The next day, I spent a little extra time getting ready. I knew that she would be in class and I wanted her to know what she was missing out on. I strode into the classroom with my head held high and pretended not to notice her in the back of the room.
“Good morning, class,” I announced at the beginning of the session. “I’ve got some exciting news. We are going to hold a little essay contest. Because most of you will have interviews coming up in the next few weeks, I thought it would be a good idea to get a little practice. But, because I know you have a lot on your plate at the moment, I figured I’d give you a few choices as to what you write about, so you don’t feel limited. So, the first option is to create an argument as to how the hedge fund industry caused or did not cause the financial crisis. I’m interested to hear what you guys have to say on this one because I was still in high school when it happened. A potential interviewer will want you to know a lot about the industry you’re going into, so it’s good to have fact-based answers to these types of questions.”
I looked up to see the students furiously scribbling notes in their notebooks.
“The next topic is surprisingly hard to answer and it’s too easy to give a lame and cliché answer. Tell me where you want to be in ten years. If you don’t bore me to death, I think I’ll automatically give you an A. At the same time, you have to make the answer exactly what I want to hear. It’s not an easy task.”
Before I continued, I looked straight at Rebecca. She was quietly writing notes, her head lowered toward the desk.
“The last one will prepare you for the kind of anecdotal proof that employers want when deciding if you’re a competent candidate. I want you to describe a time where you made a professional mistake. We’re all human, and your employer will want to know that you’re willing to fess up when you’ve screwed up. They also want to know how you went about fixing your mistake and ensuring that it didn’t happen again. There are lots of ways you can go with this one. You might even recall a meeting with someone that ended poorly. You guys won’t believe this, but one time, I was about to offer a promising young professional an in that would change her career forever. But, she took my offer as a ploy to get into her pants and threw a drink in my face.”
The class reacted exactly how I hoped they would. Shocked gasps and giggles erupted throughout the room. Rebecca continued to look at her notepad, as if she were too busy to hear my fun stories.
“So, if you’ve ever done anything like that, you may choose to write about that experience and show why you did the thing you did, and how you corrected your error. Choose just one of these topics and write two pages on it by next week.”
“Did you say this was a contest?” a student asked.
I smiled. “Yes, it is. The best essay will not only get top marks on their paper, but the unique opportunity to accept an internship at the very office where I am gainfully employed!”
I waited for the excited murmurs and whispers to quiet down before continuing.
“Everyone in the class, given the fact that you have conducted yourself professionally within this class, has the opportunity to win the prize. Play your cards right, and you’ll be able to set your career on the fast track. Now, for the rest of the time today, we’re going to talk about interviews. Split up into your small groups and talk about ways to be successful while interviewing for a job. I’ll be coming around to see what you’re discussing and hopefully provide insight.”
I stood over my classroom as chairs shuffled around and light conversation developed. I tried not to stare at Rebecca and study her expressions, trying to figure out what she was thinking about. I think my point landed, though. At least I had the decency to keep her identity private, instead of humiliating her in front of her peers.
As I began to make my rounds, I stood near her group, not necessarily looking her direction, and listened for a little bit.
“A few years ago, I was interviewing at a small accounting firm and the owner said a few things that were straight-up not factual. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to correct him or not. I pretended he was correct about the things he was talking about, because it was inconsequential, but I felt so awkward and didn’t know what to do,” a student said.
“I probably would have corrected him,” Rebecca said. “I think it shows that I think that details matter and I’m not afraid to be right about something.”
“Ah, I don’t know if that is a wise move,” I interjected, turning to face the group. “If it’s something truly inconsequential, you might come off as a know it all. No one in a place of authority wants to feel attacked by a lowly interviewee, especially if it’s a head honcho. No, I think you were probably right in not correcting the owner. You have to be careful with how you come off, too. You’re not only being evaluated on your ability to regurgitate facts. You also have to present yourself well and be able to go with the flow.”
I gave Rebecca a curt smile and continued throughout the class. I could just see her seething in her chair and it felt good. In fact, it was almost enough payback to allow me to forgive her for the ludicrous display at the bar. In the end, I wasn’t absolutely sure that I wouldn’t give her the internship if she deserved it. After all, I knew that she would be a hard worker. But, I wasn’t going to shortlist her, because she hadn’t done me any favors. In fact, she received a tiny demotion for being such a pain in my ass.
“Class dismissed,” I said, with five minutes until the end of the time slot. “I’m giving you a little extra time to start thinking about your paper. Also, I’m required to tell you that I’m hosting my office hour today from three to four this afternoon. You are allowed to come by if you need to discuss anything in person. However, I am swamped and would prefer you to just email me any questions so I can sit in here and work on my own stuff in peace. See you next time.”
I began to pack up as students flooded out of the classroom. Unsurprisingly, one student remained, waiting to speak with me. My stomach fluttered. I wanted to know what she had to say for herself.
