Page 69 of Courting Clemson

“Oh, yes. Right in the middle of the swankiest event I’ve ever been to, I’m going to explain to Luke that I lied to him because I’ve been whoring myself out to another guy to afford college tuition. Perfect solution.” I ranted through the entire bit without taking a single breath. By the last word, I was lightheaded.

“First of all,” Grace said firmly, “you’re not whoring yourself out, and you know that. Second, I’m just trying to help here. Don’t bite my head off.”

“You’re right. You’re right.” I worried my lip between my teeth. “I’m sorry.”

I burst out of the little stall, needing more air circulating around my body. “Of all the fucking events going on in the city tonight, we had to land at the same one. This is ridiculous.”

“Honestly, I’m surprised it hasn’t happened sooner. I mean, think about it, Clem. They’re both successful business?—”

“There are tons of successful people in this city.” I took a deep breath and tried to settle down.

“What should I do?” I pleaded with her to give me a reasonable solution here.

“Go back out there and face the music. For one thing, you have an obligation to Brian—to be a good date and not cause any commotion so he can do his thing, right?”

“Yes. You’re right,” I agreed with another deep breath in and out.

“As far as Luke goes, I’d try to pull him aside and tell him you can explain everything if he will give you the chance to do that. But this event is not the time or place.”

She made it all sound so easy.

We said goodbye, and she wished me luck. I fixed my face in the mirror and held my head high as I made my way back to the table. Brian quickly stood to help me with my chair, giving me one of those magical looks he could give when I met his eyes. It could’ve been my imagination, but I thought I heard Luke audibly hiss from across the table.

The event speaker took the mic, and the lights were dimmed while he gave his presentation. There were some fundraising efforts going on, and he spoke in detail about the mission. I felt my clutch vibrate from an incoming call or message on my phone, and I snuck a glance at the device while everyone else was focused on the stage.

Swim team obligation?

I quickly typed out a reply but didn’t make eye contact with Luke. I didn’t want the others at the table to pick up on what was going on. That he and I were texting each other.

I can explain everything if you’ll let me. But not here. Let’s just get through this and talk later.

He didn’t respond after that, and I didn’t blame him. He had every right to be angry and hurt. If he had let me explain the situation, I think he’d understand, but I wasn’t sure he would give me the chance. After the way things had gone yesterday—and without speaking all day today—he probably thought I was choosing Brian over him. Little did he know, there was nothing going on between us outside our agreement.

And how would he handle that knowledge? When I came clean and told him what I had to do to stay at school and earn my scholarship back? Would he understand? Maybe even applaud my resourcefulness?

I chuckled to myself, knowing I was wishing on a star that had fallen from the sky long ago on that chance.

Through conversation over dinner, I learned that Luke’s advertising firm was courting Brian’s business to try to win the account from Luke’s biggest competitor. Luke was excellent at selling his company and their services. Even though I could feel his hostility toward me from across the table, I was proud of his sales tactics. If I had a chance to put in a good word with Brian, I would.

Coming clean to both of them was an absolute must. How they dealt with the information I gave them was up to them. I’d pick up the pieces afterward, but being honest was the only way out.

There was a silent auction going on along one side of the room, dancing in the center, and a lot of alcohol consumption no matter where I looked. These people could really put back the drinks. It made any frat party I’d ever been to look like child’s play.

Brian and I shared a few dances. I’d learned on our very first event date like this that he was an excellent dancer. He moved across the floor effortlessly and led so well, I almost looked like I knew what I was doing. Normally, I enjoyed dancing with him, but tonight, I was self-conscious about his hand placement on my body, and it felt like a dark set of angry eyes were boring a whole in my back the entire time. I couldn’t relax and enjoy it.

“You doing okay tonight? You seem tense,” Brian observed as we moved around the dance floor.

“I’m fine.” I forced a bright smile.

He dipped his eyebrows. “Something’s definitely not fine, but you’ll talk about it when you’re ready. I hope it’s not something I’ve done.”

“No,” I spurted immediately. “You’ve been amazing, as always. There is something on my mind, though, you’re right. But this isn’t the place for that conversation.”

“Do you want to get out of here? I wouldn’t mind leaving. We could go back to my place. Or get some coffee.”

“Only if you really want to leave. I’m here for you, remember.”

“You look stunning, if I haven’t told you already.”

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