“And I’m Nicole,” the blonde interrupted, shoving her hand in front of Stacy’s face to shake David’s hand. David awkwardly shook it. “So nice to meet you, David. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Okay,” David replied. This is getting weird. “So, back to efficient market. It doesn’t apply to crashes, like the 2008 stock market collapse.”
“Ooh, that’s so smart, David,” Carly said.
“Yeah, you’re like the smartest guy in this class probably,” Nicole added.
David swallowed. Damn, damn, damn you, Zeke!
“Also, markets aren’t omniscient,” Stacy went on, to David’s relief. “It posits that they always have all available information, and that’s not accurate.”
“That’s good,” David replied, marking another bullet point on his paper.
“Wow, Stacy,” Carly said bitterly. “Guess you had a lot of time to hit the books after you pledged to every sorority on campus and didn’t get picked for one.”
Nicole giggled, but David and Stacy were silent and expressionless. Are all sorority girls this vicious? David wasn’t going to let that one slide. It was rude and disgusting. But before he could open his mouth, Stacy spoke up for herself.
“Do you think being a snotty brat is a good flirting strategy or something, Carly?”
Carly’s mouth dropped open.
“Because guys aren’t into that. Which is why David is dating a nice girl who happens to be a princess, and not some nasty bitch who happens to be rich. So maybe focus on the efficient market hypothesis and not trying to break up someone’s happy relationship.”
Nicole’s and David’s mouths dropped open, then, too, and the group grew so silent that David could hear his own breathing.
“All right,” Bell interrupted, thankfully. “Let’s talk through our points in class discussion.”
Stacy offered a curt smile before standing and retreating to her desk. Nicole and Carly slunk off as soon as they could, leaving David confused and horrified by what had just transpired. I’ve never been so happy to be out of the dating pool. Girls are terrifying.
After the lecture, David stood and made way for Carly, Nicole, and the rest of the class to exit past him. He waited for Stacy.
“Hey,” David said as she walked up to him.
“Hey, David,” she said with a friendly smile. “Sorry about that.”
“No, actually I wanted to thank you,” David replied. “Otherwise I would’ve been stuck in a group with only dolts. Thanks for making it livelier.”
Stacy laughed. “Yeah, well. Their behavior was kind of grossing me out. But I guess you’re probably used to that by now. Getting hit on so aggressively, I mean.”
David drew a blank. No, honestly, I’m not.
“Anyway, see you next class,” Stacy continued, offering a wave and then walking past David out the door.
Pondering all of that, David was gathering his things to leave when Professor Bell stopped him.
“You did well in discussion today,” Bell said. “I especially liked what you had to say about risk aversion.”
David nodded in gratitude. “I have a good teacher,” he replied humbly.
“Apparently so,” Bell replied. “Good enough to get you an internship.”
What? Could he really be saying—
“I got it?” David asked in shock, joy and pride bubbling up in his chest.
Bell smiled. “You got it.”
17
Katy
“Have some big news to share with you. Free after class?”
Katy furrowed her brow at David’s text as she walked from Bissenhof’s miserable class to her next course. Couldn’t you be a little less vague? It definitely sounded like good news, but Katy was going to go crazy waiting to hear more.
“Sure. Come by when you’re done?” she typed back.
“Perfect,” came the reply.
Katy fidgeted through her next class, not quite paying attention, excited to see David and hear his news. But because he still had one more class to go after this, she knew she’d have some time to kill before she would know more. After her school day was over, she hurried back to her shared house.
Cassie was in the living room, watching a reality show on the couch. Katy walked in, and her cousin turned to face her.
“Did you tell Bissenhof he’s an asshole like I told you to?” she asked, a smirk on her face.
“I thought about it,” Katy replied honestly. “Probably still would’ve gotten a passing grade.”
“Well, at least we can make sure he never gets Lorrellian citizenship,” Cassie replied.
