Page 7 of Courting Clemson

“No, you don’t have to apologize. They’re my screwy issues, not yours. I know you mean well.”

“There has to be something you can do. Will you lose your scholarship? You helped the team secure a great record this year. That has to mean something to the school, right?”

I shook my head. “I really don’t know. I’ll have to talk to my coaches and maybe to Professor Jones to see if there’s anything I can do at this point.”

“Those are both good ideas. Do you want me to go with you for moral support? I’d totally do it.”

“Nah, I got myself into this mess. I need to get myself out of it. Or try to, at least.”

“This is such bullshit. You can’t tell me all those dumb football players are passing their classes. With how often they party and ditch class? There’s no way. I’ll bet professors overlook a lot of shit for them.”

I loved this girl so much. If I did have to leave school, I’d miss her and Avery so much. I’d never had friends this close in my whole life. Each new thing I realized I’d be losing made the tears come hot and fresh.

“I’m sorry, honey,” she said and reached out toward my shoulder to comfort me again. When she realized what she was doing, she quickly pulled her hand back before making contact. “Sorry.”

I chuckled. “Stop apologizing. I should get over these stupid hang-ups I have and interact with people like a normal friend.”

“Normal is way overrated,” she said with a sideways grin.

“Amen,” I said and perked up a bit. “How were yours? Your grades?” I finally asked after selfishly monopolizing the conversation.

Grace looked sheepish like she didn’t want to admit what she’d achieved.

“Tell me!” I insisted. “Give me something to be happy about.”

She ducked her head into her shoulders and said, “Three A’s, two B’s.”

“Good for you! I’m so proud and happy for you. Especially Calc. I know that was a hard class for you.”

“Thank you,” my friend replied shyly. “What do you think happened? With yours, I mean? You’re so smart. There’s no way those shitty grades reflect your abilities.”

With a shrug, I said, “Don’t know. I think it was just too much. The demands of the team and a full load. I probably should’ve only taken twelve units instead of fifteen. It probably would’ve made a big difference.” I thought a moment longer and added vulnerably, “It was all more than I was prepared for.”

Grace gave a nod—more like a sage elder than a college roommate—but she seemed to understand all the same. “Well, I really hope you don’t have to leave. I’d be so sad without you and your smart ass around all the time.”

“Good to know.” I chuckled and gave her a playful poke in the ribs. “Tell me another good thing. I need to get my head out of this funk.”

She perked up at the invitation. “I met someone,” she began without waiting more than three seconds. My guess was she was waiting to tell me, but lately we just hadn’t spent a lot of time just talking.

“Oh yeah?” I asked. “Where? What’s he like?”

“He’s actually my lab partner,” she said and looked down at her delicate hands twisting in my blanket.

“Why are you saying it like that? Like you’re embarrassed.”

She lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. He’s not my usual type, I guess. He’s a little nerdy. But there’s just something about him.” She grinned from one ear to the other. “He makes me laugh—like, all the time.”

“My favorite thing in a guy.”

“I know, right? I truly care less about looks if the personality is great.”

“Same,” I added. Not that I’d even come close to landing a boyfriend since I’d arrived in San Diego. Hell, at this point, I’d settle for a half-assed date and a quickie.

“What’s his name?” I asked, hoping to keep the spotlight on her.

“Martin,” she sighed and then giggled. “Even his name is nerdy.”

“It’s not that bad. Probably a family name. Although can you imagine holding a little baby and cooing how precious little baby Martin is?”

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