Kelvin wasn’t expecting that by the looks of his reaction, and neither was Matty.
“I’ve spent my life being bullied by kids like you, and I’m still standing. So why don’t you waste your limited brain space on something more productive.”
Kelvin regained his cocksure smile, which put a gross taste in Matty’s mouth. “You’re right. I tried getting the better of you, but it didn’t work. Or did it? Like I was saying about Coop, the man is talented. The way he was able to distract you in the library, and other places, to get you to stop ruining the curve. Real pro.”
The gross taste in Matty’s mouth coated his whole body. “What?”
“Wait? You thought hewantedto spend time with you in the library or at parties? Matty, have you spent any time with yourself lately? You’re not exactly a barrel of fun.”
“You’re lying,” Matty said, but he couldn’t say it forcefully. Any strength he thought he had slithered out of his system.
“I had to pay a pretty penny for Coop to pretend to find you irresistible, let alone date you. He doesn’t come cheap.” Kelvin took out his phone and pulled something up. “See for yourself.”
On screen were emails between Kelvin and Coop.
I may have destroyed his textbook, but the kid won’t be doing any more studying tonight.
I need some money for this Catan crash course online. It’ll definitely throw him for a loop when I show up.
Matty shook his head. He couldn’t believe this, couldn’t believe that all those times, all those smiles, all those kisses…they were business transactions.
He had always wondered why Coop came up to him in the library that first time, why he was so insistent that Matty come out with them. Matty thought he was lucky. He was a student of math, and a survivor of bullies. He should’ve known that there were no coincidences. Two plus two couldn’t all of a sudden equal five, and a guy like Coop couldn’t just out of the blue have a thing for a quiet bookworm.
“Coop actually managed to make you sorta cool.” Kelvin got in his face. Matty balled up his fists. “Money. Well. Spent.”
His fists remained at his sides. He looked over at Linh, but like the rest of their classmates, she was completely speechless.They’re all enjoying the show.
Matty filled up with steam, but he couldn’t let it out. Hurt got in the way.
“Anyway, I need to get back to my project. Good luck tomorrow.” Kelvin gave him one last smile, then returned to his computer like nothing had happened.
Linh came over and tugged at his fist. “Matty?”
He fled the lab, heat steaming off his cheeks.
Chapter 29
Coop
Coop bounceda ball against his wall. Rafe typed up a paper at his desk. It was a quiet moment for the room.
His sister sent him pictures of his dad in a Hawaiian shirt for his Trader Joe’s job, and he seemed to be having a blast. Their mom had tried to get him to stop wearing Hawaiian shirts for years because of how unfashionable they were, but looked like Dad was having the last laugh.
A knock on the door shook them out of their doldrums. Coop’s cheeks swelled at the sight of Matty. Until he saw his boyfriend’s expression. It could bend steel.
“Were you paid to hang out with me?” Matty’s eyes were red from crying, but there were no tears now. He noticed that Rafe was still here.
“I’m going to finish this paper in the lounge. Good seeing you, Matty.” Rafe packed up his things and nearly sprinted to the stairwell.Thanks for the backup.
The door shut. It was a small dorm room, but Coop felt the distance already building between them.
“Is it true?” he asked.
Coop looked away, towards the night sky out his window.
“Coop?”
He hung his head and nodded.