8
Rebecca
My faced burned bright red throughout the class as Alex kept reminding me of our date. I didn’t know why he kept bringing it up. I was terrified that he would continue to hint at the interaction until he went ahead and announced my name and my crime to the class. I felt sick and wanted to leave class, but part of our grade was based on attendance, so I couldn’t really skip. Plus, I didn’t want him to have the satisfaction of getting to me.
I hated how he stood at the front of the class, so cocky all of the time. He had a way of capturing the attention of the whole class, even though half of the stuff he was saying were brags about his career. He irritated me to no end. But, I couldn’t help but be attracted to him. That infuriated me the most.
When we split up into small groups, I thought that I would be able to escape his thinly-veiled comments about me. I was wrong. I swore that he waited until I spoke within my group to pop in and tell me how wrong I was. I sat quietly for the rest of the class, worried that he was going to shoot down my ideas. For someone who frequently raised their hand, it was hard not to participate in the discussion. But, I knew that whatever I said, it would be turned against me, and the class would eat it up. I was stuck.
I couldn’t go on like this. Along with a teensy pang of guilt for reacting so harshly, I just wanted to clear the air and make all of the negativity surrounding us go away. I didn’t want Alex to be upset with me, or even have anything to hold over me until I graduated from his course. And, even though it meant working with Alex, I still coveted that internship at his company. It would really change everything for me. I still planned on competing for the winning essay, though I knew he would probably choose someone else out of spite.
Taking a deep breath, I approached him after my classmates left the room. Everything in my body was telling me to file out after them, but I needed to be the bigger person. He couldn’t win this one.
“Can we talk?” I asked.
&n
bsp; He gave me a smirk. “I’m leaving in about a minute. Make it quick.”
I took a deep breath and started spilling. “I’m sorry about what happened at the bar. It was immature of me to react that way. I was hurt by some of the things you said to me, and reacted childishly. It was not how a professor and student should act. I understand that you may not want to give me the internship now, and that’s completely warranted. However, if possible, I would still like to be considered for that spot. I think I would be a good team player and would benefit your company. At the very least, I ask that we just forget about that night.”
He blinked a few times. “Team player, eh? What do you think about going to that benefit dinner?”
“Tonight?” I asked blankly.
“Oh, sorry, do you have too much homework tonight?”
I sighed. “What do you want from me?”
He chuckled. “Well, I wanted someone to play the role of my girlfriend for a few hours. I mean, I’m not going to force you to participate in any other girlfriend activities, other than stand by my side and pretend to like me. I can pick you up before the event and drop you off immediately afterwards. I can promise that there will be no funny business if you don’t want any. Conversely, I am supplied to provide you with plenty of funny business if you so desire.”
I gave him a blank stare.
“I’m kidding, okay?” he said. “Sheesh!”
“Why are you still hung up on me? I thought you would have found a replacement in no time. Did all of the other girls reject you already?” I asked, a spark in my voice.
He tried to hide a smile. I don’t think he was used to being challenged like this. He pulled out his phone and held the screen so I could see it. Silently, he scrolled through a long list of contacts in his phone. When he was finished, he turned if off and slipped it into his pocket.
“That was just the list of available women,” he said. “I could call any one of them and they would gladly accompany me.”
“Then why don’t you?” I asked, absolutely confused as to why we were still discussing this. “Why must you torment me when you don’t have to?”
He gave me a curious look, as if he were trying to read my mind. It was both uncomfortable and utterly sexy at the same time.
“I think you’re not as smooth as you lead on,” I said, trying to find my voice. “I think you’re close to the deadline and you’re getting desperate. You might know a lot of girls and have their phone numbers, but you’ve messed around with their heads and now they’re tired of playing your games.”
“Maybe you should have been a Psychology major,” he chuckled. “You obviously think you know what my motivations are.”
I raised my eyebrow. “Tell me where I’m wrong.”
He pursed his lips for a moment. “You’re right about me sweating this deadline. I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare.”
“And the girls?”
“I’ve pissed one off.” He grinned. “I don’t think it’s accurate to say the others would turn me down because I’ve offended them somehow.”
“What happens if you go to the event alone?” I asked. “Am I going to ruin your career when I say no? I mean, it’s not like I owe you anything, but I’m not a heartless monster.”
“I’ll still go to the event. I’ll still talk to the right people and make the right impressions. In the grand scheme of things, it probably won’t matter that much.”
“Then why bother in the first place?”
He thought for a minute. “You’ll understand these things if you ever make it in the finance world. Let’s say you’re going to an engagement party for a friend. There will only be other couples there. You’re the only single person who shows up. How’s that going to end for you?”
I shrugged. “It might be a little awkward, I guess.”
