The Hazards of Sex on the Beach (Hazards #3)(18)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“Well educated? Are you implying public schools don’t educate well?” Kyle jumped in.

“No, I’m just saying that doesn’t color how I view literary analysis the way being a sorority girl would.”

Professor Grayson cleared his throat. “Okay, let’s move this back to the books. Cara? Do you have anything more to add?”

“Yes.” I tried to calm my bubbling anger. After the Aaron run in, I wasn’t doing well with it. “I believe this discussion is about whether the representation of women in lit accurately reflects their place in society. My answer is that it depends on the author. That’s what I was going to say before I was attacked.”

Anthony smirked. “You weren’t attacked. If you can’t handle a discussion, then don’t participate. Sit back and listen like the rest of your sorority friends.”

I refused to take the bait. “Whether we’re discussing the representation of women, or children, or anything, it depends on the author. It’s impossible to leave your own identity out when writing.”

“That’s an interesting point, Cara.” Professor Grayson smiled. “Does anyone else agree? Disagree?”

“I agree.” Kyle jumped back in. “If I were to write the same story as Cara, it would turn out differently because we’re different. That’s not to say that a woman can’t accurately depict men or vice versa, but our version would be different.”

Professor Grayson nodded. “Nicely said. On that note, let’s end a few minutes early.”

I let out a deep breath and started to stuff my books into my bag.

“Cara?” Professor Grayson asked as I headed toward the door. “Can you stay back a second?”

“Sure,” I answered nervously. I hoped he wasn’t going to reprimand me for being late. It was my first time, and I was hoping for a one time grace. Professor Grayson was one of my favorites. I’d taken American Lit with him the semester before.

He waited until everyone else filed out. Kyle gave me a look. We usually walked to our next class together.

“How are you doing?” He paused briefly. “You’ve seemed distracted this week. And as much as I love the enthusiasm you showed today for the topic, it doesn’t seem like you.”

“I’m sorry if I was out of line. I just can’t stand when someone tries to marginalize me because of an organization I’m part of.”

“You weren’t out of line. You just weren’t Cara.”

“I had a rough break. I’ll be back to normal soon.” I’d just have to make sure to steer clear of Aaron.

“Anything you want to talk about?” He packed up papers and a few books.

“No. Just boy drama.”

Professor Grayson laughed. “Believe it or not, I was young once. I’m happy to listen if you need to talk. My office hours are for more than discussing literature.”

I laughed. This was only the professor’s second year on faculty. He was in his early thirties. “All right, I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Good. And I am glad to see you connecting with the subject matter. Maybe you can use Zora for your term paper.”

“Oh. That’s a great idea. Maybe I’ll come by your office hours next week to discuss it.”

“All right. Have a good weekend.”

I headed to the door.

“But, Cara?”

I turned back.

“Don’t let boy troubles get in the way of your life. No guy’s worth it at your age.”

I laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Kyle was waiting for me outside. “What was that about?”

“Just Grayson worrying about me.”

“That was quite the show today.” He adjusted the straps of his backpack.

“Yeah. I guess I got my claws out.”

He laughed. “How are you doing? I heard about you and Aaron.”

“Oh. News spreads fast.”

“A few guys in my house were pretty happy about it.” He smiled lightly.

“Oh, really?” I tried to be polite, but I wasn’t interested in dating anyone else on campus. I had no idea where things were going with Chase, but getting back into the Greek dating scene sounded horrible.

“How’s Juliet doing? I haven’t seen her around much.” Kyle had a major crush on Juliet growing up, but she dated his brother and it hadn’t gone well. I’d accepted that Kyle wasn’t the jerk his brother was. We were both English majors, so we inevitably had a few classes together each semester, and we’d fallen into a loose idea of friendship.

“She’s doing really well. Still with Reed, still working at Al’s.”

“Nice. Dylan asked about her over the holidays. I think he’s starting to understand what an ass he was to her.”

I rolled my eyes. “Took him long enough.”

“Yeah. It did. Hopefully it won’t take Aaron as long.”

“Either way, I’m not dating him again.”

“Yeah, I get that.” He turned toward me. “Don’t read this the wrong way, but is there any chance you’d go to a party with me next weekend?”

“How would I read it the wrong way?”

“I don’t want you to think I’m being a jerk trying to ask you out right after a breakup. Even though I guess I am, but it’s just as friends.”

“In other words, you need a date and want to know if I’m available?”

“Yeah. Are you? I just broke up with that girl I was dating, Abby, and she’s already with one of my brothers. I’m pissed at them both, but what can you do? Showing up with a date like you would make it a lot easier.”

“Because I completely understand how you’re feeling, I’ll go as friends. Is there a theme?”

“It’s Country Western themed.”

I laughed. “Nice. Text me all the details.”

“Great. Thanks a bunch.”

Chapter Seven

“Spill, now!” Juliet didn’t even let me get into my seat at the student center before starting in. “We’ve been going crazy waiting to hear from you.”

We’d had a standing lunch date at the student center for well over a year, so I didn’t consider skipping, but I hadn’t fully prepared myself for that welcome.

“Can’t I at least eat lunch first?” I eyed my chef salad longingly. My cereal bar had worn off hours before, and I’m convinced anger makes you burn calories faster than usual.