I’m left speechless. He’s wrong, isn’t he? Yes, I want to please Alex, but this plan isn’t just some half-assed attempt. I give a damn about the environment. It’s real, actionable change, without screwing the whole development.
For some reason, I don’t correct him. I just nod, trying to keep my face neutral. “Thanks, sir.”
Dr. Reeves leans forward, his fingers steepled on the desk. “You know, that protest your friend organized… it caused quite a stir. More than she probably realizes.”
“What do you mean?”
He chuckles, but there’s no humor in it. “Let’s just say the project was on thin ice. The board was this close to pulling the plug.” He holds his thumb and forefinger a hair’s breadth apart. “But this,” he taps my proposal on the screen, “this might just save it.”
I should be over the fucking moon. This is what I wanted, right? A solution that works for everyone. But something in Dr. Reeves’ tone makes my skin crawl.
“The thing is, Freddie,” he continues, his voice lowering conspiratorially. “You and I, we understand how the world really works. It’s not about recycling your tins or saving every damn bug. It’s about balance. Progress. Profit.”
I shift in my seat. “I just wanted to find a compromise,” I say, choosing my words carefully.
Dr. Reeves waves a hand dismissively. “Of course, of course. And you did. That’s what matters. The shareholders will love this, and the tree-huggers get to feel like they’ve won something. Everyone’s happy.”
He looks at me, a glint in his eye that I can’t quite place. “You’ve got a bright future, Freddie. I look forward to teaching you again next year. Come see me when you’re looking at internship prospects.”
The implication is clear, and I should be thrilled. But all I can think about is Alex—her fiery passion, her unwavering belief in doing what’s right. And here I am, being praised for… what? Playing both sides?
But Dr. Reeves is a smart motherfucker. He’s respected, well-connected. I remember the email from last week, the one from the school congratulating him on yet another research grant.
“Thank you, sir,” I manage, standing up. “I should get going. I have a class…”
Dr. Reeves nods without looking up, already turning back to his computer, as if I’ve ceased to exist. “Of course. I’ll be in touch about implementing your proposal.”
I leave his office feeling like I need to take ten showers. I should be celebrating. I found a solution. I made it right.
So why do I feel like I’ve just made a deal with the devil?
Before I know it,I’m standing outside Alex’s dorm room, staring at the door like an idiot. My hand hovers over the doorframe, breath tight in my chest.
I take a deep breath and knock. There’s a pause, followed by the sound of quick footsteps. The door swings open, and there she is.
She’s wearing tailored trousers and a fitted turtleneck that hugs her frame. Her hair’s a mess, like she’s been running her fingers through it all day, a few strands falling into her eyes. She looks fucking beautiful, and it pisses me off how much I notice.
Alex’s eyes widen in surprise, then narrow. The hurt and anger from our last encounter are still there, simmering just beneath the surface. “What are you doing here, Freddie?”
“I need to talk to you,” I say, my voice steadier than my racing heart. “I found a solution. For the development project.”
She scoffs, crossing her arms like she’s building a wall between us. “Let me guess, they’re going to plant a tree for every acre they destroy? How generous.”
“No, Alex, listen,” I press on, desperate to make her understand. “I came up with a compromise. One that actually addresses your environmental concerns. I did some research into the area, and you were right—there is a lot of damage that could be done if they don’t go about it carefully. I wrote out a full proposal. Dr. Reeves liked it. They’re probably going to implement it.”
Alex’s eyes widen, a mix of surprise and suspicion flashing across her face. “They what? How?”
I open my mouth to explain, but before I can get a word out, a voice that sounds like Siri pipes up from inside the room.
“Oh look, it’s Mr. Hot Friend. Come to make my roommate more miserable?”
Alex’s cheeks flush as she whirls around. “Piper! Not now!”
I peek past Alex to see her roommate, Piper, hunched over a laptop like she’s trying to merge with it. Her fingers are flying across the keyboard without missing a beat. She doesn’t even look up as she speaks.
“Don’t mind me,” Piper deadpans. “I’m just a sentient AI, observing human mating rituals. Fascinating stuff. Please, continue your awkward dance.”
Alex groans, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I swear to God, Piper, if you don’t?—”
