Page 125 of Necessary Roughness
“Microsoft Excel,” Morgan asked, “or Google Sheets?”
“Both,” Zane replied smugly. “I appreciate the additional formula features that Excel offers, but prefer the online collaboration that Google Sheets provides.”
“What the fuck is happening?” Roman whispered.
Morgan stepped closer. “I have a spreadsheet to track how often I study for each class, with graphs to show a positive correlation between time spent and exam grades.”
Zane snorted. “I have a spreadsheet to track my weekly weight fluctuations.”
“Weekly, not daily? I suppose that’s fine, if you’re comfortable with an incomplete dataset.”
“Oh, I’ve been tracking it daily with a Smart Body Composition Scale since I was fourteen. The weekly average is what is displayed on my line chart.”
“That much data would create a lot of noise,” Morgan admitted. “The weekly average is probably sufficient.”
“Trust me, it is,” Zane said in a breathy tone.
I cleared my throat and stepped forward. “Morgan was my roommate before I moved into this house. With me gone, she has her place all to herself.”
“I like it quiet,” Morgan said, still intensely focused on Zane.
“Nottooquiet, I hope,” Zane replied with a smile.
“I can get quite rowdy while listening to Vivaldi when I study.”
“HisFour Seasonsviolin concerto is my go-to music when I need to focus.” Zane glanced over at us. I imagined how we must have looked, the four of us staring wide-eyed as they performed their nerdy little mating dance, or whateverthiswas. “Is it safe to assume your apartment is a better study environment without this woman and my football players coming over?”
“You have no idea,” Morgan replied. “One time they came over and watchedDie Hard.”
“Unbelievable.” Zane shook his head, and glanced at me again. “Perhaps I will look the other way on her illicit residence here. Seeing as though it affects more than just the four of them.”
“This would immeasurably improve my quality of life,” Morgan agreed. “I would love to show you some of my spreadsheets… if you’re free tonight?”
“I was planning on driving home for winter break tonight.” Zane scratched his chin. “But I suppose I could delay that until tomorrow. I dolovea good spreadsheet.”
As the two walked away, Knox shook his head and muttered, “Those two need to get a room.”
“A room filled with printed-out spreadsheets for them to have sex on,” Logan added.
I made a disgusted noise. “Can we please never talk about Morgan’s sex life again?”
“I also don’t want to imagine Zane in bed,” Roman agreed.
Knox’s phone rang. “It’s my lawyer,” he said, surprised.
We all drew quiet as he walked inside and answered the call.
“She’s going to tell him to settle,” Roman said when he was gone.
“But he’s innocent!” I blurted out.
“That doesn’t matter. Troy will be able to drag it out. Make it problematic for Knox. Hurt his draft position. Knox willsavemoney by settling quickly. Think of it as an investment. A little down payment now, and a big payoff when the draft happens in April.”
Logan let out a growl. “This is bullshit.”
“That’s life.” Roman sounded resigned.
I shook my head angrily. It felt like Troy was winning. Ihatedit. But if a settlement meant we would never have to hear from him again…
