Looking to Score(17)

“Good morning to you too, Miss Mathews,” he replied with a chuckle. “I think you’re onto something. It needs to be something that doesn’t take too much time away from his studies or practice schedule, but also needs to be public enough that it improves public opinion.”

I nodded. That was mostly the problem. Working around his crazy intense schedule was hard. I was surprised he managed to pass any of his classes leading up to this point. “I’ll research some opportunities and email you a list of options later this afternoon,” I replied. I was confident enough in my skills to steal my client’s phone and take total control of his scheduling and social media, but I still felt like I needed reassurance from Dr. Haynes on Oakley’s first big positive publicity event.

“I’m confident you can handle this, Miss Matthews. But I’m happy to provide some extra guidance,” he told me. “I think you have done an excellent job in a very short amount of time. Especially after such a rocky start.” Oh snap. That was the first time Dr. Haynes had brought up “the incident.” I thought we were just going to let it go. I fought the urge to literally hang my head in shame. “I can tell that you get your business sense from your father. How is he, by the way? I read in the New York Times that Plotify just implemented a new advertising stream that looks promising.”

I didn’t realize Dr. Haynes even knew who my father was, but I guess it made sense. You didn’t become a leader in the industry without studying the major players, and my father was a giant in his field. “Dad is definitely leading Plotify into the future. I actually hope to work for him after graduation.”

“I bet you do,” Dr. Haynes said. “You’d be a fool not to. Plotify is one of the largest music streaming services on the planet. I know lots of undergrads who would burn their thesis papers for the kind of connections you have.”

That statement left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I ignored it. Dr. Haynes wasn’t necessarily wrong. “Thank you,” I managed to squeak out.

“Anyway, I’m actually checking in with Mr. Davis a little later to hear his perspective on how things are going.” Dr. Haynes looked at me, almost as if waiting to see if there was anything I wanted to confess.

“Great!” I said with all the confidence I could muster. “I’m looking forward to hearing any feedback that will help me improve.”

Dr. Haynes seemed satisfied with that answer. He had a wrinkle that appeared in between his eyes when he really focused on something. It added to his appearance of sophistication. “Good. Let’s touch base tomorrow morning. We can go over the volunteer opportunities you find, and we can have an informal performance review to help identify where you are really shining and see if there’s anything we can do better. Have a good rest of your day,” he said with a warm smile.

I left his office and immediately sent a text to Oakley.

Me: Hey!

Oakley: Hello?

I cringed. I didn’t usually text him just to chat, so it was probably better if I just jumped right in.

Me: I heard you have a meeting with Dr. Haynes today. What are you going to tell him?

I stared at my phone screen and saw dots. Then nothing. I waited not so patiently for the dots to reappear. I needed to know if he was going to pull a stunt like last time. I didn’t think he would, but we also hadn’t really talked in the past couple of days since the party. He wasn’t super happy with me for trying to press him about his family.

Oakley: Wouldn’t you like to know.

Me: Actually, yes. I would. That’s kind of why I’m asking.

I continued to walk out of the building, waiting for his response. Why couldn’t he just give me a straight answer? It was like he enjoyed fucking with me.

Oakley: I should tell him that you put Life360 on my phone so you could track me. A bit invasive, don’t you think?

Me: It makes following you easier.

Oakley: You sound like a serial killer. Or a stalker. Or both.

Well, if that wasn’t a melodramatic response, then I didn’t know what was. I stared for a long moment at my phone and debated on tracking him down so I could threaten him with bodily harm if he pulled anything. So what if I had his constant GPS location? Yes, I had a tracking app downloaded onto his phone. Privacy laws? Psh. His slipup at the party just reinforced the idea that he needed constant monitoring. He sent another text.

Oakley: Where am I now? ;)

I blew out a puff of air and checked the app. Sure enough, he was at a sorority house off campus. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was texting me while getting his Kappa Delta dick sucked.

Me: Be sure to check her ID first.

Oakley: Yes Ma’am.

I waited a good minute then pestered him again.

Me: So anyways, what are you telling Dr. Haynes? Remember, I know where you sleep.

Oakley: You would be a terrible serial killer. Text messages can be subpoenaed by the courts, you know.

I scoffed.

Me: The FBI agent monitoring your phone is probably thrilled by all the dick pics you send. Also I’m impressed you can spell subpoenaed.

Oakley typed and deleted a few times, and I watched the chat bubbles flash dance across my screen. Shit. Maybe I took things too far.

Oakley: I’m going to tell him the truth.

Me: And what exactly is “the truth?”

I was not in the mood for his mind games or trickery. I’d saved his ass at that party.