Reputation's Memories (Book 2)

Bonus Chapter pt.2

Lily

"Are you absolutely certain you want to pass on off-campus housing?" Luca inquired, casting a critical eye over the cramped dorm room with its solitary bed and wooden table. "It feels more like a cell than a living space."

"It's not that bad!" Lily objected, dropping her duffle bag with a thud. "Mom, back me up."

Daisy sighed, adjusting her sunglasses atop her head and wrinkling her nose. "Oh babe, no. What's that stench?"

"I swear something died in here," Luca muttered, striding to the window and wrenching it open. "Needs a bit of WD-40."

"It's fine," Lily insisted, attempting to salvage the situation. "I like it. It feels cozy."

"You know what's truly cozy?" Daisy interjected with a knowing grin. "Having a functional elevator and a doorman in your building."

"We've discussed this," Lily reminded her parents firmly. "I want the on-campus experience for my first year. It's how I'll make friends."

"What assurance do you have that you'll even get along with your roommate?" Daisy questioned. "In my first year, I couldn't stand mine."

"You're not going to spoil my college experience," Lily declared defiantly. "That's why I only wanted Theo to drop me off. You two nitpick everything!"

"Sweetie, we're just trying to ensure you're content with your decisions," Luca intervened, approaching his daughter with open hands. "We're sorry if it comes off as criticism."

"I'm fine," Lily replied, rolling her eyes.

"And you're certain you won't regret moving to California?" Luca pressed.

"Not a chance," Lily affirmed with a shake of her head.

"And there's no possibility we can sway you to choose NYU over Pacific Crest?" Daisy persisted.

"I'm done with this conversation," Lily groaned, storming away.

"Alright, alright. Fair enough," Daisy relented, stepping further into the room. "Luca, I suppose we'll just have to let her find happiness in this 'prison cell.'"

"Thank you!" Lily exclaimed dramatically, bowing.

Unable to comprehend their daughter's decision, Luca and Daisy watched awkwardly as Lily began unpacking, arranging her belongings meticulously. As Lily sorted through her books, clothes, and supplies, Luca and Daisy hesitated near the door.

"Would you like a plant?" Daisy offered. "Maybe some greenery could liven up the space."

"I can't until I know my roommate," Lily replied. "I wouldn't want to bring something they might be allergic to."

Glancing over her shoulder, Lily caught the discontent on her father's face. "What?" she demanded, her arms folding defensively. "What's on your mind?"

"It's nothing," Luca dismissed, shaking his head.

"I saw you thinking something," Lily insisted. "Spit it out."

"This room is already cramped," Luca ventured cautiously. "Just imagine how much smaller it'll feel with another person and all their stuff."

Before Lily could retort, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and answered with relief. "Zia!"

"Hey, baby," Gia, Lily's aunt and Luca's sister, greeted cheerfully, holding up the phone. "All settled in? How's the dorm?"

"Mom and Dad are driving me insane!" Lily exclaimed. "They're nitpicking everything!"

"We are not!" Daisy gasped defensively. "You should see the size of this place. Our wine cellar is bigger than this."