Page 167 of Lessons in Chemistry

“Emory has been tutoring me most of the year. He’s studying pharmacology too.”

Dad sniffs. “So you’re the reason August’s grades have been improving.” It’s not a question.

At the table, Casey folds his arms and glowers at Dad, who, thankfully, doesn’t seem to notice. He’s too focused on Emory.

Not that the look on Emory’s face is much better. He’s clenched his teeth, and his cheek muscle is ticking. “I’ve helped, but Auggie has been doing all the hard work.”

Dad rolls his eyes as he turns to me. “Still using that infantile nickname?”

“What do you want, Dad?”

“You had a test on Monday.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake. I’d almost forgotten that Dad had the dean of the university on speed dial.

“A test you did dismally in. And that’s putting it politely.”

“It was sprung on us with no warning. We couldn’t revise for it.”

“You attended at least some of the lectures, didn’t you? I assume you paid attention, but perhaps not. You shouldn’t be failing a surprise test.”

“So, what? You drove all the way here from London to tell me what I already know? That I didn’t do well enough?” I pinch the bridge of my nose and look at Emory and Casey. “Maybe you should go.” They don’t need to be here for the argument that’s about to happen.

Not that it looks like my boyfriends have any intention of going anywhere.

“Pack your things and go. August and I need to have a private conversation.”

Most people would jump the moment Dad told them to, but not my boyfriends.

Emory comes and stands beside me. “The test was hard. Half of it was stuff we learnt in the first four weeks of term.”

“Oh, when you weren’t bothering to attend your lectures.” Dad glares at me.

Emory clenches his fists. “Auggie is working hard to improve his grades, Mr Cunningham.”

“Not hard enough. Thank you for tutoring him, but this conversation is none of your business. Please go.”

Emory lifts his chin. “No. I need you to know how hard Auggie is working.”

“So you’ve said.” Dad sounds bored.

“Yes, but did you listen?” Emory demands.

“Emory, please.” My voice is weak. I’m Mr Confident in every other respect, but in Dad’s presence, I might as well be a child. “You and Casey should go. I’ll be okay.”

“It’s not fair that he’s judging you over that test. It doesn’t count towards anything. It was useful for showing us gaps in our knowledge. Now that you know them, we can target your revision more effectively. The professor did us a favour by giving us that test. He was reminding us that we can’t get complacent about preparing for our exams.”

That’s not how I would have looked at it, but I love Emory for finding a positive that Dad might listen to.

Emory gestures at the table. “Auggie has a solid revision plan and study schedule that he’s been following all week. By the time the exams come around, he’s going to do great.”

“That remains to be seen,” Dad says.

“I know he will. I believe in him.”

He’s in danger of sounding more like a boyfriend than a tutor, but I’m too awestruck to tell him to shut up. I’ve never seen anyone stand up to Dad before. But Emory is. Sweet Emory, who gets embarrassed at the slightest thing, is standing up to my father. If I hadn’t already fallen in love with him, he would have stolen my heart and ridden off into the sunset with it.

I glance at Casey, whose expression has softened as he stares at our boyfriend. He can’t easily stand up for me while he’s posing as a study buddy, but I know he would if he could. I also know he’ll wrap his arms around me the moment Dad leaves.