Page 8 of Spring Tide

Eden’s head snaps in my direction, eyes widening for a fraction of a second.

Professor Gill purses her lips. “How so?”

Well, fuckity fuck. “Because I’m, uh, I’m dating someone on the football team.”

“Oh, very well.” She nods her agreement, scribbling a quick note into her folder. “I can see how a relationship of that nature may be considered inappropriate.”

A wave of relief washes over me. “Right, exactly.”

“Thank you for informing me, Miss St. James.” She gathers her materials, tucking some loose files under one arm. “I suppose, due to the circumstances, I could allow you to switch with Miss Levine here.”

“Thank you, Professor,” I counter, equal parts uneasy and delighted. “I just wanted to keep things professional.”

“Of course. Please send me a reminder email, and I’ll change the official roster.”

“We appreciate that,” Eden chimes in. “Thank you.”

“Have a nice week, ladies.” She perches her glasses back into place, signaling our dismissal. “I’ll keep an eye out for your email.”

I duck my chin, carefully concealing an ear-splitting grin. As Eden and I exit the lecture hall, we’re tripping over our own feet, bursting at the seams by the time we reach the quad.

“Oh my God,” Eden whisper-shouts. “That was kinda badass. I can’t believe we pulled it off.”

“Please, I was practically pissing myself the whole time.” My hands are shaking, nervously twisting into the ends of my now-tangled hair. “I really hate lying.”

“But it’s for the greater good.”

“True, and now—”

“St. James, hold up a second!”

We stop in our tracks, heads turning toward the sound of a male voice. I carefully glance over at Eden’s shocked face. She’s staring, open-mouthed, spine stiffening as our classmate approaches.

Grant Fletcher’s now flanked by a group of unfamiliar friends. He’s a large guy, with broad shoulders and an even broader personality. He’s also nearly impossible to miss in a crowd, no matter how much Eden wishes she could.

“Hey, Fletcher.” I awkwardly clear my throat. “What’s going on?”

“I saw your name on the roster.” He’s speaking directly to me, but his attention is clearly elsewhere. “It looks like we’ll be working together this term.”

“Oh, um, Eden’s actually gonna be working with you.” I wince, gently nudging her forward. “I’m officially on baseball now.”

“What?” His jaw drops, gaze darting between the two of us. “Gill said our assignments were final.”

“Yeah, but she’s already swapped us.”

“Why would she do that?” His eyes narrow. “Matter of fact, why the hell would you be up for a swap? Baseball’s in the off-season right now.”

“Oh, it’s, um ... there was just a conflict of interest on my end.” One shoulder lifts in a noncommittal shrug. “That’s all.”

“A conflict of interest?” he scoffs. “What, Coach your dad or somethin’?”

“Um, no,” I stutter. “You know he’s not.”

“What is it, then?”

“It’s none of your business, Grant,” Eden bites out. “That’s what it is.”

“It’s fine, Eden.” I nervously tug at my hair. “Uh, we told Professor Gill that I’m dating a player. That’s the reason she allowed it.”

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