“No, I’m not thirsty,” I say sarcastically under my breath.
“Don’t worry, she’s bringing two glasses.”
“Really? Because I don’t think she even knew I was sitting here?”
This guy is clearly used to girls fawning all over him, so he must be a popular player on one of the Panther teams, but I just don’t know which one. I’m not a big sports fan.
“You’re kind of funny, Teach. I like a tutor with a sense of humor.”
Yet I’ve said nothing that was meant to be funny.
“Okay, so it’s obvious that you’re an athlete that people on campus recognize, but what sport do you play?”
“What do I play?” He seems insulted that I’ve asked the question. “I play for the Panthers.”
“Yes, but that’s the name of every sports team at the university, isn’t it? Baseball, football and soccer are all played on a field, so which one do you play?”
“It’s the first week of December,” he says flatly. “Obviously, I play football.”
“Not obvious, Freak. As I’ve already explained, I don’t follow football. It’s not my thing.”
“Not your thing?”
“Nope.”
“Then what is your thing?” he asks, staring quite intently at me.
90s television shows.
My vinyl record collection.
Watching Aaron from afar on campus in between classes.
But I don’t tell this Freak person any of that.
“I’m a nursing student.”
“Okay and?”
“And that’s my thing.”
He shakes his head. “No, that’s your major and probably what you’re going to do with the rest of your life, but what’s your thang?”
Something about his question rubs me the wrong way, as if he’s assuming I don’t have a social life or any outside interests. Sadly, he’d be right about that, but that’s not the point. We don’t even know each other and he’s grilling me about my personal business?
“Listen, I don’t think this tutoring arrangement is going to work out between us. I’ll talk to Dr. Lee tomorrow and get you assigned to someone else.”
His face frowns. “Why?”
“I was expecting a different student.”
“So, it’s either Aaron or no one?”
My eyes widen at his mention of Aaron’s name.
“You know my name, and you knew where to find me, but how do you know I was meeting Aaron?”
“I told you. Professor Lee and I discussed it.”
