Tutor Me (7 page)

Callum leaned forward, dropping his voice to a whisper. “But OK. It’ll be our little secret.”

I of course obsessed for the rest of the night over his choice of prize, concluding that it must be to get back at Bryce by kissing Bryce’s girl. That realization made my elation fade somewhat, but I rationalized that he couldn’t think I was entirely gross or he wouldn’t bother. And my car was due for an oil change so as he said, this was a win-win.

“What’s up, Jenny? You seem kind of quiet.” It was Thursday afternoon and Lacey, Alex, and I were at the mall, clothes shopping. Lacey ‘needed’ a new outfit and Alex was looking for shoes. I was tagging along. In Scottsdale in September, an indoor mall is heaven.

Lacey was throwing the occasional piece my way, with “This would look amazing on you”.

I’d grabbed a few things to try on but most of this stuff was out of my price range. Lacey and I were in the Abercrombie dressing room while Alex was next door at Steve Madden. I debated for a moment telling her truthfully what was on my mind. I was flattered that Lacey was acting like a friend but I didn’t entirely trust her. Still, my problem seemed pretty harmless.

“You know how we’re playing Mansfield tomorrow?”

Lacey nodded before she pulled the dress over her head. I was perched on the only chair in the dressing room, watching her.

“That’s my old school, and my ex is going to be at the game. He texted me. Last year I skipped that game intentionally but obviously as a cheerleader that’s not an option. I’m totally dreading facing him.”

She was examining herself in the mirror, her eyes narrowed in concentration. “This is that Sebastian guy, right?” Lacey had an incredible memory. I had told her the whole story over a month ago. “What do you think of this dress? Do you still have feelings for him?”

“It looks great. I love the color. I’m so over him, but I’m still pissed over how he dumped me. I feel like he will always have that over me. I’ve seen him a couple times and he always acts so superior and condescending. It brings it all back and makes me feel like shit. He sent me this text saying he hoped we could talk tomorrow. I know what that means- he’ll introduce me to his new girl and brag about his college applications.”

Lacey clapped her hands together, turning away from the mirror to look at me. “You have
so
come to the right person. Torturing exes is one of my areas of expertise. We’re going to bring this boy to his knees tomorrow, make him realize that you are so out of his league and so over him that he shouldn’t presume to breathe the same air as you.” She paused. “And I’m going to buy this dress.”

For the first time I started to look forward to tomorrow night, trusting that Lacey would annihilate him. I would feel bad if Seb had shown any decency at all but he so deserved what was coming to him.

After shopping (Lacey convinced me to buy a midnight blue ribbed tank) I headed home to study for the Calc quiz the next day. I was nervous about it, not for my own grade but for Callum’s. Today in class he’d done the knuckles on the desk thing that reduced me to liquid, but not spoken to me otherwise. I didn’t know if he was studying or not. In confident moments I was thrilled about our wager but most of the time I was convinced Callum’s motives extended no further than pissing off Bryce. Whatever was going on, I hoped Lacey and Bryce never found out. In some ways I was more worried about Lacey’s reaction if she knew than Bryce’s.

While we were at the mall’s food court eating frozen yogurt, she’d asked me how things were going with the tutoring.

“OK” I’d said, in a neutral tone.
We have this wager, see. And I want to jump his bones whenever I’m near him. Is that ‘OK’?

“Has he made a move on you yet?” Alex asked, her plastic spoon poised in front of her mouth.

My denial was immediate. “No, he is not into me like that.” This was like a repeat of the conversation with Bryce.

Alex snorted. “Like hell he isn’t.”

Coming from Alex, this was something, because she wasn’t into building my confidence with compliments the way Lacey did. Far from it.

I took a leisurely bite of my chocolate yogurt, trying not to show much curiosity. “Why do you say that?”

“Jake and I were in Algebra with you both last year and you know how you would always put your hair up in a bun with a pencil? Every single class, Callum would stare at you as you did that, then shift in his seat. Every freaking day, like clockwork. He looked like he wanted to eat you for breakfast.  From the back row Jake would do this running commentary like a sports announcer. It was pretty funny.”

I flushed, embarrassed, and put my spoon down.

Lacey noticed and interjected. “They weren’t laughing at you, Jenny. Just at Callum.”

Alex agreed grudgingly. “Yeh you were fine.”

“So when you say ‘shifted in his seat’?”
I had to ask.

Alex smirked, leaning forward. “Adjusting himself because he was getting uncomfortable…”

Lacey nodded matter of factly. “Hard as a rock!”

I slapped her arm. “Right, I get it, no need to spell it out”-

“His cock was throbbing…” Lacey went on, leaning out of my reach at the table. I started giggling.

Alex joined in: “If he could just shift his member over slightly, there, aah much better…” She had leaned sideways and grabbed her crotch as she spoke.

