Page 2 of Endeavor

“Well, Dr. Stevens said to show you the ropes. It’s all pretty easy. I can show you how everything works. And I’m happy to offer my advice on any classes you’re taking.”

“That’d be great,” I reply. I admit I haven’t made a ton of friends yet. There are a few classmates that I know from first semester. And Will Peterson, who was my TA for my Introduction to Cinematography. I suppose I’ve been sort of a recluse since moving here from Berkley, but I’ve been preoccupied.

“Cool. When’s your next class?” she asks.

I whip my phone out to check my schedule. “I have almost three hours before my next class.”

“Great. I’ll have time to walk you through a few things afterward.”

She picks up her bag, and I follow her through the building. “So, what do you think of the program after completing your first semester?”

I shrug. “I’d love more time to start working on my thesis project,” I admit.

She grins. “You’ll get it. Trust me, the second year of the program gives you more time to work on your project.”

“I hope so,” I mutter.

“You probably can figure this all out on your own, but I’ll go over how to work all the electronics real quick and then I can show you some other stuff you might not know,” she says as she opens the classroom door and shows me to a closet with all kinds of audiovisual equipment. I feel a little guilty because Quinlan surely has better things to do than show a grad student this stuff. I’m hoping I can pick her brain later on some class selections I need to make for next semester. She explains everything I need to know and patiently answers my questions. After she finishes, she turns to me and smiles.

“You got this. Both professors are great, as you already know, so it shouldn’t be too hard, and feel free to ask me or the other TAs if you have any questions. We should make a time to sit down and talk more about your project and your classes.”

I nod. “That’d be great!” I suddenly feel silly because that came out way too enthusiastically.

“Great. I’ll text you.”

“Cool. I should probably go and get ready for class. I really appreciate you taking the time to show me the ropes. That’s above and beyond what a mentor should need to do,” I say as I readjust my bag over my shoulder.

“It’s not a problem. I was actually here talking with an old professor and Dr. Stevens asked if I could help you today. She thought it would be a good introduction for us. And honestly, it’s sort of fun to be back here. I’m excited to be your mentor, Emma. I look forward to seeing you again soon.” I nod and she waves at me as I walk out of the classroom.

I head over to Dr. Elliott’s classroom and get it set up for him per Quinlan’s directions.

Students slowly trickle in, and at three minutes before the hour, Dr. Elliott strolls into the classroom. He’s a little older than my parents. He’s a handsome and somewhat imposing figure.

“Miss Baldwin, is everything ready?” he asks me.

“Yes, Professor.”

“Good, we have a guest speaker on Thursday, so I’ll need you to meet her and show her to the classroom. I’ll email you the information,” he states as he sets his briefcase down on a long table to the right of the podium.

I nod and take a seat as he begins the lecture. My mind wanders to the million other things I have to do. I make little side notes in my notebook as they pop into my head.

A few times I must not be paying enough attention because the professor gives me a pointed look after clearing his throat. I want to say something snarky like, “you’re lucky you have a TA at all,” but I refrain.

The thoughts of a large glass of wine later are the only thing that gets me through the rest of the day.

Chapter Two

Grady

“Fuck yeah!” I cry out as I force my cock farther down some groupie’s throat, making her gag. I should really know her name. She told me in the hallway while we were kissing, but I can’t fucking remember it. I don’t really give a shit because right now, I just want to blow my load. I need this release and this girl is willing to give it to me. I feel my balls tighten, and I thrust into her throat as I come.

I lean back against the tiled wall of the bathroom, catching my breath. She shakily gets up, and I put out a hand to help her, as she wipes her mouth and tear-stained cheeks.

“Thanks, baby, that was great,” I say to her as I pull out my phone and check my texts. “Listen, I’d love to stay but I’m late for soundcheck.”

“Oh…uh…OK, right,” she says, forcing a smile. I feel a tinge of guilt, but we’re two consenting adults and she had to know this wasn’t going any further than a quickie in the bathroom. I pull some paper towels out of the dispenser on the wall and hand it to her. I kiss her cheek and she touches it after I pull back.

“You were amazing. Sorry, I have to run, but Silas will get you back to your friends,” I tell her as I walk to the door. “I hope you enjoy the show, and I’ll have Silas get some backstage passes for your friends so you can come hang out afterward,” I add as I open it and walk into the hallway backstage.

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