Page 11 of Laugh

Turns out, the library has a program where they’ve got stored videos for a lot of the topics, plus Haddie Byer is qualified as well. I hate admitting it, but the guys like her. They respect her, and she got them motivated during the short amount of time she was helping them out. If she’d be willing to put in extra time, we could limit the number of tutors we’d have to organize. She’s perfect, and we need her.

“So, here’s the thing. My players and I really appreciated all the information you’ve given us to find the assistance we need to get them caught up. The problem, like you stated, is that a lot of the available tutors are gone for the summer. The few who are still here already have a packed schedule. We’re struggling to find consistency without having to keep swapping between people.”

“Yeah, summers are really hard for scheduling. Have their instructors given them additional projects for extra credit?”

“They have. They’ve all been surprisingly willing to extend grace to them, considering how badly they’ve dropped the ball.”

“No pun intended, right?”

I ignore her joke, pressing forward. “Even Colton only needs to retake one class. The other three classes he can make up with the extra work.” I pause to give her a moment to insert another quip, but this time, she doesn’t. I’m relieved that she seems to understand the seriousness of their situation. “What I wanted to ask was if you’d be willing to give us some of your time over the summer to work with them. I’m aware that some of these topics may not be your expertise, but you have the resources to at least guide them in the right direction. Haddie–”

“Happy,” she cuts in. “I much prefer that, Captain.”

Huffing out an exhausted laugh, I shake my head at her through the phone. “Fine.Happy. Would you help us? I can pay you.”

“Yeah… umm, no. I don’t want to be paid. You’ve got nice boys, so I have no issues giving them a hand. What’s their practice schedule like? Maybe we can try to work some of the time while I’m already there.”

Her response surprises me. I can’t believe she doesn’t want anything for all the extra work. “If you don’t want to be paid, what do you want?”

She’s gone quiet, so I peer at my phone to make sure our call hasn’t disconnected. “Haddie?”

“Yeah?”

“Did you hear me?”

“Mhmm, I’m choosing not to answer you.”

“I don’t understand.” I’m thankful she’s willing to help us, but conversing with her is difficult. It feels like I’m walking through a fun house at a carnival. No idea which direction she’s leading me in.

“Isaid you don’t need to pay me. I’m happy to help. Don’t you think if I wanted something, I’d say ‘Hey, instead of paying me, I’d rather if you dot dot dot’? Chris, this is quite literally my job. If you all are willing to work around my schedule for the most part, I don’t mind putting in a few extra hours when needed.”

“Umm… okay?” I’m not sure what to say now, or how to respond to her calling me Chris. “Are you sure? That seems…” I trail off, my words failing me.

“Like a really nice thing to do? I know, right? Told you I was a nice girl. So, when do you want me?”

I can hear the smirk in her voice, like she finds it funny that she’s thrown me off my game. “Would you be willing to meet with them tomorrow afternoon? We have morning practice, but should be done no later than one. Possibly earlier.”

“So, I actually don’t work tomorrow. I’ll need at least an hour to get there. The bus near me picks up around a quarter after each hour, so if you all don’t want to wait on me, can you just text me with a heads up?”

“You don’t have a car?”What person her age doesn’t have transportation?

“If I had a car, I wouldn’t be taking a bus, silly.” She laughs at me.

Odd, but I can deal with that. “What if I pick you up on my way? That way, you don’t get stuck waiting around for us?”

“Ooohhh, I can take a ride in your spaceship?” The excitement in her voice is cute, but goddamnit if I can’t get her off this Captain Kirk thing.

This time my sigh is audible. “Haddie, do you want me to pick you up?”

“HAPPY, and fine. If you really want to.” She sounds disappointed in me for not playing along.

“Perfect. Text me your address and I’ll let you know when I’m on my way. Thank you for this. You’re saving all our asses.”

“…asses…” she mumbles to herself. At least I think that’s what she said.

“What?” I ask her.

“What?”

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