Chapter 6: Work, work, work

On Thursday, I made it through another half of the math book. The numbers were starting to blur together, and after a while, I wasn’t even sure what I was reading anymore, but I pushed on. The sooner I finish, the sooner I can start tutoring.

 

When Friday arrives, the day of our trip to Mr. Adkins' other workplace, I almost consider skipping it. Do I really want to endure more of his torture?

 

"What if I just told him I died or something?" I sigh to Hannah during our break.

 

"Yeah, that’ll work. He’ll totally buy it," she smirks as she gathers her stuff.

 

I still can't shake the memory of his hand gripping my arm and tightening when I dropped his book. The book now has a permanent crease as a reminder. Sure, he saved me from falling, but only after causing the near-disaster in the first place. And yes, he stood way too close to me... but maybe that was because I refused to give his stuff back.

 

"Girls! Hurry up, or we’ll be late!" Lina shouts, heading over with Charlotte. I let out another sigh as I stand, moving slowly, but Lina catches on to my reluctance and grabs my arm, pulling me along. Hannah picks up my bag and unlocks her car so Lina can shove me in. Charlotte climbs into the backseat with Lina, while Hannah takes the driver’s seat and starts the car. We drive into town, listening to Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield, but my mood sinks with every passing kilometer.

 

I spot Mr. Adkins’ Porsche Cayenne before I even see the building. Typical. Who needs a car like that? At least we don’t have to park near it.

 

Lina, Charlotte, and Hannah jump out, buzzing with excitement. I plaster on a fake smile and glance up at the building—an imposing glass skyscraper that screams wealth. A few businessmen stand outside smoking, eyeing us as we approach. One of them even winks at me. I hold his gaze for a second, then look away. I’m dressed in business attire: a sleek black suit, belted at the waist, paired with nude heels. It’s professional but flattering. I’d rather not draw attention, but here we are.

 

The receptionist leads us to one of the top floors, and I quickly realize we’re in a whole different world. Everything and everyone here reeks of money. I spot two other teachers who greet us with friendly waves as we step out of the elevator.

 

"Welcome, class!" Miss Walker greets us brightly.

 

Lina shoots me an annoyed glance. We’re the last ones to arrive, and she clearly blames me. I mouth a quick "sorry," grimacing.

 

As if on cue, I feel his presence before I even see him. My eyes instinctively dart toward Mr. Adkins. His gaze locks onto mine, scanning me up and down in a quick, assessing glance. I do the same—he’s wearing a suit. I quickly look away.

 

Great.

 

I look forward again the second I realize that.

 

"There he is," Charlotte whispers beside me, but I keep my eyes forward, trying to ignore him. It’s pointless, though, because a moment later, he’s standing next to her, accompanied by a woman who smiles kindly at us.

 

"We’re here to give you a glimpse of what it’s like to work for one of the most successful companies in the world!" Miss Walker says proudly. "This could be your future workplace, so take the time to mingle and get a feel for it!"

 

Mr. Adkins just looks bored, scanning the room like he owns the place—and, judging by how everyone treats him, he might as well.

 

"Nora." I hear a whisper and freeze. I turn to see Mitch standing uncomfortably close. My sense of danger spikes immediately. "Mitch," I say back softly. "Did you get my letter?" he asks. I frown. "No... What letter?"

 

He smiles and steps closer, leaning in. I try to back away, but Lina is in the way, and my feet feel glued to the floor. "It’s in your locker. Read it," he whispers, his breath brushing my ear.

 

"Pay attention, buddy. Jace is speaking," a voice interrupts, and I feel a wave of relief as Mitch snaps back to attention. I glance over my shoulder to see the guy who winked at me earlier. He’s smiling, casual and confident.

 

"Hey," he says, flashing an easy grin. He is attractive, a lot older than I am, and has an air of confidence about him.

 

“Hi,” I respond back. He smiles again and his eyes go lower, to my—

 

“And also for those IN THE BACK!” Mr. Adkins suddenly snaps, his voice loud and cutting.

 

I whip my head around, and the whole class turns to look at me. "Sorry," I mumble, biting my lip in embarrassment as a few classmates roll their eyes, annoyed with me.

 

Why does he always have to single me out?

 

Mr. Adkins resumes his speech, but then I feel the guy’s chin rest lightly on my shoulder. "Don’t worry, Jace is all bark and no bite," he whispers in my ear, keeping his eyes on Mr. Adkins.

 

I glance up, and Mr. Adkins looks ready to explode. His eyes lock on mine, filled with anger, but he doesn’t say a word. He just stares, like I’ve committed some unforgivable sin.

 

I regret coming here.

 

The guy stays behind me, while Mitch remains too close for comfort, adding to my unease. I take a deep, mental breath.

 

"You’ll all need to work on an assignment, so I suggest you pay attention. Have a look around and ask as many questions as you can," Miss Walker says as Mr. Adkins finishes speaking. Everybody looks at Mr. Adkins again, waiting for him to dismiss us.

 

"Want to see pictures from our office parties?" the guy whispers, tilting his head toward me.

 

"Sure," I say, curious. That would be interesting.

 

I keep my eyes on Mr. Adkins, who is still glaring at me.

 

But then the guy’s hand suddenly brushes my waist, and I jump, stepping forward quickly. He clears his throat and drops his hand, smirking down at me. My eyes are wide when I look up at him.

 

“Come, then. I think Jace is done with his intimidation,” he says. "Do you think he’s intimidating?" I ask, as the group in front of us starts to disperse.

 

"Everyone thinks he’s intimidating," he replies, leading the way.