When I hang up, I feel slightly better. Except then I think about having to break the bad news to my parents, and I feel that dread all over again.
I finish up with my last student at the Writing Center and glance at the time. I have ten minutes before my next student comes in for our tutoring session, so I take that time to check on my YouTube channel.
When I see that my latest video breaking down the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, I smile. More than one hundred thousand views.
I spent the other night drowning my sorrows in ice cream with Anna. Hanging out with her lifted my spirits enough that the next morning, I woke up determined not to let myself sulk anymore. So I spent the weekend filming and editing a new video, then posted it yesterday afternoon.
Seeing how many views it already has gives me the boost I need. Yeah, it’s the nerdiest thing in the world that I spend my free time filming educational videos, but I honestly love it. I’ve always loved working as a writing tutor in high school andcollege. But I always wished I could be a tutor for more subjects. I just don’t have the time to work with that many people one-on-one.
Having my own YouTube channel has been the perfect outlet. I can talk about all the subjects I’m passionate about while reaching way more people than I ever could as a tutor.
I skim the comments.
Love the boat animation you created to go along with your voiceover! So entertaining!
This is SUCH a helpful breakdown! Thank you for posting!
I learned about this in my history class last month, but my teacher was SO boring. He just read from his notes the whole class. This video is way more interesting!
I smile, feeling encouraged at all the positive feedback I’m getting.
There’s a soft knock at the door. When I look up and see Nick standing in the open doorway, I purse my lips and sigh.
“You don’t have an appointment scheduled,” I say.
He flashes that smug half-smile and leans his sculpted shoulder against the doorway. “I know. I was wondering if I could see if anyone was free take me as a walk-in.”
“I’m the only one here for the next hour, and my next appointment is coming soon. You’ll have to wait or come back,” I say while stacking papers on my desk.
Nick steps over to the chair against the wall, sets his backpack on the floor, and then sits. That cocky smile doesn’t budge. “I’ll wait.”
I let out another annoyed sigh, then organize a stack of papers on my desk. The whole time, I feel Nick’s gaze on me. I glance up at him. When I see the fiery look in his eyes, heat scatters across my skin.
I hate how just one look at him makes me feel like this, all hot and bothered. I don’t even like him.
But that’s the effect Nick St. George has on my body. My brain may be annoyed by him, but my body likes it when he looks at me with that hungry gaze. A lot.
I focus back on my paperwork. “Don’t you know it’s rude to stare?” I say, trying my hardest to sound disinterested.
He just chuckles. “Can’t help it. You look sexy today.”
Tingles flash all over my skin. My body is such a traitor.
I remind myself that he talks to all women this way. Nick St. George is the world’s biggest flirt, and he chats up any cute woman within a five-mile radius. I’m not special.
Still though. Gotta give Nick credit. I know he’s just screwing with me, but he sounds like he means it. That’s how smooth he is.
Besides, nothing I’m wearing today would qualify as remotely sexy: black leggings and a slouchy Hollis U sweater, my hair in a messy bun.
A minute later, my appointment walks in. I smile at the freshman student, then look at Nick with a pointed expression. “Keep quiet while I’m working with this student.”
He winks at me. “Yes, ma’am.”
For the next twenty minutes, I focus on helping this student with her essay for her intro to medieval literature class. We finish early, and she leaves.
Nick looks over at me, a sly smile dancing across his lips. “Do I get my turn with you yet?”
I ignore the suggestive lilt in his words and sigh.