“Yeah, and while all of the other couples are talking about couple stuff, you’re in the corner, stuffing your face with cocktail shrimps, getting blasted on whatever signature cocktail is being served. These things are much more enjoyable if you have a buffer. The spouses of my clients don’t really give a shit about our shop talk and will think I’m just after their money if there’s not a woman around to prove that I’m not a monster.”
“How does that prove you’re not a monster?”
“You have the aura of a person who can be trusted. I’m sure most people feel comfortable around you. You’re easy enough to talk to. Well, maybe to other people. Having you there would be of some help.”
“But it’s not absolutely necessary.”
“No, but how many things are absolutely necessary?” he said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “So, do I need to arrange for a quick dress fitting before tonight?”
I actually thought about it for a second. It still sounded like a great opportunity, but something didn’t feel quite right. I had gone out of my way to challenge him and even ended up insulting his prowess with women, when I really meant to apologize to him for the drink debacle. I couldn’t possibly agree to go now. I felt like I had something to prove, no matter how badly I wanted to wear a designer gown and talk with some of the brightest minds in the business. If it were with anyone but Alex Rye, I would say yes in a heartbeat. But, this man was my foil, and I could not submit to his will.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. Thanks for the offer, though.”
“But it could be fun,” he said at a last ditch attempt at wooing me.
“But I don’t have to.”
He shrugged. “I guess you’re right.”
With my answer secured, I started walking toward the door. I stopped a few steps short of the doorway and turned around to face Alex.
“Is everything okay now? Do you accept my apology?”
He pursed his lips together, then broke out into a smirk.
“I don’t have to.”
9
Rebecca
I stormed back to my dorm room, annoyed that Alex wouldn’t accept my apology. It meant a lot to me that he did. I had a need to be the best in the class, and I couldn’t do that if my professor held a stupid grudge against me. I also had a need for keeping rules, and he was trying to break them left and right. It drove me insane.
I walked into my room with a huff, slamming my bag down on the floor. Carol looked up from the couch to watch me seethe.
“What is it now?” she asked.
“Wanna guess?” I asked.
“Professor Douche Bag?” she asked.
“Bingo. I told you I was going to apologize, right?”
“Did you?”
“I tried to. He was being a nightmare today in class. He kept picking on me when I really didn’t deserve it. I could tell he was absolutely loving it, too.”
“I’m not surprised,” she said, taking a bite out of her apple.
“After class, I went to talk to him. I said all of the right things and was absolutely professional about it.”
“Good,” Carol said.
“Not good. He rejected my apology.”
She furrowed her brow. “Was he mean about it?”
I shrugged. “Not really, honestly. In fact, for a moment there, I could have sworn we were flirting.”
“We?” she said dryly. “You were flirting with him? How did you manage to do that?”
“I don’t know!” I said exasperatedly. “These things just happen with Alex. If you knew him, you’d understand. He just stands there with his stupid smirk on his pretty little face and pokes at you until you attack. Then, you want to apologize for attacking him and make it up to him. He messes with you mind.”
“No, he messes with your mind,” she said, pointing a finger of accusation at my face. “You’re letting him play games with you and he’s clearly winning.”
“I know,” I whined. “What do I do? Originally, I just wanted him to like me because he’s basically my dream mentor. Then, I wanted him to give me an in to the finance world. Now, I want to strip him of his excess confidence and make him s
uffer.”
I didn’t add the part where I wanted him to take me on his classroom desk, or where I crawled underneath his office desk while he did his best to concentrate on his work. Carol probably wouldn’t appreciate the fact that I wanted to bone him, and destroy him.
“What do I do?” I moaned. “I’m in too deep already. I’m not getting anything done because I can only think about how he’s bested me up to this point.”
She smiled, then smacked her lips. “Do you really want me to tell you what to do?”
“Yes, please.”
“You’re probably not going to like this, but I’m going to tell you anyway. First of all, you need to lighten the hell up. You only have to see his stupid face for a few more weeks. Then, you can forget all about him and leave him terrible class reviews on the way out.”
I gritted my teeth. She was always telling me that I was too uptight. It wasn’t something I liked hearing about myself. I was a very serious person, but I didn’t want to be so tightly wound that people were uncomfortable around me.
“Sounds easier than it’s actually going to be. What about the part where I wanted to make him pay?”
“I can help you with that too. When can you see him next? Is he still in his classroom?”
“No, but he has office hours later today.”
“Perfect. You’re going to march right back in there and demand that he accept your apology. And, you’re going to demand he apologize to you.” She shook her head. “You’re going to go back in there and make him want you so bad, he’ll do anything to have you. Then, after you get your apology, you sashay away, leaving him with blue balls.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not going to use sex to get what I want. That’s exactly what I was trying to avoid in the first place. How am I ever going to be respected if I use my sexuality as a bargaining tool? I have dreams of making it far. I bet someone like Alex never had to slut it up to get a job.”
Faking It_A Fake Girlfriend Romance Page 5