Chapter 17: Chapter 17

“Good job, Eric. I think you’re really starting to understand the concepts. Same time next week?”

“Thanks. But that’s only because you’re amazing at analyzing text and explaining it in a way that makes sense. Dr. Moore could take a few pointers from you.”

Heat floods my cheeks as I tuck an errant lock of hair behind my ear. “Yeah…you probably shouldn’t tell him that. I doubt it would end well for either of us.”

With a snort, he flashes a grin. “It can be our little secret.” With his books held tightly against his chest, he sidles closer. “Um, I was wondering⁠—”

Stacie pokes her head into the room where we’ve been working. “Hey, Willow. Are you busy?”

Eric shoots her a frown.

“Nope. We were just finishing up. Right, Eric?”

His shoulders sink. “Yeah. We’re done here.” He takes a step toward Stacie, one of the other students who works at the tutoring center, before shooting me another look. “See you next week, Willow.”

I lift my hand in a wave. “Bye.”

Stacie smirks as he slides past. We both wait a beat or two until the outside door closes with a resounding thud.

“One of these days, you’re going to have to rip the Band-Aid off and admit that you’re not interested.”

A sigh escapes from me as I massage my temples. “I know.”

“It’s been a month and he still hasn’t lost interest. And didn’t he show up to your session last week with your favorite iced coffee?”

“Yeah. The weird thing is that I don’t even remember mentioning how much I love iced mochas.” The edges of my lips wilt. “It would be so much easier if he found someone else. That’s going to be such an awkward convo.”

A chuckle escapes from her. “Boo hoo. Let me get out my tiny violin. Someone has a crush on Willow.”

More heat rushes to my cheeks as I clear my throat, only wanting to change the subject. “Did you need me for something, or were you just trying to help me out?”

“Both.” She flashes a grin. “Aren’t I a good friend? One you wouldn’t mind doing a favor for?”

Uh-oh.

With raised brows, I wait expectantly.

She glances at the pink sports watch wrapped around her left wrist. “I’m supposed to meet a student at the library and didn’t realize I double booked myself. Any chance you can fill in?”

Eric was supposed to be my last student for the day. I was really looking forward to heading home and chilling out with Holland. She mentioned something about watching a new movie that just came out. After the week I’ve had, that sounds like heaven.

When I hesitate, Stacie holds her clasped hands out in front of her. “Please? You do this for me and I’ll meet with Eric next week and let it slip that you have a new boyfriend.”

A gurgle of laughter escapes from me.

Stacie knows exactly how to sway me.

“Deal.”

“You’re the best!” She rushes forward and throws her arms around me before squeezing tight. “Dr. Linstrom called personally to make sure someone could meet right away with this student, so it must be important.”

“Do you have a name?”

“Ummm…let me find it and get back to you.” There’s a pause. “If I remember correctly, I’m supposed to meet this kid on the third floor near the periodicals.” Her brows scrunch. “I think he’s a football player. Maybe soccer. Or lacrosse. You know…” She rolls her wide hazel eyes. “Another jock who’s barely passing by the skin of their teeth and needs to stay eligible.”

“What time is the session?”

She winces. “Will you kill me if I say six?”

I glance at my phone. That’s in ten minutes. “I better get moving if I’m going to make it to the library on time.”

“You’re seriously the best!”

I wave off the compliment. Over the last semester, Stacie has become a good friend and I don’t mind helping her out. “No worries. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Definitely.”

With that, I gather up my books and shove them into my backpack. What I like best about this job is that when it’s slow, I’m able to get my own work done. It’s like getting paid to study.

Double win.

Right before pushing through the door, I call out, “If you find his name, text me!”

“Will do. I know it’s here somewhere.”

I love Stacie to death, but organizational skills are not exactly her strong suit.

The cool evening breeze slaps at my cheeks as I push through the glass doors. Darkness has already settled over campus. The walkways are lit with bright light, lending a modicum of safety. I burrow into my jacket and pick up my pace, hustling to the library. When I’m halfway there, my phone buzzes with an incoming text. I slip it from my pocket, hoping that it’s Stacie.

Instead, it’s Mom.

Hi sweetie! Haven’t heard from you in a day or so. Give me a call. I worry about you.

I huff out a breath, wishing she would give me a little bit of space.

Instead of responding, I slip the phone in my jacket as my mind circles back to the issue at hand. The only thing I can do is hope that the place we’re supposed to meet won’t be crowded, and it’ll be obvious who the jock I’m tutoring is.

As I enter the sprawling brick building, I give it one more shot and hit her number. Instead of picking up, it goes straight to voicemail.

Well, I tried.

There’s nothing more I can do.

With a resigned sigh, I take the stairs to the third floor. My feet slow as I reach the landing and survey the area. There aren’t many people here this evening. It’s one of the reasons we use it to meet with students. Two girls and a guy are parked in the corner with their books spread out around them. To the left is a couple with their laptops opened. A lone girl is hunkered down in the corner.

Hmmm.

Maybe this guy flaked and I’ll get my movie night after all.

I scan the desks that dot the space amid rows of bookshelves.

If this joker thinks I’m going to lie and report back that he showed up for his tutoring session when he decided to blow it off instead, he couldn’t be more wrong.

Unfortunately, it happens all too often. Some of these athletes don’t care about their education.

It’s a real shame.

Especially when they’ve been given free rides.

Instead of taking full advantage of it, they squander the opportunity. There are so many people who can’t afford an education and would kill for a full scholarship to a prestigious university like Western.

Just as I’m about to text Stacie again, movement from the other side of the large space catches my attention and I freeze. That’s all it takes for a shot of electricity to sizzle through my veins.

No.

It can’t be him.

My pulse thrums as I take a hasty step in retreat, hoping to slip away before he notices.

That’s the exact moment he glances up and our gazes collide.