Page 7 of Praise You

He hands me back the paper and I toy with it, figuring out what to say. I really don’t want to fail this class and starting off the semester with a C is not a good thing. I guess it makes the most sense to have him tutor me. And if I get to admire my sexy as fuck professor at the same time? I wouldn’t mind that.

“Thursday sounds perfect.”

Chapter Three

Oliver

Sitting in the teacher's lounge, I take another sip of my coffee, staring at the computer screen in front of me. I love being able to create my own lessons and choose what I want to teach. Being at the university level allows me more freedom in choosing the type of texts I want. Looking at my notes, I highlight another novel I would like to read when the banging of the door against the wall has me snapping my head up quickly. A young man around my age offers me a small smile, and I chuckle when he grimaces.

“Shit. So sorry. I didn't know it would slam so loud.” He chuckles, walking over to me with his hand outstretched. I shake it, snickering along with him. “My name is Nate. I’m the new biology professor." Nate looks to be around my age. He has blue eyes and blonde hair and the brightest smile on his face.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Oliver, the new literature professor.”

“Oh awesome, I was hoping I would run into you soon. Dean Grey told me you were also new, and I figured becoming friends with the new guy would help me.”

“Same.” I laugh. “I was so nervous because I don’t know anyone here. And while everyone has been nice and says ‘hello’ in the hallways, I haven’t really talked to anyone much.” He seems so bubbly and personable and I’m thankful he talked to me first because I probably wouldn’t have done the same.

“Do you mind if I join you?” He gestures to the empty seat in front of me and I shrug, letting him know it’s fine with me.

“Have you been teaching long?” I ask, trying to make conversation. I wouldn’t say I’m awkward, but I am more introverted and starting my own conversations is hard sometimes.

“Uh yes, but no? I used to teach biology in high school, but I realized rather quickly that I couldn’t deal with younger students, so I went back to school and ended up getting the job here. What about you?”

He sets a lunchbox on the table and starts taking out different Tupperware containers. My stomach growls loudly and I realize I forgot my lunch again.

Dammit.

His eyebrow rises as he stares at me, and I realize I haven’t answered him yet.

“I’ve been teaching for a couple years. I previously taught at a community college in Chicago where I’m from. Took a leap of faith by applying and moving here.”

“So, you’re from Chicago.” I nod my head as he continues, “That’s awesome. I visited there once a few years ago. I haven’t lived anywhere else but here. How’s San Diego treating you?” His energy is infectious and I find myself smiling easily, my shyness dissipating.

“I love it. It’s so different, but I’ve loved going out and exploring new things. I haven’t gotten out much since the semester began, but I do what I can.”

“If you’re up for it, we should totally get together sometime. I can show you some spots you probably won’t find on your own.”

“That sounds awesome.”

And it really does. Being here by myself has its ups and down. The downs are usually when I’m at home alone, either at night or on the weekends when it’s only me and Ember. I haven’t made any friends yet, so anything I’ve done outside of work has been by myself.

“Do you have any plans for tonight?” Shaking my head no, I worry about what he’s going to invite me to do. While I still consider myself young, I don’t do much partying or clubbing. I honestly never did it when I was in college myself, but I definitely don’t do it now that I’m older. “Do you like any sports? They have the baseball game playing at the sports bar down the road from campus. We could head over there after classes wrap up. Drink a couple beers and watch the game. If you’re up for it?”

Am I up for it? That doesn’t sound too bad. And I could use a drink or two before heading back to my empty apartment. And thank god, he isn’t asking if I want to go clubbing.

“That sounds good. Let’s do it.”

“Awesome man. Here, put your number into my phone and I’ll text once class ends and we can set up when to meet.” He hands me his phone, and I quickly put my number in. Excitement fills me and I’m giddy at the fact that I’m going to hang out with someone new. And hopefully have a new friend.

Nate sits across from me in the booth, both of us eating our cheeseburgers. We've been at the sports bar for a little over an hour and our conversation has been effortless. Nate is a year younger than me at twenty-nine, and we have tons of things in common. He's an easy person to talk to and we've been getting to know each other. We've discussed the different activities there are to do around here and he was right. There are so many things I had no clue about. But I'm excited to try something new and see what else there is to do around here.

I take another bite of my burger before washing it down with some soda. There's a baseball game on in the background, which quickly catches my attention. I'm not a big sports person, but I do love to watch baseball. And their asses in those pants aren’t bad to stare at either.

Hmm. Maybe I should look into going to the Pirates game down here.

The team scores and Nate and I whoop loudly and then fist bump each other.

"Wanna know something crazy but also kinda cool?" Nate says, staring at the TV before looking back at me.

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