After Math by Denise Grover Swank Read Free Book Online Page A

You got a B-plus.”
    He turns serious. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
    Shaking my head, I smile. “You could have easily had another tutor help you. This was all you. You just needed to have the steps explained slower.”
    “Well, thanks.” He hands me a brown gift bag he had hidden behind him. His shoulders hunch as though he’s worried I’ll refuse.
    My heart flutters, and I feel lightheaded. But not in the way I usually feel when I’m anxious. This is pleasant. “What’s this?”
    “A thank-you for helping me.”
    I look up at him and smile. Other than Caroline and Tina, I can’t think of the last time someone has given me a gift. The bag is heavier than I expected. “What is it?”
    “Open and see.”
    Gifts make me awkward. People watch while I open them, and although I’m used to Tucker staring at me, he’s waiting for my reaction. That makes me more anxious than usual. I pull out the white tissue paper and start to transfer it to my other hand, but Tucker takes it from me, his mouth pressed into a tight line.
    He’s nervous. Confident Tucker is nervous. Why?
    Tilting the bag, I look inside and pull out a rounded object. It’s an alarm clock, but the face of the clock has equations in place of the numbers.
    “I saw it and thought about you. It’s kind of stupid…”
    I glance up at him, smiling. “I love it.”
    “Really?”
    “Really.” I can’t believe how happy I feel right now. It’s such an unfamiliar emotion that I barely recognize it. “You didn’t have to do this, Tucker. The university is paying me to tutor you. Besides, we’re friends. ”
    “I know. But I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you.”
    I’m nearly speechless. “Thank you.” I finally get out.
    “You’re welcome.”
    We stare at each other for a couple of seconds. I have no idea what he’s thinking, but I’m amazed this thoughtful guy is the same person who fuels the university’s gossip. I’m so grateful he’s part of my life.
    “So what are you doing now?” he asks.
    I take a deep breath. My nerves feel like they’re about to jump out of my skin. “I’m meeting someone from my Arabic class at Panera to study for a test on Wednesday.”
    “Panera should give you some kind of frequent-customer discount.”
    “Yeah,” I laugh. “Where are you off to?”
    “Training. Then some quality time with Western civ.”
    “That’s right. We have another test coming up next week.”
    “Maybe we could...” Tucker shakes his head, rubbing the back of his neck, then releases a long exhale. “When do you meet your friend?”
    “At six-thirty.” I shift the strap of my bag on my shoulder. “I need to get going.” My clock is still in my hand, with the handle of my bag looped over my fingers. I should put the clock in the bag, but I can’t make myself do it yet. I still can’t believe he’s given me a gift, let alone such a perfect one.
    “I’ll walk you out.”  He reaches for the strap of my messenger bag and slides it down my arm, then hooks it over his shoulder. It’s a simple thing, but I can read so much into it. The gift. Taking my bag. What does this mean? Is that what friends do?
    We head for the staircase.
    “I’ve been thinking about Daniel Bailey,” he says, his demeanor shifting again. He’s quiet, thoughtful now, with a twinge of sorrow. “I…I hope I didn’t sway you to not go out with him because of what I said.”
    “You didn’t really say anything, Tucker.”
    “I know. Look, Bailey and I don’t get along because I’m an asshole. He’s entitled to his opinion of me. I earned it.” He stops at the exterior door, his hand on the handle, keeping his gaze on my mouth. “I think he’s probably a nice guy, Scarlett. If you want to go out with him, you probably should.” His eyes shift to mine.
    My breath freezes, and I’m not sure how to process everything that’s just happened within the last few minutes. “You think I should go out with Daniel