Chapter 4 #2
“Tuesday, 3 PM. She prefers to meet in the basement computer lab. Back right corner, usually.
Of course, she has a favorite corner. And it has to be in the basement like some code goblin.
He continues, “But you guys are free to change the time and place as you both wish. The requirement is that you have to complete two sessions a week for a minimum of four weeks before her next assessment to qualify for the credit. And that both of you must confirm the meeting occurred on the portal within 48 hours of a session. It's also a place where you can track notes and things from what you’re teaching.”
I stand, folder tucked under my arm. “I’ll make it work.”
“I certainly hope so. Ms. Renner has significant potential, but without this credit...” He doesn’t finish. Doesn’t need to. She must be in some serious shit if he’s getting personally involved.
“Got it. One comp sci major with a top grade in Creative Writing, coming right up.”
I salute him and he narrows his eyes at me.
Outside his office, I do a little victory dance before remembering I’m in a hallway full of professors. Then I slump against the wall and actually read her file.
Straight A’s in everything for her first few years, but she’s currently on track for an F in Creative Writing. There’s also a note from last semester—“Student class attendance dropped from week 2.”
Hm, I wonder what happened there. She still managed to keep her grades fairly high though—B’s and C’s and a couple D’s. Her semester of barely attending classes looks like mine when I’m trying my hardest.
This girl should be tutoring me.
Freddie
where r u? we’re getting pizza
just got assigned to tutor the girl from the diner who judged me and Greg. Omw though, order me a meat feast pls
the hot one with glasses who made u smile?? brO.
Yep, she’ll probably fall in love with me as well. Hot ginger teaching her? That’s gotta be a perfect set up.
Eth I’m pretty sure it’s against policy to date people ur tutoring
everything’s a date if ur brave enough
You’re insane bro
I’m only joking with Freddie—I can’t help myself.
Being the loudest and most obnoxious person comes naturally to me.
Plus, I like making other people laugh. I have no intention of crossing that line with Piper.
I need this credit and the respect from Long more than I’d admit to anyone, so I’ll be taking her grade in this class as seriously as my own.
I pocket my phone and head toward home, mind racing. This is either going to be the best thing that’s happened to my senior year or I’m going to crash and burn so spectacularly they’ll use me as a cautionary tale.
But hey, at least it’ll make a good story. And apparently, I’m good at those.
Who knew?
I need to move. Burn something off.
So I throw on gym clothes and head across campus. It’s early evening, that weird golden hour where everything looks deceptively peaceful. Like it’s trying to lull you into a false sense of chill before midterms hit like a truck.
The gym smells like sweat and ambition. I check in, nod to a few familiar faces, and head to the free weights.
Halfway through a set, a girl in bright blue leggings and a high ponytail takes the bench beside me. She glances over once. Twice. Then smiles.
“Need a spot?” she asks as she applies lip gloss.
Old me would’ve been all over it.
“Only if you’re planning on catching my fragile ego,” I say automatically.
She laughs. “I’ve got strong arms.”
It’s easy. Flirty. Her laugh’s nice. She leans in a little when I speak. Her nails are painted green, same shade as Greg.
We talk between sets. I let my mouth go on autopilot—smirks, jokes, a few eyebrow raises. She asks if I’m going to the pre-semester kick-off party at Alpha Phi tonight.
“Maybe,” I say. “If I’m still standing after this leg day from hell.”
“You should. I’ll be there.” She holds my gaze a beat longer than necessary.
Invitation obvious.
But when she walks away, all I feel is... tired.
Just... flat.
Like my brain registered the social situation but I don’t have the energy to care.
So what, I go meet her, we sleep together and then what?
I don’t do one night stands; I’m a relationship guy.
I like getting to know people and making a connection.
I’ve tried it since the breakup with Paige, but it makes me feel hollow.
I honestly prefer my hand and a good video.
I finish my workout, towel off, and sit on the locker room bench, staring at the floor.
“Freds, what do I do, man?” I ask Freddie as I leave, rhetorically really. He’s wiping down the counter, finishing up his shift. He works part-time here as the gym manager.
“Dye it blonde, bro. I’ve told you this before.”
“Not about my hair, dipshit.” He grins. “About women, the elusive other sex. I think I’m permanently damaged. I don’t know if I will ever be able to pleasure a woman again.”
“Can’t lose what you never had, shortcake.”
I give him a pointed look and he laughs.
“I’m serious, man. I haven’t wanted to sleep with anyone since…the devil,” I whisper.
“You’ve slept with like five women,” he deadpans.
“Yes! But I didn’t feel anything. I was seeing if I did.” I sigh dramatically
“It took five women to…? No. You know what? OK, I’m sorry. What do you really mean?”
“I think…I’m over it. I don’t know what I want.”
Freddie gives me a sympathetic smile and slaps me on the shoulder.
“I get it, but the pain won’t last. I’m not…
the greatest with words. But I think you should give it time, bro.
That’s all we’ve got. The only thing that heals shit.
” He shrugs and I wonder if he’s thinking about the time he and his girlfriend Alex spent apart after they had a huge fall out before they got together.
“I guess.”
“And hey, you’re coming to the party with Delilah’s friends on Friday, right?”
I grin easily. “Of course, Freds. It's gonna be a wicked night.”