Page 4

Jake

A dmittedly my initial attempt to fix my grade (demanding Violet change my grade and lying to my assistant coach about how she had been failing me for no reason) was not my brightest idea.

I could’ve just told Mason the truth. If anyone would’ve understood prioritizing hockey it would’ve been him, but alas I couldn’t keep my big mouth shut.

“With the urgency of the situation, and everyone’s strong desire to help Jake get back on track—” Violet emphasizes the last bit in a not-so-subtle dig at how I claimed she didn’t care about her students.

Alright fine. It was a dickish thing to say.

But I hated it when people felt sorry for me and looked at me like I was helpless.

I hated it even more when I felt pitied.

“I think we should start Jake’s first tutoring session next week. I already have the perfect person lined up who has agreed to help.”

Violet’s words snap me back into the present. “Wait what? I’m not getting a tutor.” It was bad enough that my coaches and Violet knew I was struggling. Now a complete stranger had to know too? “Not happening.”

“Jake,” Mason starts, his eyes pleading with me to listen. “There’s no other option. We need to get your grades up.”

I turn my attention to Violet. “Can’t I just promise to study some more? And do that extra credit you offered?”

“Unfortunately, even with the extra credit assignment, if you don’t start improving your homework grades significantly, and get at least a B on the final, you won’t pass the class.”

“This is a fucking nightmare,” I groan, dragging my hands over my face.

“I promise Eliana is the best tutor we have. And she’s worked with a lot of athletes in the past so she’s used to accommodating busy schedules.”

Violet goes on and on about how great my new tutor is, but all I can think about is how I managed to get myself into this mess. You really thought you’d prove to your family that you’re more than just some hockey player huh? Now look where you’re at. You might not even be a hockey player anymore.

“Jake?” Mason asks and I realize I’d managed to zone out again.

“Sorry. You’re sure there are no other options?”

“I’m afraid not.” Violet gives me a small smile. “You know Jake, there’s nothing wrong with asking for some help.”

Oh brother . Not this. Anything but this .

She takes a small breath before continuing.

“I failed Intro to Psych during undergrad. It was a real hit to the ego. I still remember how embarrassed I felt. How I thought my whole life was over. It was hard to reach out for help. To admit that I had failed at something I wanted to make into a career, but it was the best thing I could’ve done for myself at the time. And I’m here now because of it.”

Well I definitely wasn’t expecting that . If tutoring was the only way to get me back on track then, “Alright fine, I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever I need to if it ensures I get to stay on the team.”

“Good. I’ll send Eliana your contact info. She’ll be in touch soon about your first session.” Violet closes her laptop and leaves the office before Mason can even get out the words he was opening his mouth to say. Instead, he closes his mouth and stares at the now-opened door to his office.

A few seconds later he brings his attention back to me. “This will be good for you Jake. I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but it will be.”

“I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

“Wanna head to O’Malley’s for dinner?” Adam asks after going through our fridge and realizing we have nothing left to scrape up into a meal. Adam, Ollie, and I had gotten home from practice about an hour ago, too sore to do anything but lay on the coach until our stomachs started growling.

A greasy burger sounded heavenly right now, but I had to head out soon to my own personal hell — tutoring. “I want to, but I can’t.”

Oliver, our team goalie and one of my best friends, scoffs in mock offense. “Why not?”

“I just have something I gotta do.”

“Blowing us off for a hook-up, Keeley? I’d like to say I’m surprised but we know that would be a lie.” Ollie smirks.

“It’s not that.” I couldn’t blame him for assuming that’s where I was heading. I tried not to bail on the boys too much, but the moments I did it was to scratch an itch with whatever sorority girl was free that night.

Ollie raises an eyebrow at me. “What’s going on man? You’ve been cagey about plans for the past few weeks.”

“I’m fine I just have a lot on my plate.”

“Like what?”

I wish I could forget about the fact that I messed up so badly that I now needed weekly meetings with someone who would constantly remind me how incompetent I was.

Tutoring was all I could think about these past couple of days.

If I could go back in time and talk myself out of taking this class, I would.

No amount of praise on my psych knowledge from my family was worth losing hockey.

For as quiet as Adam was, he was also incredibly perceptive, “Dude, you’re normally an open book. You’re freaking me out by dodging all our questions.”

“My psych grade is bad enough that I might get benched if I don’t fix it. I start tutoring today.” I mumble the words that feel like acid in my mouth.

Ollie clicks his tongue. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner? We could have tried to help.”

“I didn’t want to worry anyone…and I didn’t realize how bad it was.”

“Well. Shit.”

“My sentiments exactly. I should probably get going.” I give them both a nod before walking out of our house, which is in a neighborhood right next to campus where a bunch of Greek life and athlete houses are located. I make it halfway down the street when I hear my name being called .

I give the familiar blonde a nod. “Mandy. You coming to Hockey House this weekend?”

“Absolutely. I miss seeing you around.” She closes the distance between us, clutching my bicep with her hand. She licks her lips, dragging her eyes down my body.“ It’s been a while since you’ve come over. My feelings are hurt.” She pouts, giving me her best puppy dog eyes.

Mandy and I had an understanding that whatever went on between us was physical and only physical. I had no interest (or time) in getting into a serious relationship, and neither did she, which is why things were so easy between us.

“Well, that’s the last thing I’d ever want to do. Maybe I can make it up to you soon?” I offer. The suggestive tone of my voice making it very clear how I planned on making her feel better.

“What about now?” She asks tugging me off the sidewalk.

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I have to be on the other side of campus in an hour?—”

“An hour is more than enough time. Or are you that out of practice?” she teases.

Taking a quick glance at my watch I do the math in my head. I’d be out in 30 minutes. 40 tops. More than enough time to make it to the library, and get settled. “Oh Mandy, you have no idea what you’ve just unleashed.” I follow her inside the Sigma Kappa house.