Page 13 of Rush of Jealousy

She scoffs. “We are going to go get fondue. Say around six?”

“Now that sounds like fun,” I say with a smile.

“I love this new, easygoing Angie.”

“Ha. I was always easygoing.”

“Righhht.”

3

“Hey Teach,” Bryce announces, handing over my caramel macchiato. “Extra shot of espresso because it’s raining.”

I laugh at his justification but quickly welcome the extra jolt of caffeine.

“I have a proposition for you,” he says, taking a seat beside me. “And stop looking at me with those eyes.”

I frown. “What eyes?”

He points at me with the eraser tip of his pencil. “The judge-y ones. I can already tell you are rehearsing how to politely say no.”

“Nothing good comes from propositions,” I say flatly.

“It’s not my fault your life lacked me in it prior to us meeting. Just think of how less judgmental you would have been if we met sooner.”

I roll my eyes at him and groan. “Spit it out,” I demand.

He digs in his backpack for a folded piece of paper. “I’ll let you photocopy my class notes if you come to the frat’s annual Halloween Party.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “You don’t even take notes.”

“I will though if you agree to come.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Good notes.”

From his hand, I take the homemade printed flyer that gives the location, time, and request for costume.

“You know I don’t do parties, especially frat ones. Plus, aren’t all the fraternity houses under an investigation after the drug incident?”

“First off, you need to have some fun in your life. You’re starting to get the ol’ cat lady vibe, and it’s freaking me out a bit.”

I shake my head at him as he rambles on.

“Teach, I can tell something is up with you. A little unwinding is always a good remedy. Second, it’s still a while away. So you have time to invite your friends and make it a social outing. And third, the three girls from the weekend’s supposed drugging dropped the charges, so I’ve heard.”

Why would all three drop them? Lack of evidence? Were they intimidated or pressured to do so?

“I’ll think about it,” I say, taking the flyer and shoving it into my bag. Despite not being in a social mood, I need to attend this party to gather evidence. Maybe Paul will be there, and I can try to get him to talk.

“Yes!” he hoots, but quickly calms down as the professor makes her way to the front of the room to signal the start of class. “Shhh…”

“I didn’t even say anything, Bryce. And why are we shushing?”

His face gets serious. “Moment of silence for the loss of the neck scarf.”

I glance up at the podium and then back at him. “Oh, happy day.”

“Indeed, indeed.”

* * *

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