Page 92 of Pucking Good Girl

“Good luck with your presentation and enjoy the food, Genevieve.” I walk away at peace with the fact that Gen has made her bed and very soon she’s going to have to lie in it.

Macklin

The group presentations are really interesting.

Every group has done extensive research about their assigned dish and included different types of media to show the class images of their dish, the way the ancient Romans immortalized it in paintings, mosaics, and frescos. Before taking this class, I had never considered the part that art plays in preserving and passing on history. Those ancient artworks are like the photos in our modern cookbooks for all intents and purposes.

It’s crazy to think that we’re about to eat the same food—or similar food—to that of emperors and gladiators.

Professor Cantucci might not be fond of athletes, but she’s an excellent teacher. She makes art and history feel alive, and I’ve really enjoyed this class so far.

“Thanks everyone for these excellent presentations. And for the hard work you put in making the dishes you were assigned to recreate. As you can see, I helped with some contributions too. Next to every dish, you’ll find a flashcard with a brief description. Some dishes have instructions on how to best enjoy them. For example, several of the dishes on offer today were eaten with garum or allec on top. Please follow the instructions closely. This isn’t just your regular lunch; it’s part of our curriculum, and I expect each of you to take it seriously. But without any further ado, let’s tuck in.”

And we do. We try everything on that table. The fruit tarts are my favorite items, and I enjoy the moretum that reminds me very closely of our modern cream cheese with herbs.

If I have to be honest, our dishes are the worst. I have no idea how the Romans could enjoy pouring garum or spreading allec on everything. The comparison to our modern fish sauce or anchovy paste is a very loose one at best. The ancient versions are just too pungent, and it’s hard to keep a straight face when we eat it on eggs or on a sweet dish.

Professor Cantucci, however, is over the moon and declares our garum, particularly the liquamen, her favorite dish of the day. She sings the praises of how we stuck to the original recipe and asks us if she can take home the leftovers.

“Of course,” we agree.

“Awesome,” the professor beams. “I’ll get my daughter to try some tonight.”

I stifle a chuckle at her words. I’m thankful that the professor’s daughter doesn’t know us, or I’d be worried about being hunted down for supplying her mother with this disgusting sauce.

“Before I dismiss you,” Professor Cantucci says once the feast is over and the leftovers have been packed away. “Let me tell you that you’ve done the best job of any class that worked on this project in the past. I’m very impressed. Every group will receive an A for their hard work, with one exception. Miss Bergen, your grade will be a C-.”

Oh? Is this where Professor Cantucci tells Gen that she’s been caught cheating?

“What?” Gen gasps. “Why?”

“You shouldn’t be surprised,” the professor bites out. “You took advantage of my absence to get moved to a different group in blatant disregard of my warning that no such changes would be allowed.”

Gen is furious. “That’s bullshit,” she snaps. “And why am I the only one getting a C-? Vaughn moved group too. If I get a shitty grade, so should he.”

Professor Cantucci’s smile is as bright as it was earlier when she was doling out praise when she explains. “That’s true. However, Mr. Heston wasn’t the one who requested the swap; you did. But that isn’t the main reason for your lower grade, Miss Bergen. Your group complained that you didn’t offer any contribution to the project.”

Of course Gen has a justification for her lack of work ethic. “But I just joined the new group at the end. They had already done most of the work.”

Professor Cantucci remains unperturbed. “That might be the case. But that’s one of the many reasons why I don’t let students move groups. College isn’t just a place where you learn knowledge. In these classes, we’re supposed to teach you how to handle yourself in the workplace and in the world in general. How to become an adult, a functional member of society. And today’s lesson is that actions have consequences, Miss Bergen.”

“But I had to move groups,” Gen is so upset that she’s practically screaming. Her face is beet red. “I couldn’t work with Talia. She stole my boyfriend!” She points a French manicured finger at Talia.

“Again,” Professor Cantucci’s expression doesn’t falter. “Life is full of challenges. You might have to work with people you don’t like, people who did you wrong. It’s all part of being an adult. And before you continue to complain, I spoke to members of your original group. They had a similar experience to your current group members and had to shoulder your portion of the work before Mr. Heston joined and pulled his weight. You need to grow up, Miss Bergen, and change your entitled attitude. And you need to learn how to follow simple instructions. Even today, I told you to read the instructions on the flash cards and to eat the dishes on offer as directed. I’ve been watching you the entire time, and you didn’t put garum on any of your dishes after your first try.”

“Because it sucked!” Gen yells. “This doesn’t end here, bitch. Unless you change my grade, I’m going to get my daddy to call the Dean about this. You’ll be lucky to keep your job.”

The diamond in the professor’s upper canine catches the light as her smile widens. “I’ll take that risk, Miss Bergen. Your grade stands. My decision is final. And on this bombshell, you’re all dismissed.”

Gen storms out. “I need a drink and a fucking massage to forget about this day. Then I’ll go home and call my daddy.”

“I hope that isn’t Gen’s punishment for cheating,” Beck muses. “If that’s the case, it’s anticlimactic and way too lenient.”

Agreeing with my brother is becoming a habit lately. “True. Cantucci looked out for blood the other day in her office. A C- is hardly a punishment fitting the crime.”

The smile on Talia’s face is small and mysterious. “Oh, no. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Trust me.”

I hope so. Talia had a meeting with Professor Cantucci yesterday while we were at practice, but when Becks and I asked what they discussed, she was uncharacteristically tight-lipped.