Page 18 of Personal Foul

“I have stuff going on. But this class and this project—it’s a priority for me.” His jaw takes on a hard set like he’s offended by what I’m saying.

“All the more reason for us not to work together if we’re both taking it seriously.”

“Why?”

“Because we can’t stand each other.”

He stares at me for a moment, his brow furrowing, like I’ve said something strange.

“I don’t have a problem with you.”

“Well, I have a problem with you.”

“Why?”

“Why? Are you serious?”

“Because of the night of the party?”

That’s what we’re referring to it as? Okay then. Before I can even formulate a response though, we’re at the front of the line.

“And how can I help you this morning?” The professor looks up from his desk and his eyes bounce between us before returning to the papers in front of him.

Shit.What was I going to say? I had a whole speech planned and then I talked to Easton. And everything went blank. This is exactly why it won’t work.Right. Why it won’t work. That’s what I need to get this professor to understand.

“Um yes, we were just wondering if it would be possible to reassign our partnership.”

“Why?” The professor glances up at me with a look that says I’m irritating him.

“Well, I work very long hours outside of class time, and Easton has a demanding schedule as well with prep for the draft. So us finding time to work together will be next to impossible.”

“In the real world, you’ll have similar problems to negotiate.”

“I understand that, of course. But I just don’t even know when we’ll be able to make time. Even if we try.”

“Part of the challenge of the project is interpersonal communication and coordinating your schedules to make it work. It’s what a real job in this field will require. Along with long hours and unusual time frames. If you’re already struggling with that aspect, you may want to rethink taking this class.”

“No. I mean, I need this class, and I am certainly up for the challenge. I just—we—” I struggle for the right words. “We also have a history that will affect our working relationship in a way I think will be untenable.”

The professor sighs and his eyes flick up to Easton, and then back to me. A look like he knows exactly what the problem is.

“Are you former paramours?” he asks at last.

“What? Absolutely not!”

I look to Easton, waiting for him to deny it but he just smirks. The professor looks between us again.

“Unless you have documentation from the university that there is a reason that it would be unfavorable for you to work together, then that’s not sufficient either. Again, in the real world, you’ll have to work with people who you may believe to be unsavory characters or may have disappointed you in the past. It won’t change the fact that you’ll be partnered with them or have them as a client, and that your work will have to rise above it.”

My heart sinks because I realize I’m going to be stuck with Easton. This guy will not be moved.

“Is there a documented reason the two of you can’t work together?”

“No, sir.” Easton shakes his head, a faux look of seriousness crossing it.

“Then let’s consider this matter settled.”

“Thank you,” I say softly before turning on my heel and doing my best not to storm out of the lecture hall.