Page 20 of Bad Crush
He smiles and nods, but his attention goes back to Adam. “Big game Saturday night.”
“Yes, sir. We’re ready.”
“Good, good.” He slaps Adam on the back. “Congratulations on the scholarship.”
“It isn’t mine yet,” Adam says. “But here’s hoping.”
“You’re a bright young man.” The way he says it makes the whole thing seem so insignificant, but I know this is important to Adam.
Speaking of, my date seems uncomfortable with all the praise. Adam’s hand goes in his pocket and his gaze falls to the floor every so often. Especially when Professor Picke starts talking hockey again. Interesting. I guess his discomfort with attention isn’t just with eager girls trying to catch his eye.
I finish my drink and then hold it up. Adam notices. Of course, he does. He’s a very good date. “Well, looks like my date needs a refill.”
“Yes, yes of course. See you in class tomorrow.”
“Thank you for that.” Adam dips his head to whisper as we walk away.
“You’re welcome, but I think I need to get water if I’m going to have to slam drinks to get us out of any more conversations.”
“Let’s hope that isn’t necessary. I need to convince these people I’m the right person for the scholarship, not chat about the season.”
“I’ve got you,” I say. I order a water from the bartender and we hang off to one side. “Who’s our next target?”
He chuckles. “Take your pick. I need to talk to pretty much everyone in this room.”
Wow. This might be a long night which I don’t mind, but I feel a little bad for him. “How about the woman on the far left? Gray updo, gray dress, standing by herself.”
“Dr. Hunt.”
“Is she a professor?”
“She teaches biology. I’ve taken a few of her classes.”
“She has great taste in shoes. Love the red pumps. Has she ever asked you about hockey?”
He smiles. “No.”
“Great. Let’s go say hi.” I link my arm through his and do my best to ignore the shock of electricity zipping up my side.
Dr. Hunt smiles as Adam and I draw near. “Mr. Scott. Good to see you.”
“You too, Dr. Hunt. This is Reagan.”
“Hi,” I say and extend my hand. “I love your shoes.”
“Oh.” She looks down after shaking my hand. “Thank you. I didn’t realize that students were invited tonight as well.”
Adam’s throat works as if he’s thinking about what to say.
“Only the two scholarship nominees,” I say proudly.
“Right, right. Of course.” Dr. Hunt smiles. “You’ve made it very hard for us to choose this year. It isn’t often we have two candidates so equally deserving.”
“Thank you.” He shifts his weight from one leg to the other.
Her gaze flits back to me and narrows. “You look familiar. Are you premed too?”
“Oh gosh, no.” I laugh. “I’m a theater major.”
