Page 12 of Tutoring Mr. Hotshot

Clearly, I didn’t think this through. Because she doesn’t take it as a joking matter.

Not my friend.

Instead, she pushes her shoulders back as a glint forms in her eye. She’s going to prove exactly why she’s going to be a damn fine lawyer one day.

Just fucking great. Here we go.

“As you know, Rodney, it’s good to be a well-rounded student. While you are excellent in all things academic, your work in making connections is poor. As your only friend — ”

“Objection!”

Gotta speak her language to make her understand. It doesn’t stop her though. She just plows on.

“I am qualified to speak on this matter. It would do you wonders to get out there for a night. There have been parties every day this week. You’ve had plenty of chances to hit up at least one. Best of all, it’s Friday, meaning there are no classes tomorrow. You can sleep in if you like.”

“With Aries coming by to eat with Ma so often, it’s not likely that’ll happen.”

She sighs at the mention of my brother. I always thought she might have had a crush on him, though she’s never said a word. I think watching other people try to get to me through him put a bad taste in her mouth.

That or her bi-panic is too strong to ask to meet him. She’s been to a game with me, but she never stays long enough to get an introduction. Come to think of it, she also manages to disappear when he pops up on campus.

“Are you afraid of my brother?”

Her eyes go wide. “What?! No, I’m not. Where did you get that idea?”

“Just a thought,” I mumble. “Anyway, it does us no good to keep arguing this point. I don’t want to go. You can’t make me. End of story. I only stopped by to ask if you wanted to get coffee, and you try to corral me into having fun.”

I press a hand over my open mouth as if appalled by her idea. Yaz rolls her eyes dramatically, then turns back on her attorney persona.

“What can I counteroffer you to get you to agree? Whatever you want, it’s yours.”

I pause at the idea. It’s tempting.

Then again…

“Why do you want me to go so bad? And don’t give me shit about my social life or anything like that. You know I hate parties and don’t make the best company when there, yet you keep pushing it.”

With my eyes trained on her, I spot the second her body flushes. Is she embarrassed about something?

“Ok, look. The truth is, I need a wingman for tonight. There’s a girl in one of my classes that I can’t get the courage to talk to. I want to get a feel for her tonight since I overheard a conversation between her and her best guy friend where she said she’s definitely going to the party. Bonus points, he’s hot and single. Don’t know if he’s gay though.”

The agitation from before leaves in a rush. How can I be mad when she wants to explore a new relationship and wants support from a friend?

“Wait — isn’t there someone else you could take? Why do you possibly think I’d be a good wingman?”

Yaz shakes her head quickly. “You’re perfect for the job. Number one: You’re gay and won’t try to steal her. Number two: You’ll likely make her comfortable just by being your kind self. Number three: If you can distract the friend, I might have an in.”

“And how am I supposed to distract this not-even-probably-gay dude? I have no captivating traits or anything to get his attention.”

“You could talk about football and stuff. I know Aries has taught you enough to get by in a conversation. Or maybe discuss his studies. Anything to keep it to some small talk while I find out if I even stand a fighting chance with her.” She puts her hands together in a prayer pose and juts out her bottom lip.

I throw my head back and groan. “Fine! I’ll do this ONCE for you. After that, I’m party free until I bring something up.”

“Which will be never.”

“Glad we can agree on this. Now tell me when, where, and what’s the dress code? I don’t want to stand out in this place. Best to get in, get out, and not get cornered by some jock too drunk to hold back his hits.”

Yaz flexes her bicep. It’s not massive, but it’s enough to know she’s strong enough to put up a fight of her own. “I’ll protect you, RoRo.”

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