All three of us were now laughing so hard that we were getting looks from other shoppers in the food court.

During the quiz on Friday Callum and I ignored each other. I was wearing my cheerleading uniform since we had a home game. I thought I looked pretty cute but Callum was clearly immune to it: it was probably a turn-off since he hated cheerleaders. He finished before I did and sauntered out without a backward glance. He looked confident but then he always did.

I turned my quiz in a few minutes later and headed to my car. I scanned the parking lot to see if his car was around but I didn’t see it. He must have already left.

As I was getting into my own car I heard, “Jenny. Hold on.”

I looked behind me and saw Bryce sprinting over. “Hey.”

“Hi.” He leaned in and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Nice move. One date didn’t make us a public item but he’d been attentive all week, carrying my tray in the cafeteria and meeting me at my locker between classes. The number of girls who usually hung around Bryce had thinned out a lot, with just a couple particularly determined ones left. I oddly didn’t feel jealous of them, just amused.

Lacey had assured me I had nothing to worry about. “Sure, he’s hooked up with them in the past, and he may even do so again while you’re still circling each other, but he’ll get exclusive with you fast, I’m sure.”
Uh OK. I was like, girl number 1 in Bryce’s harem? If I start falling for this guy, this is so not going to sit well with me
. I put this out of my mind and smiled sweetly at him. He was adorable, his short blond hair spiky, wearing a tight t-shirt and Fila shorts.

“I have to run to get ready for the game, but I’ll see you there and we can hang afterwards.”

I nodded, still amazed that this hottie was seeking out my company. He trotted away after one more kiss, this time on the lips, then turned around jogging backwards.

“Oh and Jenny? I’m looking forward to meeting your ex.” He laughed and turned around to run the rest of the way.

Wha..? Lacey was responsible for this!

We trounced my old school pretty soundly, unsurprising since Mansfield was smaller and had a modest athletics program. While I was doing the cheers I scanned the bleachers for Seb, spotting him with a guy who looked vaguely familiar, maybe from my freshman English class, and a girl whose arm was resting on Seb’s thigh. Of course. Seb looked good in his hipster nerdy way. Once I’d located him I kept my eyes averted for the rest of the game, but made an extra effort with my cheers.

“That’s it, nice moves.” Lacey nodded approvingly between sets. “Where is he?”

I couldn’t point him out without making it obvious so I tried to describe him, keeping my eyes on her face. “Midway up by the stairs. Gray t-shirt, glasses, brown hair, girl draped on him.”

She found him quickly, and sized him up. “Pretty cute in that nerdy way but he is full of himself, and if he wants to talk to you why bring the girl? I can tell he is bad news from here.”

The game ended and I gathered up our things. I was trying to play it cool but I expected Seb to appear at any minute. Sure enough, I heard a quiet cough and glanced up to find him standing in front of me. The girl he’d been with earlier was nowhere in sight.

“Jenny.” He was looking me up and down appraisingly.

“Seb.” I nodded curtly.

“This cheerleader look suits you.”

I ignored that. “What’s up?” I wanted to get this over with. Seeing him, there was no tug at my heartstrings but I felt sad and mad for the old me who had gone through such pain because of this guy.

“Nothing much.” He shrugged. “I’ve just missed you.”

When I didn’t respond, he tried again, taking a step forward. “You still giving swim lessons at the Y?”

I shrugged. “Yup.” He didn’t get to know the details of my life anymore.

He ran his hands through his hair in a way that I used to find charming but now seemed calculated. “You know, I kind of have this dream – I know it’s crazy- but the romantic in me hopes we end up in the same school or even the same town for college, like if you were at BC and I was at Harvard?”

Did he seriously just write me into his fantasy as a student at the inferior school?

I was preparing to go scorched earth on him when Lacey appeared at my side. She stepped forward, perky and smiling. I could see Seb warming to her charisma.

“Hi, I’m Lacey, Jenny’s friend. You are-?”

“I’m Sebastian.” He obviously felt no further introduction was necessary, that Lacey would know who he was. Which technically was true, but his arrogance was irritating nonetheless.

But Lacey was looking puzzled. “Sebastian? I take it you knew Jenny when she was at Mansfield?”

I saw slight annoyance flicker across Seb’s face and then disappear. I was starting to enjoy the show, wondering how this would play out.

“I’m sure Jenny told you about me”-

Lacey cut him off with a squeal: “Oh are you the boy she had the secret thing for the whole time she was seeing that other guy her sophomore year? That was such an adorable story!”

Seb looked shocked and furious. “What?” he said, his eyes shooting to me.

I decided to play the part Lacey had apparently cast for me here, jumping in hastily. “Uh Lacey, no, Seb was my boyfriend.”

