“First guess doesn’t count,” Lexi answers.
“Just as I suspected….” From the looks of things so far, Deena is going to win this bet hands down.
FOUR
CLARISSA
Monday morning Jason and I arrive for English at the same time and we walk in together. I haven’t seen him since their party.
“Were you too hungover to come to class Friday?”
“I couldn’t get out of bed,” he sighs. I wonder if the reason he couldn’t get out of bed was because someone was in it with him.
“Were you hungover?”
“Big time,” he replies.
“You Sigma Chi’s sure know how to throw a party. It was fun,” I offer.
“But you and your roommates left kind of early. Well, one of your roommates stayed awhile,” he remarks raising his eyebrows.
“Oh yeah, Deena. She’s the party girl out of the bunch,” I say, a little embarrassed.
“She sure is,” he says as we get in the door of the classroom. Professor Montgomery is already there and sitting at his desk. We take our usual seats towards the back to allow Professor Montgomery’s fan club their front row seats. At the end of class he reminds us that our paper is due on Friday.
“Will you help me out and read over my rough draft? I need you to tell me what you think of what I’ve got so far. I have to get better than a ‘C’ from Professor Montgomery. Maybe if I sprouted some breasts I would be able to get an ‘A’ from him,” Jason laughs. I’m mortified by that comment. Does he know something? My face feels hot and I know I must be blushing beet red right now as I look down at my desk and squirm in my seat. Once Jason notices my discomfort he tries to back pedal.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that’s why you’re getting an ‘A’, just meant if I was a girl he may grade easier…” he trails off, making this even more awkward.
“Okay, I’ll be at Doheny Library after classes today around 3:00. I usually sit downstairs to the right,” I say, trying to change the subject away from my breasts.
“Sounds good, I’ll be there,” he replies, giving me his disarming smile. As I walk out of class Grant stares me down like he isn’t happy about something. I can only guess what it might be as I keep walking out the door.
*****
I love Doheny Library. It’s a beautiful neoclassical brick building from the outside and once you step inside there are grandiose staircases leading up to the main level or down to the lower level. The intricately designed ceilings are at least two stories high. I head down the stairs to the lower level where it is quieter and cozier, but a little cool. I find a vacant big wood table towards the back and settle in opening my laptop to continue working on my English paper.
“Hey Clarissa,” Jason says, walking up and taking the seat across from me.
“Hi Jason,” I greet him with a smile. He actually is really cute and has a killer smile. I glance at his bicep’s bulge when he heaves his heavy backpack onto the table.
“Are you working on your paper?” he asks, nodding towards my laptop.
“Yes, I’m about half way done,” I reply.
“Here is my very rough draft, let me know what you think,” he says, handing me his paper. I take his paper and start reading it over, feeling a little self-conscious as he watches me expectantly.
“Do you have other stuff to work on?” I ask, I don’t like him staring at me.
“Oh yeah, I’ve got to study for a bio quiz I have tomorrow,” he says and then he starts digging around in his backpack. Honestly, how these guys get through school is a wonder. But I guess it doesn’t really matter all that much for someone like Jason Bancroft, whose grandfather is worth millions. I’m surprised they don’t have a building on campus named after them.
As I read through Jason’s paper it actually is pretty well-written. The topic is supposed to be about an event or experience that had a profound effect on you and how it has shaped your life so far. He chose to write about the year his cross country team made it to the State Finals and won the title.
“Jason, I actually like what you’ve written so far. It’s a good, solid paper,” I remark, handing it back to him.
“Really? That’s a relief. If you think it’s good then maybe Professor Montgomery will think so too,” he says with a hopeful sigh. I’m not sure how to take his comment. It’s innocent enough and I’m probably being paranoid thinking he knows or can sense something between me and our Professor. We’re going to have to be even more careful.
“What is your paper on?” Jason inquires.
“First love,” I reply blushing a little.
“Interesting… can I read it?” Jason asks with a mischievous grin playing across his face.
“I would rather not share,” I say coyly.
“Is it juicy?”
“I’m trying to keep it rated PG.”
“How old were you at the time of this ‘first love’?” he presses.
“Senior in High School,” I reply.
“Hmm, then it’s probably not rated PG,” he teases raising an eyebrow at me.