DRAWN TO LOVE

Chapter 25-26

Oliver POV

The week had been long, stretching through lectures, group discussions, and campus routines, but I had managed to settle into a rhythm. Classes weren’t too challenging yet, though I knew that would change once the coursework intensified. My mind, however, wandered constantly—not to lectures or textbooks, but to the girl I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about: Tami Davis.

Her presence had become a quiet undercurrent in my life, lingering at the edges of my awareness. Every time I passed her in the hallway, caught a glimpse of her from across the cafeteria, or saw her briefly in class, my pulse quickened. She was careful, almost distant, and yet there was something magnetic about the way she moved, the subtle hints of emotion flickering across her face. I had tried to reach her, even if only in small ways—smiling in passing, offering a few words here and there—but she had this way of slipping away, like water through fingers.

Classes ended for the day, and I found myself walking with Jason, my first and only close friend so far. Jason was reliable, steady, and the kind of person who made even a crowded lecture hall feel like a familiar place. We walked through campus, the late afternoon sunlight warming the stone paths, when Jason nudged me.

“You going to the party later?” he asked casually, not looking up from his phone.

I paused, raising an eyebrow. “What party?”

“Come on, you’re serious?” Jason said, finally glancing at me with amusement. “The one Mia and her friends are throwing. Upperclassmen from the business and logistics departments. It’s going to be big. Music, drinks, snacks—everything. You’d be crazy to miss it.”

I considered the idea for a moment. Parties weren’t really my thing. I wasn’t exactly the type to blend into large groups, especially ones I didn’t know well. But Jason’s enthusiasm was contagious, and I knew it would be an opportunity to meet people outside of the classroom, to see the campus in a different light. “Maybe. What time does it start?”

“Eight-ish. You should come early. Get a feel for things before it gets too crowded. Plus, it’ll be good for you to be seen, make a few connections,” Jason said, his voice encouraging. “It’s not just a party—it’s networking in disguise.”

I let out a low laugh. “Networking disguised as a party. Typical Jason.”

“Exactly. And trust me, you’ll thank me later,” he replied. “I’ll be there, so you’re not going alone. We can scope it out, see who’s worth talking to, and maybe avoid the chaos.”

I nodded, feeling a small spark of excitement despite myself. It had been a while since I had allowed myself to consider something fun, something outside of the rigid expectations I had for school and my eventual role in the family business. Jason had a point—this could be a chance to relax, even just a little.

“Alright,” I said finally. “I’ll go. But I’m only staying for a while. Don’t expect me to linger all night.”

Jason laughed. “That’s fine. Just don’t overthink it. Come, enjoy yourself a bit.”

The conversation turned to logistics—what time to leave, who else might be there, how to avoid awkward interactions with people I barely knew. We joked about everything from the music playlist to what snacks might be available, but beneath the casual tone, I found my mind drifting elsewhere. Thoughts of Tami crept in, as they always did. I had no idea if she’d even be at this party, and frankly. I had to be honest with myself—my interest wasn’t just curiosity anymore.

I shook my head slightly, trying to clear my thoughts. Parties were meant to be social experiments, opportunities to relax, not to obsess over someone I barely knew. Still, I couldn’t deny the small, stubborn hope buried under my rational thoughts: maybe she’d be there. Maybe I’d finally get a chance to talk to her without the walls of classrooms, hallways, and crowded cafeterias interfering.

Jason clapped me on the back. “Focus, man. We’ve got time.”

I smirked, feeling slightly amused by Jason’s insistence. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As we parted ways, I got back home, thinking about the evening ahead. Music, laughter, the hum of a crowd— I could navigate it. What I wasn’t prepared for, though, was how much the thought of Tami could color every simple plan. Even if she wasn’t there, even if our paths didn’t cross tonight, the hope that I might see her lingered like a quiet pulse in the back of my mind.

I spent the next hour preparing for the party with a mix of care and distraction. Choosing my clothes—all while my thoughts kept returning to her. The truth was, I didn’t want to meet people tonight; I just wanted to finally find a way to reach her. And tonight, even if by chance, I could able to finally get to have a real talk with her.

By the time Jason arrived to pick me up, I felt a mix of anticipation and nerves I hadn’t experienced in a long time. This wasn’t just a party; it was a potential turning point, a chance to navigate the social maze and maybe, just maybe, see her again.

As we drove through the city streets, the sun dipping below the horizon, I couldn’t help but wonder—what would happen if she were there? Would she avoid me as she had for weeks? Or would she finally allow a moment, however brief, for us to bridge the gap between past and present?

I shook off the thoughts, trying to focus on the present, on the evening ahead. Whatever happened, I was determined to make the most of it—and maybe, just maybe..