Page 3 of Deceit & Destruction

“She’s too much of an introvert,” he adds thoughtfully. “The girl never parties. She keeps to herself and always has her head in a book.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“And yet she somehow got roped into tutoring a cunt like Jennings.” Dismissing the thought, I lean forward, letting my arms hang off the back of the chair I’m straddling. “I’m sure I can find someone else. There are always posters on the bulletin board outside the student rec center. Maybe I’ll put an ad on the website.”

The demand is high and there’s always someone looking to make a quick buck around here. I sigh, bringing my gaze back to Webber.

“It’s just another fucking bill I don’t need right now,” I mutter.

“That’s why I’m suggesting Cassie,” he returns, clucking his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “I overheard her talking to Professor Blackthorne about getting out of the dorms and into an off campus apartment.”

I narrow my eyes.

“Doesn’t Blackthorne teach Musical Theater?”

Webber nods.

“So, why the fuck would she talk to him about getting out of the dorms? He’s not a housing advisor. Makes no sense.”

“Who knows? Maybe she was looking to tack on some Musical Theater students to her tutoring roster. Anyway—you’re missing the point.”

I’m missing something, that’s for damn sure.

“We have an extra room now that Alex moved in with Victoria and Mila. Cassie wants out of the dorms and there are no apartments available in the middle of the year. You can offer her Alex’s room in exchange for free tutoring.”

I stare at him speechlessly, waiting for him to laugh. I mean, he’s joking, right? He has to be.

“Why are you looking me like that?”

Christ, heisserious.

Pressing my fingers to my temples, I try not to explode. The kid has been through hell, not to mention he saved my ass when he could’ve thrown me under the bus. The least I can do is cut him some slack when he’s clearly lost his fucking mind.

I peel my fingers away from my face.

“Dude, are you even listening to yourself? You want me to ask some random chick to move in with us just so she can tutor me.”

He grins at me.

“It’s brilliant, right?”

My mouth falls open and I shake my head.

“It’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” The grin falls from his mouth as I swipe my books from the table and stand.

“Dude—”

I cut him off. This conversation is over.

“I’ve got class in five,” I tell him. “I’ll catch you at home.”

Then, without giving him a chance to respond, I turn and make my way out of the food court. I don’t even know this Cassie character. How would I even approach her?

Hey, I’m a dumbass who needs a tutor and I hear you need an apartment, what do you say you move in with me and tutor my broke ass?

Yeah, no thank you.

With my luck she’ll report me, and they’ll kick me off the team altogether.

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