Page 84 of Popular Boys Don't Fall For Geeky Girls

Mia twists around in her chair. “Willow! Did you see Colton’s Personal Tutor app? It’s hilarious!”

“Thank you,” Personal Tutor says. “However, I am not here to entertain. My sole function is to help you, Mia, learn math. With the knowledge of mathematics, you will grow up to be an upstanding member of society.”

“Hey, Personal Tutor. Do you think actors need to learn math to be successful?”

“Everyone requires the knowledge of mathematics to go far in life. Shall I list you famous mathematicians who have changed the world?”

“No, I’m good,” Mia says. Then she laughs to me. “Try her, Willow. Let’s see what ‘preliminary assessment’ she makes of you.”

I glance at Colt, raising my brow.

He holds out his hand toward his laptop. “Be my guest.”

“Well, all teachers love me,” I say as I sit down next to Mia. “I’m sure this tutor will feel the same. Personal Tutor? Hi, my name is Willow Park. I’m Mia’s sister.”

“Affirmative. Mia has already informed me about you.”

“Oh, did she?” I give my sister a look. “And what did my sister say about me?”

“I prefer to make my own assessment of the individual. Tell me, Willow, what is the score you received on your latest math exam?”

“A hundred.”

“A hundred. Yes, I do not believe you are lying. That is very good.”

She starts to ask me some math questions. The more I get right, the harder they become. Until she reaches advanced math they teach in college.

“Willow Park, my assessment is that you are at the level of an individual who is in postsecondary education—university or college—in regards to mathematics. Would you like me to give you formulas in Calculus?”

“Sure. But I’ll have to complete them after I finish myhigh schoolhomework.”

Mia gapes at me. “Even virtual tutors like you.”

I give her a smile that shows off all my teeth. “I am the model student.”

“Personal Tutor, did you know that Willow codes? She makes her own apps. Isn’t that so cool?”

“That does not surprise me, for Willow far surpasses many students in her age group. If she were to ask me what her career path should be, I would tell her that choosing a career in mathematics is a viable option. However, I am not programmed with information on other subjects. It is possible Willow may choose another path that is more appropriate for her. If you would like to download another subject, please see the ‘help’ section in the app.”

“Right, so this tutor is only programmed with math because that’s what Mia needs help with,” Colt tells us. “I download whatever subject the kid needs. Though usually not more than two or three because the program can’t handle it.” His eyes move to me. “What do you think of it?”

I may be seeing things, but I have the impression that Colt wants me to like his program. As though he’s trying to impress me.

“I think it’s amazing,” I say. “Definitely has a chance of winning second place at the competition.”

“You mean first place,” he says.

I laugh lightly. “Are we doing this again?”

He laughs, too. “Apparently.”

“There is no time for chatter,” Personal Tutor says. “Mia, there are still many problems you need to solve. You may take a break later and eat a healthy snack. Do you need me to explain how to solve the problem?”

Mia rolls her eyes. “Does she come with a mute button?”

Colt shakes his head. “Not while you’re having a lesson.”

“Bummer.” Her eyes suddenly light up. “Oh! I need to ask you guys a question. Are you dating? Everyone at school says you are. But Willow said that…” Her brows furrow. “Hey, wait a second. You never answered my question on Friday. I asked you if you were dating Colton and you totally sidetracked me.”

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