He just didn’t care enough, clearly.
“Okay, I’ll have a talk with him. You think you could give him another chance?”
Ugh. The last thing I want to do is be confined to a small space for an hour, twice a week, with my arch enemy. Still, I couldn’t let my dislike of the guy sway my choice on helping him. In the end, tutoring was an easy way to make money, and I need the money.
“I’ll think about it and get back to you.”
Coach Willard sighs into the phone. I know it’s not the answer he wants to hear, but it’s the only one he’s getting right now. “All right. Let me know. In the meantime, I’ll have a talk with him and get him on track. If you give him another chance, I promise he won’t waste your time.”
“Okay, I’ll make a decision and let you know,” I reply before ending the call.
Climbing off the bed, I grab a pair of clean sleep shorts and a tank top. It’s not like anyone will see me anyway. As I undress and undo my bra, I let out a sigh. Who knew that undoing your bra could bring such great joy?
Tossing the clothes into the hamper, I trudge back to the bed, grab my backpack, and unload my books. I have a lot of homework and some studying to do, but I don’t feel like doing anything but curling under the covers and reading a book.
Still, homework won’t do itself, and I’m determined to maintain my 4.0 GPA this semester. Grabbing a bottle of water from the minifridge, I get situated underneath the covers, organizing my books, notebooks, and pens where I want them.
I’ve just cracked open my economics book when my phone starts to ring. I swear to God if it’s Coach Willard, I’m tossing the damn thing out the window.
Seeing MOM flash across the front of the screen, I hit the green answer key.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hey, sweetie, how are things going?” This is her subtle way of asking if I’m making any friends or getting the full college experience.
“Things are good. Classes are great. I still don’t have a roommate, but I think that might change soon with the end of the semester coming up.”
“Awe, I’m sorry, honey. Your brother and I miss you so much. We could make a trip to come up and see you sometime?” I find myself shaking my head.
“No, that’s okay. I’m fine. You don’t have to drive up.”
One it’s a three-hour drive one way, and two, I don’t want her to waste what little money she has on making a trip to come see me. They’re barely getting by, and I can’t possibly ask her to come visit even if I’m missing home and feeling lonely.
“Are you sure, sweetie? You sound sad. It’s not a big deal for us to drive up there.”
Dear lord. I need to switch the subject before she makes the choice for both of us.
“I’m happy. I even went to my first college party.”
“Oh, yay! I’m so happy to hear that. I had hoped you would come out of your shell at college. It’s just too bad I’m not there to see it. How was it? Did you meet any boys?”
One, and he’s a complete and utter asshole.
“Yes, there were lots of boys there. No one of interest to me though.”
“That’s fine. You’ll find someone, maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually.” All my life, my mother has been the type to fall for the first guy to bat his eyes at her. I don’t want to be like that.
“Mom, I’m here to study and get an education. Love is far from my mind.” Like a million miles away, billion miles away.
“Sure, sure, sweetie.” She doesn’t sound convinced, but I’m done having this conversation.
“Laura, we need you back inside.” Antonio’s—my mother’s boss—voice filters in through the receiver.
“You’re at work?” I question while frowning. I swear she never takes a day off.
“Yes, picking up some extra hours.” She sighs. “I’ll be in, in a minute. I’m saying bye to Blair.” She must cover the speaker on the phone because the voice is muffled. A second later, she returns and says, “I’m sorry, sweetie, got to get back to work. I’m happy you’re getting out and enjoying college. Next time I call, we can discuss Ben and me coming up to visit.”
“Yeah, maybe. I love you, Mom. Tell Ben I love him too.” All of a sudden, I feel sad. Sad that I’m here and not back home helping my mom. Sad that I’m alone, and that I miss her and my brother because I know they can’t afford to come and visit me.
“Of course, honey. Love you too, talk soon,” she says a little too cheerfully before hanging up. I pull the phone away from my ear and stare down at it. My heart beats heavily in my chest. This is why I tutor, so that I never have to ask my mom for money, I never have to take from her, especially when I know she needs it more than me.
Burying the emotions deep within my chest, I nearly jump out of my skin when there is a loud knock at my door.
This night just keeps getting worse.
Pushing off the bed, I walk to the door. It’s probably just another girl on the floor asking to borrow something. I mean, who else could it be?
4
Cage
Walking through the girls’ dorm is nothing new to me, but doing it while knowing that I’m probably going to get rejected, and a door slammed in my face is something I’ve never experienced before.
Coach called me about an hour ago, reaming my asshole. He told me to go apologize to her, which wasn’t a bad idea. I’m actually glad he’s on my side without knowing what he is helping me with. He pushed for me to use her as a tutor and no one else since she is not going to take any of your shit.
Little does he know, I want her as my tutor for a whole different reason. The bet with the guys I made earlier weighs heavy in my mind. Was there any way I could actually make this girl like me? Sure, I was attractive and obviously very much liked by the opposite sex, but Blair had made it clear she didn’t date jocks. Then again, I suppose I didn’t have to date her. All I had to do was make her fall for me. It was going to take a shit ton of effort though, effort I wasn’t sure would be worth it.
And there was still the issue that she was the one person that could keep me from failing Calculus and keep me on the roster for the wildcats.
Thankfully, Coach was able to give me the deets on which room she was in. Otherwise, I would’ve been here all night going door to door to find her. Stopping at her door, I lift my hand and knock. Almost immediately, the door swings open, and Blair stands before me, looking adorable and a bit sexy. My gaze rakes down over her body, even though I try to stop it. She’s wearing pajama bottoms with kittens on them and a white tank top without a bra. Her big pink nipples press against the fabric, and I’m mesmerized.
“What do you want?” she growls.
“I came to apologize,” I say, trying not to stare at her tits. “Can I come in?”
“No.”
I almost roll my eyes at her. Why does she have to be so difficult?
“Why not?”
“It’s late.”
I lift my wrist and look at my watch. “It’s nine-thirty.” I say, and then pin her with a questioning look.
“Like I said, it’s late.” She crosses her arms over her chest, which only pushes her cleavage up further. “Bye!” She asserts, waiting for me to leave.