Katy scoffed. Maybe Bissenhof was a jerk, but she couldn’t imagine abusing her power to punish him out of citizenship.
“Just kidding!” Cassie added. “Although, you could do that. If you wanted to.”
Katy pulled her phone out and checked it, waving away her cousin’s weird attempt at humor. Still no more texts from David, and another hour to go before he arrived. And with her readings all done for the week, she didn’t even have schoolwork to distract her.
“Is David coming tonight?” Cassie asked. “Or do you want to rent a movie or something?”
“He’s coming at least for a bit after class. Said he had big news.”
“Maybe he’s going to propose.” Cassie winked, obviously joking.
And yet, her stomach fluttered just slightly at the thought, and Katy momentarily let herself linger in the possibility. It definitely wasn’t going to happen, not only because David had clearly said he had news to share, but also because they had technically only been dating for a couple of months. David didn’t seem like the impulsive type. And besides, they were both young and still working on their degrees. But it wasn’t an entirely unwelcome thought for Katy to picture David in his wedding-day best, waiting for her at the altar, his dark curls sleek, his shoulders broad and sweeping in a suit, his blue eyes sparkling just for her . . .
Cassie was trying to get her attention.
“Hey, Earth to Katy!” her cousin said. “I asked what you think it is?”
“Oh,” Katy said, coming back to reality. “Um. I’m not sure. Maybe he heard more from Mia.”
“But you think it’ll be good news, whatever it is?” Cassie pressed further.
“Yeah, I can’t imagine it wouldn’t be!”
Cassie shrugged. “Maybe you should plan something nice, then. Like a dinner date.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Katy mused. It would be nice to have something to offer David if his news was good and he was excited to share, which seemed to be the case. “Except,” she went on, thinking further, “we always get mobbed when we go out.”
David probably didn’t want to celebrate by getting attacked by paparazzi or having more personal details leaked to the press. Which was unfortunate, since Katy didn’t think staying in and cooking or watching a movie was adequately romantic for a big occasion. Her mind pinged back and forth, excited at the idea of surprising him, worried at the thought of it turning into another press briefing.
“Well, what if you found a secluded spot that was out of the house?”
Katy looked back toward the front windows of the house. “Like for a picnic? That’d be fun. But it’s a bit dreary out there for that, don’t you think?” Winter was nearing its end, but spring warmth was still some time away. And gray clouds had hung ominously over campus all morning, threatening rain.
“David’s from London, so I doubt a little rain or cold would bother him. Hell, he’s probably waterproof. And you grew up on ski slopes. I don’t see the problem,” Cassie went on.
Katy thought more about the idea. It was actually pretty romantic. And maybe she could bring mittens and a blanket and mugs of hot chocolate. She even knew of a little park nearby with running trails that were almost certain to be deserted in the chilly evening hours. And given how much David loves the outdoors, maybe it would be a great surprise for him. Katy imagined David flashing his handsome grin in excit
ement, and her heart fluttered. Within seconds, she was completely sold on the idea.
“I think I have some planning to do,” Katy said with a smile.
* * *
David arrived at her doorstep within minutes of his last class ending. When she answered the door, Katy noticed with amusement that he was red-faced and out of breath.
“Did you run the whole way here?” she asked with a grin.
David didn’t answer; he just took two steps into the house, said, “Katy,” grabbed her tight, and pulled her close.
She barely had time to take in a breath before her mouth was completely covered by his and he was kissing her fiercely, sweetly. Then, just as swiftly as he’d begun, David pulled back, a huge smile lighting his face up.
“I got the internship,” he said.
Katy almost stuttered. “David! That’s amazing!” She wrapped her arms around him in return, squeezing him, then squeaked when he picked her up by her waist and spun them around giddily in the front entrance of the house. “I’m so proud of you,” she giggled, kissing him again.
Eventually, David set her down gently, but his big hands lingered, holding her close to him by her waist. “I can’t believe I got it.”
