Matthew carried her all the way to the elevator before setting her down.
He tugged the hoodie's hem lower, it reached halfway down her thighs and stepped inside with her.
She hesitated.
-Um… can you add my fingerprint too?
Matthew tapped a few buttons.
+Put your finger on the scanner.
She did and when a green checkmark blinked on the small monitor, she beamed.
-Thank you.
The moment the doors opened, she darted out and ran upstairs toward her room.
-Change into dry clothes, both of you! I'll be back with my violin!
Matthew turned to Jacob.
+Change and meet me in my room.
_Got it.
They all changed.
Diana took off Matthew's hoodie, brought it close, and inhaled deeply, his cologne filling her senses.
She wished she could keep it. It just fit her somehow.
She slipped into plaid pajama pants and an oversized T-shirt, then opened her door.
Her violin was waiting there, Jacob must've left it.
He came up the stairs then, holding a tray of cheesecakes and mugs.
Diana sniffed the air and grinned.
-Jacob, I'm impressed.
He chuckled.
_Told them to make hot chocolate too. Come on.
-Why are we going to Matthew's room?
_He said to. Probably wants us out on the balcony.
He knocked; the door opened to warm light and the faint scent of smoke.
Matthew was sitting back, a cigarette between his fingers.
_You really held out,
Jacob teased.
_But I'll admit..it hits good right now.
They all sat down on the balcony couches.
Jacob lit one too.
Diana hesitated for a moment, then gave in to impulse.
-Give me one.
Both men turned to her, surprised.
_You smoke? Jacob asked.
-Never have. But I want to try.
_Oh, great. Bad influence award goes to us.
+It's too strong for you,
Matthew warned.
+You'll feel sick. First time? Don't do it yet.
-I'll be fine. Hand it over.
He passed her the pack.
She slid one out, fingers trembling.
Jacob frowned.
_Don't inhale it deep, okay? Just a light drag.
Diana nodded.
-Lighter?
Matthew flicked his open, flame steady in the wind.
She leaned closer, lighting hers and immediately coughed as the smoke hit her throat.
He frowned.
+Told you not to pull it into your lungs.
She tried again, slower this time, her fingers graceful around the cigarette.
For a while they smoked in silence, eyes on the snow thickening beyond the balcony.
Jacob finally spoke.
_Come on, Diana. Play us something.
-Let me finish my hot chocolate first.
_Hmm… or maybe you were bluffing, blue eyes.
Diana raised her middle finger.
_Whoa, hey!
Jacob laughed.
Matthew smirked. The little one was finally showing her bold side.
Jacob muttered,
_Told you not to teach her that damn gesture. Look...now she's using it.
Diana slammed her mug down and stood, heading for her violin case.
-I'm not a kid, Jacob. I'm twenty-three.