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“The redemption exam,” Grace answered, looking over my other shoulder. “That’s awesome, Willow.”
“I don’t have to worry about failing anymore,” I said, shoulders slumping in relief. “Well, at least, not until finals.”
Phoebe was reading website, muttering under her breath. “Wait — 79%? Holy shit, that’s amazing. You got 17% in the first one, right?”
“What can I say? My tutor was amazing.”
Phoebe frowned at me. “You mean that rude guy?”
“Didn’t you say he was a total asshole?” Grace asked.
I winced. That was the last thing I’d told them about Ryan. I hadn’t updated them with the whole he-isn’t-actually-that-bad-also-he’s-teaching-me-how-to-have-sex thing.
“Um,” I began. “I think we got off on the wrong foot. He’s actually kind of nice.”
My friends were looking closely at me, eyes narrowed.
“What?” I demanded.
“Do you see what I see?” Phoebe asked Grace.
“Totally. I’ve never seen her with that look before.”
“What are you guys talking about?” I asked.
Phoebe thrust an accusing finger at me. “You like him! You’re blushing and you’ve got this mushy look on your face.”
“What?” I asked, pressing my hands to my cheeks. “I do not.”
“You totally do,” Grace said.
I knew I couldn’t argue with them. “Well,” I said quietly. “He is really cute. And I…I like hanging out with him.”
“Then ask him out.” Phoebe said it like it was obvious.
“I can’t do that,” I replied automatically.
She raised a brow. “Why not?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “He’ll say no.”
“Girl, have you seen yourself?” Grace asked.
Sure, I was pretty. But…
“He’s so smart,” I said. “He’s doing a PhD, while I’m just a freshman who doesn’t know anything. He’s mature and everything, while I just fuck around.”
“Everything you’re saying right now sounds like nonsense,” Grace replied. Her eyes suddenly lit up. “You know what you should do?”
“What?” I asked warily.
“Text him! Tell him that you passed your exam — I’m sure he’d want to hear it.”
It would be a good excuse to reach out. Neither of us had texted each other since the almost-kiss incident.
“And say you want to thank him for all his help,” Grace continued. “Offer to get him dinner.”
“Oh my god, that’s such a good idea!” Phoebe exclaimed. “And it’s not random or weird. It’s normal to thank someone with a meal.”
