Page 7 of Spring Tide

Oh well.

At least I’ve heard that Jaqui Nerrie is an absolute goddess. She graduated from Coastal U four years ago, yet she’s already worked her way up to senior associate. Anyone would be lucky to work with her.

“Eden,” I whisper-hiss, gently nudging her with my elbow. “What’d you get?”

“Baseball,” she mutters, dejected. “I’m so annoyed. I mean, why would they assign us spring sports? I’m not even gonna get to stand on the sidelines for their games.”

“Wait, seriously?” I choke out. “Would you rather have football?”

“Um, hell yeah, I would. Is that what you were assigned?”

“Mhm.” I frantically nod. “Would you maybe want to swap?”

“Yes!” she instantly replies, then reconsiders a moment later. “Wait, no, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

I lean closer, whispering conspiratorially, “Let’s just say it’d be mutually beneficial.”

“But why would you want baseball?”

I quickly glance around, ensuring our privacy. “I may have a little thing for the starting pitcher.”

“Gunderson?”

“Mhm,” I confirm, barely concealing my grin.

“Oh my God.” She’s giddy now. “Okay, yes. Do you think Professor Gill will actually let us swap, though?”

“Only one way to find out.”

“You’re right,” she agrees. “Let’s ask her before we leave today. The worst she could say is no.”

“Exactly,” I whisper back.

The two of us spend the rest of the Q and A session in hopeful anticipation. I’m absentmindedly chewing my nails, attempting to listen as my peers recite their endless stream of questions.

It’s sweet. I can tell that everyone’s excited, anxious but eager to begin their internships, to finally have a taste of the real-world experience.

By the time Professor Gill ends the short lecture, I’m practically shaking.

“Please remember to contact your supervisors by the end of the day,” she announces. “I’ll see you all on Friday.”

I bolt out of my seat, rushing to her podium with Eden in tow.

“Excuse us, Professor,” I say, summoning my most professional tone.

“Yes, ladies.” She grants us both a warm smile. “How may I help you?”

“We were wondering if we could swap assignments for the internship,” Eden says, cutting straight to the chase.

“Sorry, ladies.” Her smile fades, replaced by tight-lipped sympathy. “I’ve already stated that all assignments are final.”

“Right, we heard you say that,” Eden cuts in, clearly lying through her teeth. “But, um, we were wondering if you might consider a swap due to extenuating circumstances?”

“Of course.” Professor Gill knits her brows. “If there’s a legitimate concern with your assignment, please tell me.”

And that’s when it hits me—the perfect little white lie.

“It would be a conflict of interest for me,” I blurt.

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