Page 28 of Off The Rush
I guess I didn’t have a choice. Agreeing to work with Kenny was inevitable. There’s something oddly comforting about that fact, like maybe fate is nudging me in his direction for a reason. Despite my lingering nerves, I find myself growing more excited about the prospect of working together.
“Remember,” Professor Martin says as he wraps up his instructions, “the purpose of this exercise is to learn how to collaborate and communicate as musicians. Don’t be afraid to push each other and take risks.”
After a brief pause, he adds, “And most importantly, have fun with it.”
“Fun” might be a bit of a stretch for me right now, but I’m willing to give it a shot. After all, music is my passion, and working with Kenny just might help me grow as a singer.
Kenny turns to me, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I’m looking forward to working on this project together, Emma. I think we’ll make a great team.”
“Me too,” I reply, offering him a genuine smile. Whether by choice or by circumstance, I’m about to spend a lot of time with Kenny.
When class finally ends, Kenny and I walk out of the room together, my heart drumming a steady rhythm as the reality of our partnership sets in. The hallway is alive with chatter from other students, their voices blending into a hum that fills the air.
“Hey, Emma,” Kenny says, his voice cutting through the noise, “I’ll need your number for the project.” He flashes me an easygoing grin, and I can’t help but smile back.
“Of course.” I pull out my phone and exchange numbers with him.
“Great,” he says, locking his phone and sliding it back into his pocket. “How about we meet up next week to start working on the assignment?”
“Sounds good to me,” I reply, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder.
“Awesome. See you then!” Kenny waves goodbye, and we part ways, heading in opposite directions down the hallway.
As I walk back to my house, the sun casts long shadows on the pavement. My thoughts drift to the upcoming project with Kenny, wondering what kind of music we’ll create together.
When I get to my house, I find Tessa sitting in the main room, her red hair cascading over her shoulder as she focuses intently on the piece she’s sewing. Her nimble fingers dance across the fabric, threading the needle in and out with precision.
“Hey, Em,” she greets me without looking up from her work. “How was class?”
“Interesting, to say the least,” I admit, dropping my bag by the door and joining her on the couch. “We’re doing a partner project, and I got paired up with this guy named Kenny.”
Tessa finally looks up from her sewing, her hazel eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Ooh, tell me more about him. What’s he like?”
I describe my interactions with Kenny so far, mentioning his rescue from Rachel’s unwanted attention and our brief conversation in class. Tessa listens intently, nodding as I speak.
“Sounds like you’ve got quite the partner there,” she says teasingly. “Men are just coming out of the woodwork when it comes to you, Emma.”
“Please,” I roll my eyes playfully. “It’s just a project, nothing more.”
“Uh-huh,” Tessa smirks, returning to her sewing. “We’ll see about that.”
Chapter 13
My voice echoes around our living room as I wrap up my practice for the Spring Showcase. I am so happy with how it is coming along.
My phone buzzes. As I glance down, I see a text from Alec.
Up for some fake dating? I thought it’d be a good idea to have you come watch practice so my coach can see you. Interested?
I raise an eyebrow and type back.
What’s in it for me?
Alec replies immediately.
Free dinner after practice?
Honestly, free food is hard to resist. Plus, it might be fun to see him play hockey. And Luka and JD. I reply and instantly begin to stress about what to wear.
