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“Market-driven solutions drive efficiency,” Storm says smoothly, his voice carrying across the hall. “When left to compete, companies innovate. They find ways to cut costs and serve customers better. When the needs of the people are left to the government, bureaucracy causes meeting those needs to languish. Too much government intervention or sole governmental responsibility stifles innovation and raises costs for everyone. Look at tech, pharmaceuticals?—”

I can’t keep quiet. “Pharmaceuticals?” I cut in, twisting in my seat to look back at him. “Are you really saying the private sector has done a great job at making drugs accessible to people who actually need them?”

A few of our classmates murmur, and I catch Professor Hansen in time to see him grin as he observes the exchange.

Storm tilts his head to the side, and I feel his piercing gaze down to my toes.

“I’m not suggesting that. In fact, there’s plenty of room for companies to do better—to get people in places of leadership who add ‘meeting the needs of the end consumer’ to their bottom lines. What Iamsaying is the market responds to demand. Innovation thrives when there’s competition, and competition doesn’t happen if the government’s there doing what it does best: Standing as a roadblock to progress. Private companies have a better shot at solving problems than some bureaucratic institution ever will.”

I sit up straighter, refusing to back down. “It’s a lovely thought, but completely impractical. If we follow your line of thinking, you’re fine with leaving issues like clean water and healthcare up to whichever corporation can pay for the biggest piece of the pie? Who’s going to regulate that? Have you heard of PB, Hexagon, or EP&G?”

All three private companies ran on similar slogans claiming to be “for all humans,” but actively poisoned our water instead.“You think the oil and gas and pharmaceutical companies are really out there for people’s health? Because last I checked, entirely too many marginalized communities in major metro areas still don’t have clean water and access to healthcare. These things are only getting harder for those who need it most.”

Storm smirks and damn him for it making him look even more attractive.

There is seriously something wrong with me.

“Look, if the goal is to find the best, most efficient solutions, then yes, I think private companies are better equipped. It’s not charity work—it’s the business world, and that’s the nature of competition.”

“Which does absolutely nothing for those who can’t afford it,” I snap back. “My tax dollars, our tax dollars, are supposed to support infrastructure. They’re supposed to create some kind of basic equity. Without oversight, those ‘innovations’ you’re so proud of are just another way to push people out, to keep them marginalized and struggling.”

Storm raises an eyebrow, leaning forward in his seat. “And here I thought we were in an economics class, not a political science debate.”

Professor Hansen clears his throat, his eyes sparkling with the tiniest hint of amusement. “Actually, Ms.Rivers, Mr.Sandoval, you’re both right where you should be. Economics is indeed about these questions. It’s not just about profits and losses. It’s about who gets to profit, and who suffers those losses.” He looks around at the rest of the class. “And I expect each of you to have an answer to those questions before the semester is over.”

Professor Hansen gives all of us a stare-down, but when he gets to me, I finally see a spark of something that might not be indifference.

“All right,” the professor says, “now that you’re all warmed up, pull out a sheet of paper. It’s quiz time.”

A low rumble goes through the class, and Professor Hansen raises an eyebrow, which silences us all.

“You are all upperclassmen. You all have done the required summer reading, correct?”

The silence is deafening.

“Exactly. I’ll read the questions aloud. I recommend you transcribe them or take notes, as I won’t be repeating myself.”

We all begin flipping through our notebooks and backpacks, and I hear the classroom door at the rear of the lecture hall creak open and slam closed.

Looking up, I count and there are four fewer classmates than when class started.

You’ve got this.

I turn in my seat to face the front when my eyes catch Storm Sandoval’s.

And I get stuck there. Because he may be an ass, but he really is a good-looking ass.

Focus, bitch!

I’m about to complete my turn when he ruins everything by spinning his index finger in the air, telling me to turn around, and letting me know he’s caught me staring.

Heat creeps up my face, and I’m grateful for my rich complexion. If I were any fairer, I’m sure I would look like a strawberry right now.

Shae Olivya Rivers. You did not come here to get swept up in pretty rich boys. Get. It. The fuck. Together.

Angry at his audacity, I tighten my lips and continue to spin…but not before covertly flipping him off.

His loud guffaw makes Professor Hansen look up from his lectern, and for once, he looks displeased with Storm.