“I can,” Katy replied. She couldn’t think of anyone more deserving. David’s work ethic was herculean, and his ability to persevere through everything that life had thrown his way was nothing short of motivational. She knew he had earned that internship.
“Congratulations, David,” Cassie called out from the couch, her voice echoing through the foyer. Katy had almost forgotten she was there.
“Thanks, Cassie,” David replied. He turned back to Katy. “Let’s celebrate. Tonight, when I’m done with my coursework. I don’t care who sees. Let’s do dinner. Anything you want. What sounds good?”
“Actually”—Katy felt a sly smile tipping the sides of her mouth up—“I was thinking you’d have good news, so I already made plans for us. But you’ll have to wait and see what it is.”
David’s eyes twinkled with appreciation and excitement. “Awesome! What should I wear?”
“My guess would be nothing,” Cassie interjected with a wry grin.
Katy felt the color drain from her face, while David managed an uncomfortable laugh. She whirled and shot her cousin a look, to which Cassie stuck out her tongue, seemingly unrepentant. And this is exactly why I’m not confirming any intimate details for you, blabbermouth!
Katy turned back to David with an apologetic shrug.
“Um,” she started. “You can ignore my imaginative cousin. And . . . wear something warm.”
David nodded. “Warm. Got it.”
“You’re welcome to stay for lunch, David,” Cassie offered, perhaps by way of apology. “Katy and I were just about to start cooking.”
David waved his hand, politely declining. “I’d love to. But I have to get home. Professor Bell said he was sending me some additional information on the internship that I should look over.”
“That’s a shame,” Cassie replied. “But next time. And congrats again!” She turned to Katy. “I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re done.”
Then her cousin sauntered out of the living room, leaving David and Katy alone.
“I didn’t tell her anything, by the way,” Katy explained in a low voice when she was confident that Cassie was out of earshot. “She’s just forward like that.”
“Don’t worry,” David replied good-naturedly. “It was a pleasant reminder.”
Katy blushed and smiled. “Maybe I can remind you myself later.” She bit her lip and gazed longingly up into his blue eyes, more than a little surprised by her own forwardness.
Something burned in David’s eyes, his hands snaking around her lower back, kneading her hips and pulling her to him again—before the sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen reminded them that they weren’t alone.
“Go ahead and do your internship stuff,” Katy told him, placing her hands on his forearms as his grip loosened. “And meet me here at eight tonight.”
“Eight tonight,” David repeated. “I’ll be here. In my warm clothes.”
He leaned down to kiss Katy goodbye and then turned and left. Katy couldn’t help but notice that he looked lighter, his steps nearly bouncing as he went. I wonder if he’s happier about the internship . . . or the other things?
When he rounded the corner and was out of sight, Katy retreated from the door and exhaled, feeling a rush of emotions. She was happy for David, and excited for her date night, and just plain content with how things were currently going. Even with Bissenhof’s terrible attitude, finding out about David’s father, and dealing with the press, she felt like what she and David had was solid, unshakeable. It was warm and comforting and magical.
“Ready to help me cook?” Cassie called from the kitchen.
Katy walked in to see Cassie filling a large pot with water. A few heads of romaine lettuce were out on a chopping board, along with peeled cloves of garlic, tomatoes, and a yellow onion. Cassie lugged the pot to the oven and set it to boil.
“Pasta and salad?” Katy guessed.
“Yeah, I was craving some homemade marinara. Want to get started on the chopping?”
Katy walked to the cutting board and picked up a chef’s knife. She started with the onion first.
“So that’s exciting about David,” Cassie said, measuring out a portion of spaghetti noodles. “I know how much he wanted that internship.”
“Yeah, I’m happy for him. I’m glad we have our date tonight to celebrate. Thanks for helping me plan it.” Katy smiled at her cousin before remembering their conversation with David. “But . . . next time, maybe don’t drop innuendos in casual conversation?”