Lacey clapped her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide with embarrassment. “Oops I’m so sorry. How awkward.” She made a frowny face, then brightened up comically. “Well, it’s all old news now anyway.” The girl could certainly act.

At that moment arms encircled me from behind. Bryce leaned down and placed a soft kiss on my neck, before looking up at Seb over my shoulder. “Hi. I’m Jenny’s boyfriend Bryce. Who are you?” Bryce’s voice was thick with alpha male territorialism and Seb took a step back.

“Her ex” he said flatly. “So, see you later Jenny.” He barely made eye contact as he said it. I knew him well enough to know he was pissed.

“Buh bye,” I called out, my hands resting on Bryce’s forearms, now wrapped around my waist. Bryce was chuckling.

When he was out of sight Lacey muttered “Arrogant prick. That was fun.”

“Thanks Lacey. You should add acting to your many talents.”

She laughed but then gave me a thoughtful glance as we walked off the football field. “If Drama wasn’t social death at this school I would do it.”

Bryce interjected, “Drama is full of weirdos. Do not go there.”

“I know, I know. Too bad.” She gave a small smile. “See you guys later at Kai’s?”

Bryce and I nodded, his arm over my shoulder as we walked to the parking lot. I felt elated after Seb’s dressing down. I knew he’d be scouring his brain trying to work out who I could have been crushing on while we went out.

At my car, I put my arms around Bryce’s waist. “Thanks for putting my ex in his place.”

“Trust me, kissing you on the neck is my pleasure.” He looked uncharacteristically bashful suddenly. “And you know how I kind of exaggerated things a bit and said I was your boyfriend? I know we just started dating but I’m really into you and I hope we can take it to that level soon. Physically too.”

He slipped his hand over my breast, apparently for emphasis. People were all around us so I took his wrist and pulled his hand away. But I felt so grateful for how he’d been in front of Seb, and proud of this hot popular guy who wanted me, that I wrapped my hand around the back of his head and pulled him down for a kiss.

That night at Kai’s party Bryce got my bra off.

Where was he?
I glanced over once again at Callum’s empty seat. Ferguson was handing the quizzes back and Callum had cut class.

“Well done, Miss Bartholomew.” Mr. F placed the quiz face down on my desk. I flipped it over to see the grade, confirming the expected A, but my mind was elsewhere. Obviously Callum wasn’t on the edge of his seat about the outcome. Now he – and I- would have to wait till tomorrow to find out the result. I kicked myself for my stupidity in thinking about this guy so much. This bet meant nothing to him, he barely knew I existed, so why was I wasting my time obsessing over it when I had a gorgeous guy willing to kiss me anytime I wanted? I bit the inside of my mouth to calm down and to will myself to forget Callum.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by Mr. F again. “I see Mr. Caldwell has not graced us with his presence today. Miss Bartholomew, as his tutor, can you convey the results to him?” He dropped Callum’s quiz on my desk. Mr. F distributed the remaining quizzes, weaving between the desks, while I stared at the back of Callum’s quiz for a moment before tentatively turning it over. A- in red was scrawled across the top. I smiled involuntarily, pleased for him and myself. Now what about the bet? A- meant he had won. When would he collect, if at all? Mr. F was still talking, going over the quiz answers, but I didn’t hear any of it. If I texted Callum to tell him his grade, would I seem too desperate? No, that was ridiculous. If I had a tutor and they were given my quiz I would want them to let me know as soon as possible what my grade was. It was just a courtesy. Geez why did it have to be so loaded, though? I decided I would text him, but I didn’t want to seem too eager so I waited until I got home. I got inside, plopped down on the couch, and pulled out my phone. My hands were sweaty with nerves as I texted him.

Mr. F gave me your quiz

I knew I should just say the grade straight out, but I wanted to push him to show some interest in the results. If I just texted him the grade he might not even reply.

His reply was quick:
Practicing till 5:30. Can I come by to collect on the bet after that?

He knew his grade already? I was excited and annoyed by his confidence.

I wrote back:
How do you know your grade, Mr. Cocky?

I checked my answers right after. BTW, you mentioned cock but I hate to disappoint you, the bet was just a kiss. Turning my phone off now for practice

My face split into a grin. He was so cheeky and sure of himself, but even that was hot. And how did he know where I lived anyway?

While I was thinking about all this, a text came through from Bryce.
Must see you. Are you at home.

Oh geez I didn’t want to focus on Bryce right then, but it sounded important. Also, I’d heard from Alex (always happy to pass along bad news) that Bryce had hooked up with a girl at a party on Saturday. Alex had followed her news up with a warning: “Claim him or some other girl will.” I was hurt that he’d hooked up but we weren’t exclusive, after all. I did realize I’d need to up my game to keep his attention though.

