Crew frowns. “You okay?”
“I really don’t want to talk about this in front of them.” I send a look in Ezra and Malcolm’s direction.
“Ah, come on, Wren. We’re his best mates. If you can’t talk about it in front of us, who can you talk about it with?” Malcolm lifts his brows.
“Shut up,” Crew snaps at him. “Leave her alone.”
Malcolm holds his hands up in front of him. “Sorry. Just trying to keep the mood light. Didn’t know there was already trouble between you two.”
“I didn’t either.” Crew’s gaze settles on mine.
I look away, vaguely annoyed with all three of them.
I don’t know how to act around him, and I’m uncomfortable talking about any of this in front of his friends. I wish we were alone, so he could hold me and tell me everything was going to be okay.
Skov enters the room seconds later, far ahead of the final bell for once. She appears flustered, settling her stack of binders and books on top of her desk before she comes to stand in front of the class, her hands on her hips as she studies all of us.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” she says, loud enough to get all of our attention. “But I read over all the outlines last night and…you’re all on the right track. I don’t really have any major suggestions for any of you.”
We all start cheering. There’s clapping and yelling, and I can’t help but smile, relief flooding me.
“Okay, okay. Settle down. I’m going to pass back your outlines now, and there are a few suggestions on them, so please read and take what I said into consideration. My biggest concern is time. You’ve all seemed to learn so much about each other, I’m worried we won’t be able to get to all of the presentations next week during your scheduled exam time,” Skov explains.
She goes to her desk and grabs a stack of papers, then starts passing them out. “I was hoping a few of you might feel confident enough to give your presentation today, though I totally understand if you don’t feel up to it. I am springing it on you unannounced.”
Just thinking about making the presentation right now makes my legs go weak. I need to gear up for something like this, presenting in front of the class, especially since I’m doing it with Crew.
I’m still irritated with him for never texting me.
Skov stops by my desk, dropping the outline on top of it. “Excellent work, you two. I can’t wait to see this presentation.”
She walks away and I pick the paper up, looking at her suggestions. She really didn’t make any. Just lots of glowing comments and a few red exclamation points by specific parts on the paper.
“I think she liked it,” Crew murmurs, leaning over to scan the paper.
I turn toward him, not realizing he’s so close. “I’m mad at you.”
“I know.” He drifts his fingers across the top of my hand. I snatch it away from his reach. “I’ll explain everything later. I got called in. I was interviewed all morning.”
I’m frowning. “Interviewed? By who?”
“I’ll tell you later. Hey.” I blink at him. “You want to give this presentation now?”
“What? No way.” I shake my head.
“Come on, we can get it out of the way. Looking at her lack of constructive comments, I’m thinking we’ve got this thing on lock. We could give it in a couple of minutes, tops.”
“I don’t like speaking in public,” I admit.
“Are you serious? You’re always talking to people.”
“Not in front of a full class of students. Talking about myself and comparing and contrasting between the two of us. That’s just—intimidating.”
“Look, we’re going to be fine. Just follow the outline. Follow me. I won’t lead you astray.” He smiles, and I think with that smile alone Crew could lead me astray forever and ever.
“I don’t know…”
“We’re doing it.” He shoots his hand up despite my cry of protest. The moment Skov spots him, she nods in his direction.