I pull the hood of my sweatshirt up over my head, covering my bright red hair, trying to disappear. I could dye it to a less noticeable shade, but I’m too vain. Plus, it’s one of the only things that makes me feel connected to my mom. I don’t remember much about her, but I see a little piece of her every time I look in the mirror.
Embarrassment and arousal still run hot inside me, and I can already hear Goldie in my head.
Have a little fun, Red. It doesn’t hurt to try a few boys on for size.
But I’m definitely not up for another round of “Red’s spectacularly unfulfilling one-night stands that make her feel like garbage after the fact.” Goldie may not mind the bang and bye, but it’s never settled well with me.
Besides, she doesn’t know the full extent of how I turn into a woman possessed. And I have no plan on telling her about how it’s almost that time of the month. If only I could down a bunch of Midol and hunker down with some ice cream, but no. This is my other monthly problem. This beast has a whole other set of needs that are difficult to satisfy.
Something nudges my shoulder. I turn to see the girl next to me holding out a box of mini muffins.A familiar blue-haired lady smiles at me from the box. Again, a spark of panic ignites in my chest before evaporating.
“Guys can be such dipshits,” she says dryly. The girl is in similar trash troll mode. Her books are about anatomy, and I know she’s got it even worse than me.
I manage a half smile. “No joke.”
She gives the box a shake, still offering me one of the pre-packaged baked goods.
“I’m good, thanks,” I beg off.
“Have you had this kind before?” she asks, not letting it go in the name of friendliness.
“Uh . . . ”
Before I can answer, she goes on, pulling out a muffin for herself. “This is the newest kind of Magic Morsels. I love the mini brownies that make you feel like you’ve gotten a hug from grandma herself.”
I keep it to myself that I’veactuallyreceived real-life hugs from the grandma she speaks of. And the treats she offers have zero effect on me.
“But these are blueberry and make you more confident. It’s a godsend when you’re pre-med.”
“Yeah . . . ” I trail off. There are at least a dozen similar boxes littering the study tables. More than usual as we creep up on finals, which is probably what’s got me so paranoid. I’m surrounded by my secret.
“I’m so glad we have Magic Morsels. Can you imagine being in college, away from home and feeling like a mess and not having a little magical pick me up?”
“Totally,” I say, trying to seem pleasant, but I’ve got to get the hell out of here.
Thankfully, the girl finally pops the muffin into her mouth, ending the conversation.
Downing the last of my mocha, I grab my books and flee, chucking the cup in recycling along the way. I have to study, but my focus is shot.
If I don’t pass Dr. Langley’s class, I’ll hurl myself into the ocean. I need this credit for my major. If I fail, I’ll have to repeat the course, and the dragon is the only one who teaches Finance 201. I’m already three years older than the students in my class, and I feel behind as it is.
“Rogers,” a voice calls out.
My head whips around. Speak of the damn devil herself.
“D-dr. Langley,” I acknowledge with a stutter. Dammit. Why do I have to admire and fear her so much? Oh right, because Langley is a she-dragon powerhouse.
Students practically dive out of her way. Her dark brown skin is visibly moisturized, though I’ve never seen her crack a smile to threaten that implacable face with lines. Today’s navy suit is perfectly pressed, and her thick, curly hair is pulled back into a tight poof. Heels click along the pavement like gunshots as she strides toward me.
Faefucks.
“I was going to email you, but this is fortuitous.”
I force a polite smile. “Yeah . . . ”
“I just got your last test scores, and I have to say, I’m disappointed.”
My stomach drops out from under me. Am I going to throw up?
