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“So I asked around campus, and everyone had such glowing things to say about the four of you. You are going to be perfect for the video.”
“Have you talked to Wesley or Jamie about this?” I ask.
“No, but you can fill them in. Here’s what I’m thinking?—”
“Excuse me, but what if we don’t want to do it?” Avery interrupts.
“Of course you want to. The Age Gap Academy has done so much for you already by giving you free tuition and letting you learn from the best of the best. Why wouldn’t you want to repay that goodwill by helping promote an institution you’ve significantly benefited from?”
I hate how small Avery looks right now. I don’t think I can ever forgive Dimitria for making her feel less than.
I have to say something.
“I’m not sure that?—”
“You’ll look good on camera?” She laughs. “Oh, please. When are you going to stop with all this false humility? I’m sure you’re well aware you and your friends are the best looking teachers on this campus. People will be applying in droves once they see the three of you on screen. It’ll be perfect. It shows off the assets of the university and hits that philanthropic note that tugs on everyone’s heart strings. Besides, you’re always pushing for more scholarship cases. This promo might be a step in that direction. I can’t see how you’d refuse if it might help the less fortunate.”
Her eyes slide over to Avery for a brief moment before returning to mine.
“You know, this could be a collaborative process since you’ve got some marketing knowledge. I’d love to have your input. Maybe over dinner?” she asks suggestively.
I know she has no clue that Avery and I are dating, but it still leaves a sour feeling in my stomach.
Does she really think insulting my student in front of her face is going to make me want to go to dinner with her?
The delusion is strong with this one.
“No, thank you,” I say firmly.
She falls against the back of her chair in exaggerated shock—for my benefit, I’m sure—but drops the issue.
“Well, I’ll have the waivers and releases put into your academy accounts before I leave tonight. Be sure to sign them before we start filming next week.”
All the air gets sucked out of the room as she bustles out.
“We don’t have to sign anything,” I say after a while. “I know she tried to make us feel like we don’t have a choice, but we do. You don’t have to do this.”
“She was right.” Avery hangs her head. “I do owe them.”
“She was completely out of line to say that.”
“It doesn’t make her less right. There’s no such thing as free, especially when you’re a charity case. As soon as you accept help from people like that, you become their little show pony to trot out and amuse people.”
Her defeated tone makes my heart ache.
“What happened to you, Avery?”
She shakes her head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“At least let me set things straight with Dimitria,” I beg.
“No. I know what I am and what I have to do. It would make me feel safer if you joined me, but you don’t have to. Either way, I’m doing it.”
The look in her eyes stops me from arguing.
“Okay. If you’re set on doing it, then we will too. I’ll make sure Wesley and Jamie are aware of what’s going on too.”
“Are you sure you’ll be able to get them to help? I’ve had to do things like this before, and it’s so much worse when you’re alone.”
