Liar. You had it open before the bus hit I-95
A small, startled huff escapes me before I can stop it. My shoulders loosen a fraction.
He’s not wrong. I did.
WREN
What do you want, O’Connor?
The reply comes toofast.
KIERAN
It’s Kieran
I’m watching out for you
Also, I want you to tutor me. I hear you’re the best
My spine goes rigid. Heat pricks at the back of my neck.
WREN
You don’t need tutoring
Stop pretending
I saw your project at the lab
KIERAN
Hundred an hour
Two sessions a week
Coffee included
The numbers hit like a physical force.
My chest tightens. My fingers curl into the blanket.
Two hundred dollars a week. Five weeks to Billie Eilish tickets. A birthday. Something tangible I can give without asking anyone for help.
WREN
That’s way above my rate
KIERAN
I want to make sure it’s impossible to say no
My jaw sets. I feel the old reflex kick in—the one that hates being cornered, hates being handled.
WREN
Why do you even care about passing?
You already have a Defenders contract waiting
