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 beforeremembering 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 andthe 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.
