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“It’s for my senior thesis project.”

Now, he’s smirking. Just begging for a swift slap across his mouth.

“Were you aiming for a cameo?” I take another sip of the tea and begrudgingly appreciate the fact that he chose one of my favorites from this place. Bet Martha helped him with that at the counter. I am a regular, after all.

“As much as my pretty face might brighten up your documentary, that’s not why I’m here.” He looks me over, once again taking in the mess I’ve got spread across the table between us.

“Why are you here, then?” I lean back in my chair, putting more space between us. I don’t like how many people are watching this interaction, even if my cameras garner us more attention than we would attract otherwise.

“I thought you might need help with Film Club business before I get bogged down with grading assignments. You know, Freshman classes and all of that introductory busy work.” He waves a hand in the air like I know exactly what he means.

I do, don’t get me wrong, but how would he know that? God, has he met my dad? Not exactly the most well-known professor on campus, but he does have a reputation.

“And how do you think you can help?”

Professor Knight shrugs, lounging nonchalantly. “I’ve got a few connections in the city. Let me know what you’re working on.”

I don’t know if I want this man’s help. He doesn’t seem serious, so how can I expect him to actually help me instead of wasting my time?

Reluctantly, I show him my list—three film premieres, the NY Film Festival in late September/early October, some table readings, and some talks and workshops given by industry leaders. It’s all relatively simple. The usual.

When he’s done reading through it, his clear blue eyes lift to meet my gaze. His full grin floods me with trepidation. Especially when he holds up a finger and pulls his phone out.

The phone call he makes has me rolling my eyes, and I go back to digging through the internet for other attractions to fill out the list. We can vote on them during our next meeting.

Professor Knight’s voice becomes a low murmuring to the background of my thoughts. We can probably try something adventurous this year with the group of students we have. Last year, we got a bit rambunctious. Lancaster was a wild card who made everything fun but also rode that line of breaking all the rules.

Phone lowering from his ear, Professor Knight earns my attention again as he sips his coffee and offers me a smug smirk.

“What?”

His shoulders lift, easy breezy. Teasing me.

I can feel the frown pulling at my face.

“How does a VIP experience on set of the new Dickie Hernandez movie sound?”

6

ORION

Sofia’s eyes widen, soften, and fill with a small amount of respect. It’s an acknowledgement that flows over her features.

I like the change, although she’s equally pretty when she’s scowling at me. More, it’s how she doesn’t simply fawn over me like everyone else does. There’s nothing flirty about the way she’s analyzing my posture, my hands, my face, looking for a lie.

I raise my brow at her scrutiny.

“Just so you know, I am recording this. I will play that back to you if you’re fibbing.” She taps her glasses and needlessly gestures to the cameras.

Biting back a laugh, I know she can see it by the way her eyes narrow just slightly at me. Like she’s trying to be nice in case this is for real.

It is. I know Dickie Hernadez from college.

“I’m not fibbing. My friend is sending me the paperwork as we speak.” No need to say that Dickie is my friend. That might push her over the edge of disbelief.

“Forward it to me the moment you get it.”

This time, the laugh does break free, and it feels good.