Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 19330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 97(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 97(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
I shrug and release my grip on Marcus’s shoulders. He gathers his books and electronics within seconds to get away from me. That brings a smile to my face.
"What was that all about?" Addison asks.
"I'm a friend of the family, but that little shit is a nuisance at best and a threat to women at his worst. The last time we had a disagreement regarding his behavior, I socked him in the face. He got upset and told his father what I did. When I met his father, Marcus was shocked to see that we're old college buddies and teammates."
Addison giggles and nods. "What happened?"
"Marcus got handsy with a young woman as I happened to be walking by. I pulled him away from her. He threw a punch and missed. I threw a punch that landed. He bitched to his father, and I agreed to a boxing match for him to get a fair shot. I kicked his ass again and then told his father why we were fighting in the first place."
"What did his father do?"
"Marcus Henry the Third does not respect men who violate women, and he beat his son to the point the police needed to be called. No worries, the youngest Henry only suffered a few bruised ribs and a black eye. Now, what were you doing with that asshole?"
The way her face falls makes my heart sink. "I ran into Professor Tamson, and she assigned me a project that will help me pass. I have to do a year-end forensic audit on this company, and there are close to two hundred pages of documents. She said Marcus has the same assignment, and we can work together on it because the scope of work is insane."
"Ah, the Tamson Tasks of Torture. If you complete it, you'll be fine for graduation and far better off in real-world scenarios. Come by my place later and I'll help you."
"What about the other stuff?" She glances down at my crotch.
"Ahem, Miss Shaw. My eyes are up here," I whisper with a chuckle. "If Tamson's given you the Tasks of Torture, this is far more serious than I realize. I'm going to help you, and then we can revisit my assignment."
Fortunately, my last study group is leaving the library, and I'm able to make my way home while Addison leaves to grab something to eat. I know it's going to be a long night. The excitement trickles over me in a way I haven't felt in years. I want to teach Addison, help her, guide her to understand everything Professor Tamson is trying to instill within her students.
Every passing year leaves me desperate to feel the passion of my craft. Yet, the shallow glaze of disinterest began to add up across the eyes of my students. I can't say it's completely them. My love of numbers and the rules that bind them is waning.
Day in and day out for over a decade, I pour myself into finance law and best practices, only to find that there are very few who share my passion. Addison is passionate, but curiosity has me wondering if she's enthusiastic about her academic career.
Curiosity drives me to make a call as I head inside to make space for us to work.
Dr. Emily Tamson picks up on the first ring. "I was wondering when this call would come."
"You're doling out the tasks of torture this early in the semester?" I ask her.
She scoffs. "They're lucky I still have the compassion to care whether they pass or fail."
"Is it compassion or is Brian on you about the dropping matriculation rates?"
"All Brian knows how to do is complain. Forget all of the publicity and press we get from publishing in the journals. Get the students, get the money, get them out."
"Yeah," I agree as I move furniture around to make room for Addison and me to work around my dining table. "His complaint with me is the mentorship—"
Emily cuts me off. "These brats can't be mentored. They use AI for everything, and when they have a little digital yes man in their pocket, our expertise becomes obsolete. So which of the brats are you taking on? Shaw or Henry?"
"Shaw," I grumble, feigning disappointment. "Henry and I have a shitty history, so I'm steering clear of him and his family until he matriculates. Besides, Brian was adamant that I tutor her or look for another job."
She chuckles. "Miss Shaw is a promising student. She's just easily distracted and can't seem to get over this hump in her course load."
Fortunately, I'm able to keep my juvenile thoughts about humping Addison to myself. Instead, I assure Emily, "I haven't seen you pull out the Tasks of Torture in a few years. Nothing's challenged me in a while, either. I think this is the perfect time for me to tutor Miss Shaw while guiding her through your assignment."