I texted back.
I’m home but only till 5:15.

He wrote back immediately.
I’ll be there by 5.

That gave me half an hour. I was tempted to shower but I didn’t want to seem like I was trying too hard. For Callum, that is. I wasn’t really thinking about Bryce, which in itself was a disturbing realization. I was wearing a soft pale pink cotton tee and some cut off white jean shorts that were as short as I could go without revealing any cheek. That was cute enough. I was barefoot because the cool cement felt great on my feet. I did brush my teeth and wash my face though, and tried to make my hair look halfway decent in a ponytail. Then I just had to sit and wait, not my best skill. By 5:00 I was sitting on the front porch, my feet resting on the top step. I was trying unsuccessfully to read the novel I had to finish for English class, George Eliot’s
Middlemarch
, but I wasn’t retaining a word. Luckily I’d read it before. I kept taking sips from my ice water.

Bryce drove up at 5:15. I was practically having a heart attack by then.

“Hey. I have to leave in a few minutes.” He wasn’t even up the steps when I said this. Not very friendly of me.

Bryce plopped down next to me. “Where are you going?”

“To pick up my dad. His car broke down.”

Bryce put his hand on my knee. “I had to see you.”

“Is something wrong?”

“I barely saw you today and I’m- I don’t know- I just felt like kissing you.” With that he leaned over and planted his lips on mine.

As we made out on the front porch I held my wrist up behind Bryce’s head to check the time. 5:25.
Oh my God
. I pushed Bryce away gently but firmly.

“I really need to go. My dad’s waiting.”

Bryce frowned. “Let’s drive out together,” he tried.

“Uh that’s OK.  I need to grab a few things.”

Bryce sighed, and gave a wry smile. “Jenny you always leave me wanting more.”

When Bryce’s Suburban disappeared out of sight I heaved a sigh of relief. I could imagine Lacey in her element juggling two guys but I was so not cut out for this.

I was walking back to the porch when I got a text from Callum:
There in 5 min.

My heart started pounding. I quickly texted back
K
and sat waiting, my heart nearly beating out of my chest. I felt sweaty and nervous. What was happening to me? It was so ridiculous to be reacting this way. I generally felt a few butterflies before a guy kissed me, but nothing like this. I took a swig of water and spat it into a bush by the porch. I’d been kissing Bryce not five minutes earlier, for chrissake.

Callum’s car appeared and pulled to a stop in front of the house. As he got out I stood up awkwardly on the porch, leaving the book and my water glass. Callum walked swiftly up the path to the steps, his eyes locked on mine with an intense gaze, his mouth curved into a slight smile. He was wearing a black Band of Horses t-shirt and jeans.  I think I must have had the deer in the headlights look- I couldn’t manage anything else.

He took the low steps two at a time, in a rush, as I stood rooted to the spot, facing him. Then he was just inches from me. He paused, looking down into my eyes, and I swallowed in anticipation and nervousness. His gaze was burning. But he was waiting. Through my fog I remembered I was supposed to do the kissing. That was the deal. He was taller than me. I tried standing on my tiptoes but couldn’t quite reach his lips. He wasn’t helping me out with this, just watching silently. I finally slipped my hand behind his head to the nape of his neck, feeling the soft close-cropped hair and the warm skin. The feel of him was electrifying, but I tried not to show that. I tilted his head down toward me, and he willingly bent it. I leaned up and placed my lips gently on his, which were slightly parted. I grazed my lips across the surface of his and he stayed still. His hands were at his side. He wasn’t going to kiss me back? Was this guy a statue? Then I felt a shiver run through him and I realized he was as affected by this as I was. Encouraged, I moved my lips more firmly on his. He started to kiss me back. I slipped my tongue tentatively over his lip ring, and then into his mouth. His mouth opened wider and his tongue met mine. And in that split second everything changed. His hands grabbed my waist and pulled me flush against him, and he kissed me back hard, his mouth yearning. I threw my other arm around his neck to pull him closer, and I raked my fingers through his hair. Our bodies melded together and I felt my nipples harden as they rubbed against his chest. The kiss went on and on, and I wanted it to go on forever. He was the first to break away, and I felt immediate disappointment. He rested his forehead on mine, and my arms were now resting loosely on his shoulders. We were both panting.

He released me altogether a moment later. I was staring down, trying to collect myself. I wanted to beg him to stay, to jump into his arms and kiss him more. But I didn’t.

When I peeked at him, his eyes were cloudy, dazed, and he gave his head a shake as if to clear it. He gave me a slight nod and then headed down the steps as briskly as he’d come, jumping in his car and taking off without a backward glance. All the while I stood there, rooted to the spot, my arms dangling useless by my sides, my legs feeling weak. I was in such big trouble.