Page 56 of The Surprise Play
I must be fire-engine red right now, and I’ve got no place to hide!
All I can do is admit with a sheepish grin, “There’s nothing like the smell of a new assignment you’re about to hand in.”
He looks at me like I’m weird, and I wait for the teasing barb, but he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he takes the pages from my hand and gives them a deep sniff.
“Still warm,” he murmurs.
“I know.” I can’t help a grin.
Ugh. I probably look like the biggest dork right now.
Taking one more sniff, he nods and murmurs, “I get it.”
My insides twirl and jump, and I beg myself to calm down. I’m not getting giddy over this man. I won’t let myself do it.
“Shall we go?” Heading for the door before he can reply, I lead the way to Professor Pilscher’s office… and notice that the closer we get, the slower Wily’s steps become.
It really should be a case of me jogging to keep up with his long strides, but he’s actually walking behind me now.
Turning to face him, I gaze up at his tight expression, and before I can stop myself, I take his hand and give it a squeeze. “You can be proud of what you’ve done here.”
He swallows and nods, squeezing my hand back. “Thank you.”
“Come on.” I grin. “Let’s go show Pilscher how smart you are.”
CHAPTER 17
WILY
She doesn’t know what she’s talking about, but I let Satch lead me into the Humanities building anyway. I don’t know why I’m suddenly so nervous. It’s just an assignment. I’ve handed in plenty before, and if anything, this is potentially one of my better ones.
But that’s the thing.
It’smywords this time. Not somebody else’s that I’ve just proofed.
These are my ideas.
And sure, Satch held my hand every step of the way, and I should have confidence in that, but Pilscher hates me and he’s going to be grading this assignment with that in mind. I’m the dumb shit who doesn’t deserve to pass. I’m good for football, and that’s it.
I’ve been reminded of that my whole life.
So why should the fact that I have an amazing tutor change anything?
Dude, it changes everything! She’s gonna help you graduate, man. Stop acting like a douche and be grateful.
Gritting my teeth, I check myself and rap on the professor’s door.
“Enter.”
I hold the door so Satch can walk in first, and I can instantly tell she’s a star pupil because the guy smiles at her like she’s a welcome sight.
“Well, good morning, Miss Satchwell. How are you today?”
“Very good, sir.” She shifts to point at me. “Thought I’d accompany Wily so I can tell you how hard he worked on this assignment.”
Pilscher’s smile disappears. “Did he now?” Holding out his hand, he flicks his fingers, and I pass over my work, my chest tightening uncomfortably.
Seriously. Why do I even give a shit?
