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It’s a shame when in today’s day and age hard work still takes a second seat to outright nepotism. If by any chance you have any regular openings in the student body for this spring semester, I’d be willing to transfer immediately. If either Sierra or Wade’s positions fall through, please keep me in mind.

Sincerely,

Ryan Hill

I hit send, then firmly closed the lid on my laptop. There. I felt better already. Even if nothing comes of it. They’ll know I know. I picked up my phone texting Gran. She wasn’t the best at text but could figure out the basics.

Me:I applied, even though Wade’s daddy bought his way in for him and his new girlfriend. I was so angry I wrote the head researcher to complain.

Gran:That’s my Ryan. Don’t let anyone hold you back.

Me: It probably ruined any outside chance, but I feel better. How’s my boat?

Gran: Waiting for you at a marina outside Nags Head.

Me:It might be waiting a while.

Gran:I’ve been bored. I took a job.

Me:Congrats! I’m excited for you!

Gran:It’s boring. I’m a PA in Durham for a temp agency. But it keeps my days full. Let me know as soon as you hear back from Duke. Maybe Pops will pull strings for you from above.

Me:If he can. He will. Night!

Gran: Night darling. You deserve the world. Don’t sell yourself short next time. Wait for real love.

Just when I was about to put my phone down and start up Netflix again, I got a new text from Hannah.

Hannah:Just bought 50 plastic dick straws online. I got dick everything, napkins, towels, plates. Ordered a case of wine for us and bottles of sparkling cider forKells. What am I missing?

Me:A real dick?

Hannah:Male stripper. On it.

I smacked my head.

Me:It was a joke. I can’t afford a stripper.

Hannah:Heard you haven’t been seeing a real dick. It’ll do you good.

Stunned, I stared at her response. She was such a bitch. But the last thing I wanted to do was start drama for Kells. I’d just ignore her.

Me:How about some dick balloons instead?

Hannah:My credit card is maxed out. You bring them.

“Sure, it is,” I snorted. But I texted her back.

Me:Fine. The place is booked. I have a confirmation. We are all set for Friday-Monday, President’s Day Weekend.

Hannah:See you there.

I didn’t respond back. There was only three bedrooms. Kell deserved the Master. I’d sleep on the couch before sharing one with Hannah. She’d probably do something evil to me in my sleep, calling it a prank. I gritted my teeth; I love the beach but spending a weekend with Hannah was going to require a lot of wine and aspirin.

Seven

Cursing, I shuffled through the stacks of papers on my desk. I had less than five minutes until the Monday morning partner meeting. I was expected to give my assessment of the Management Capital deal. But the contract with my neatly hand typed notes and carefully highlighted clauses was missing. My newest PA, Lauren, was supposed to have my master copy on top of a dozen presentation copies. Gritting my teeth, I hit the red button on my desk phone, immediately connecting me with her line.