuss over Ryan. Thank god she's not in full "people-pleaser" mode, Ryan thought, or I'd starve waiting for her to feed me.
The spicy, savory flavors had Ryan gulping down his beer. Between bites, he recounted his run-in with Declan, including the scene at the girls' dorm.
