Page 1 of Tempting Him

Jayden

1

Spring break—theweek off from school where students let loose and enjoy not having to worry about assignments, projects, or anything education related. Everyone dips out and spends most of their time getting drunk, whether that be locally, or flocking to major beaches to get drunk there.

For me, I’m sticking close by, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be fully enjoying myself. Quite a few people don’t travel for the break, leaving me with plenty of options. Unfortunately for me, most of my closest friends are all in relationships, so I’ve lost several wingmen, but I’m recognized as the guy who knows pretty much everybody, so I don’t doubt I’ll find someone to hang out with.

As soon as I’m finished with my last class of the day and heading toward my car, my phone rings with a call from my dad.

“Hey, Dad,” I answer.

“Hey. How’s everything going?”

“Can’t complain. I’m done for the day and ready for spring break. What’s up with you and Mom?”

“We’re good,” he says. “I want to talk to you about something.”

I roll my eyes, grateful he can’t see me. Based on his tone, I know this is going to be something I’m probably not ready to hear.

“What is it?”

“Well, I know you’ve been enjoying your college years, which I can appreciate. You’ve done well in school, you’ve succeeded in athletics, and I know your fraternity is important to you. However, based on all the photos your sister’s shown me from your Facebooks and Instaphotos, it’s obvious you’re partying a lot. Why do you kids feel the need to post pictures of you drinking? Anyway,” he says, clearing his throat. “It’s time to get ready for life after college. Son, you graduate in just a few short months. A job at a restaurant is not going to prepare you for what you’re studying to become. I’ve set up an internship for you.”

Ignoring the fact that he got Instagram’s name wrong, not wanting to answer why we post drunken photos, and making a mental note to ask my sister why she’d even show him in the first place, I focus on the last thing he said. “What? An internship where?”

“My company has expanded and they’ve actually set up a new location not far from you. Your old man’s got a connection, and I was able to get you a spot working with the man who can teach you the most about marketing.”

“Really? Wow, that’s awesome.”

“It’s going to be hard work. You’ll lose out on a lot of free time, but at least sports are done for the year.”

“When does it start?” I ask, worried I’m about to miss out on spring break.

“Next Monday.”

“Nice. Thanks, Dad.”

“Thank me by succeeding. Don’t mess this up. The boss is pretty stern, and doesn’t tolerate any goofing off.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

He harrumphs. “Good.”

“Why is Janae snitching on me, though?” I ask with a laugh, talking about my fifteen-year-old sister.

Dad chuckles. “That’s what younger siblings do.”

I stay on the phone with my dad for another fifteen minutes before we end the call and I start my drive back to the frat house.

I talk to my parents at least once a week, but sometimes it’s been pushed to once every two weeks. I stay pretty busy, and they work a lot, but my sister, Janae, will text me fairly often and I’m sure she tells them I’m alive and well. While also letting them know about all my partying. Brat. I’ll have to remember to text her about this later.

While Dad is right, my part-time job as a host and waiter at a restaurant isn’t going to teach me much about a career in marketing, I will miss the laid back atmosphere and being able to talk to everyone who comes in. My extroverted self enjoys socializing. Hopefully there will be some cool people in the internship program with me who I can talk to. I don’t want to be stuck alone with this uptight boss.

My friend, Ivy Montego, texts me as I’m entering my room. She graduated last year, but we’ve stayed fairly close. She was basically a friend with benefits for a while, but we’ve moved on to just being friends.

Ivy:Hey! Spring break plans?

Me:You know we’ll have a party or two at the frat. Other than that, whatever I can get myself into.