He hangs up and places the cell back on the table.
“That seemed intense. Was it about me?”
He stares with uncertainty, but as soon as he lets out a ragged sigh, I know I’m right.
“I don’t care what she thinks. Her problem is really with my father, not you. So don’t worry about it.”
But I can’t help but feel bad. “I don’t want to cause problems for you. I can sympathize with how she must be feeling, to knowher husband not only cheated, but had a child with another woman.”
He exhales sharply. “It’s a damn mess, but anyway, about your grade. Is your professor an a-hole, or you think he’d be understanding?”
Picking up my iced tea, I take a few big sips. “I think so. I plan to meet with him tomorrow. Hopefully he tells me what I need to do to improve on the next paper.”
“Let me know how it goes.”
“I will. Thanks.”
The rest of the lunch continues uninterrupted, and soon, we’re saying our goodbyes.
Julius clasps Fionn’s hand before turning to me. “Thanks again for coming. I really enjoyed getting to know you and hope we can do it again.”
“Yeah, definitely. Me too.” I go to give him a hug, and Fionn practically shakes with intensity, like he hates the idea of even my half brother touching me.
I fight a laugh. It’s kinda cute how jealous he is.
CHAPTER 39
AMARA
“Come in, Ms. Quinn.”
I register the professor’s voice before I push the door open. He looks up from his desk as soon as I walk in, jerking his glasses up his nose.
“Thank you for seeing me, Doctor Wright.”
He laughs. “You don’t have to be so formal here. Mr. Wright or Samuel is fine.”
“Oh. Uh, okay.” I nervously slip my hair behind my ear, clutching my backpack as I step closer.
“Please have a seat.” He extends a hand toward one of the leather chairs before his desk.
His dark eyes narrow as he assesses me, and I grow uncomfortable at the attention, though I know it’s innocent.
“Thank you.” Clearing my throat, I settle down, swinging my backpack onto my knees before unzipping it and removing my paper.
“So, your grade.” He leans back into his chair. “I thought you did well. But not A material. Not yet, anyway.” He smirks.
Ouch.
“I’d like to improve, and I’d very much like to know where you felt I needed to do that.”
“Well, your arguments about the challenges of balancing individual rights and public safety in policy-making needed to be strengthened with better evidence.”
“Oh, I see.” I skim the sections he’s referencing. “Anything else you felt wasn’t done well?”
“I think if you improve your arguments and bolster them up for the next paper, you should be fine. You’re a great student. I see a lot of potential in you.”
A grin stretches on my face. “Thank you.”