Cassie shrugged apologetically. “My bad. But we’re all adults! And if nothing happened, then neither of you should care that much about a dumb joke.”
Katy brandished the knife playfully. “Don’t get on my bad side while I’m holding a sharp object, Cass.”
Cassie laughed. “But, really. You’d tell me, right?” Her tone and expression grew serious. “I kind of feel like we’re drifting apart a bit, since you spend a lot of time with . . . well, away from me. But you’d still tell me if big things changed for you, right?”
Katy turned back to her onion, trying not to look as guilty as she felt. She still didn’t feel like Cassie deserved to know any of her intimate business, but Cassie had always told Katy her secrets. It wasn’t unreasonable for Cassie to expect the same.
“Cassie, you’re my best friend. I love you,” Katy replied, looking up again. “I’m just still figuring things out right now. With dating and Harvard and being out of Lorria. But I promise, things won’t change between us. You’ll always be my best friend.”
Cassie smiled. “Thanks, hon. I love you, too. I won’t press you for details anymore. When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here.”
Katy smiled in return. Cassie could be a bit overbearing and sassy at times, but Katy loved her and was happy to have her in Cambridge.
“But can I just say one more thing?” her cousin continued.
Katy braced herself.
“Use protection.”
Katy blushed to a deep crimson.
“Hey, I know what Lorria’s sex ed is like. Just looking out for you,” Cassie went on, turning back to her pot.
Thanks, Cass! I might’ve been a virgin up until recently, but I know where babies come from. And I’m dealing with it, no thanks to you!
Katy resumed dicing her onion. Cassie had no reason to be concerned. Katy didn’t want anything to mess up the exciting new life she’d carved out for herself.
And at the moment, it didn’t feel like anything could.
18
David
“Maybe I should have applied after all,” Zeke said. “Seems like they’re just giving internships away to anybody.”
David laughed from his desk, turning to face his roommate with a raised eyebrow.
“But s
eriously,” Zeke went on, looking over his laptop. “Good job, man. That ought to guarantee a spot in the Ph.D. program.”
David exhaled. That was the dream. But even though things were going remarkably well, all things considered, he didn’t want to put too much stock in the internship. He was still a pragmatist, after all. And getting into Harvard’s prestigious graduate program for economics was going to be even harder than getting into Harvard in the first place.
“Tell me you’re going to celebrate somehow,” Zeke went on. “Because if you don’t already have plans, I can take you out to that new pho place and buy you dinner.”
“Thanks, mate. That means a lot. I’ve got plans with Katy tonight, but maybe we can do that tomorrow.” David was touched by the offer.
“What do you and Katy have planned?”
“I’m actually not sure. It’s a surprise,” David replied, grinning sheepishly. But the romantic intentions weren’t lost on him; the anticipation made him feel like a kid all over again, in a good way.
“Oh,” Zeke said, looking contemplative. “I wonder what it will be. I mean, she’s got the capital. Maybe she’s going to take you to a Rolex shop and let you pick one out. Or maybe a helicopter ride over Boston!” Zeke’s eyes bulged. “David, what if she bought you the Red Sox?”
“Pretty sure it won’t be that ostentatious,” David replied with a laugh. “Neither of us is really like that.”
Zeke cocked an eyebrow. “Maybe you aren’t. But she’s a princess. So I’m going to keep assuming that you’re the future owner of the Red Sox until you come home and tell me otherwise.”
David grinned. He didn’t really have any idea what Katy was planning yet, but he was excited nonetheless. The only clue he had was to dress warm—which made it seem likely that she had planned something outdoors. But that was as far as his guessing had gotten him.
“Should I wait up for you, or will you be pulling an all-nighter?” Zeke pried.
David jokingly scoffed, though deep down he really didn’t mind the implication. The last time he’d stayed up very late with Katy had possibly been the best night of his life. But no one else needed to know that.
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