“What’s the difference?”
“Don’t play dumb,” Milo deadpans. “Do you want to stay at Ashworth Academy, or not?”
I raise a palm in surrender. “Fine.”
I go back to my question set and work on my third answer. As it nears closing time and patrons clear out of the cafe, I’m close to finishing question seven and moving onto my final discussion question.
“Guys, I’m going to clean the kitchen,” Aunt Maddy says, stopping by our table. I huff and shift off the seat. Maddy presses onto my shoulder, making me sit back down. “No, I’m just letting you know you have at least thirty more minutes to work. Make the most of it.”
I double-take at her. “You don’t want me to help?”
“I want you to finish your homework,” Aunt Maddy says, backing away. “Keep at it.”
I smile and nod.Ha. I could get used to this studying thing if it keeps me out of work.
Milo leans over to view my work. “Do you need help with anything before we go over your math homework?”
I slide my paper over to him. “I’m done with this. Will you let me know if I’m even close?”
Milo takes the paper. “The good thing about English lit is the answers are subjective. Generally, if you can back up your statement, you have a right answer.”
I rock my jaw, not entirely understanding what Milo means. “So, does that mean I have right answers?”
Milo lowers the paper and chews on his lip. He winces as he meets my gaze. “Not really. You haven’t given full explanations.”
I slouch in my seat. “Dang it.”
“But you’re close,” Milo adds quickly. “All you have to do is expand on these.”
“Expand?”
Milo pulls a red pen from the front pocket of his bag and begins writing below my answers. “I’ll fill in what you need to add, then you can rewrite your answers when you get home tonight.”
I huff. “I have to redo my homework?”
He smirks. “Only if you want your grades to improve.”
I rub the side of my head. “Fine.”
“You’ve got this, Jamie.”
“Thanks.”
He smiles at me, and I can’t help smiling back. Wow. I never knew finishing homework could swell such a feeling of accomplishment inside.
The front door opens, and I look up ready to tell the person we’re closed. I grizzle and hunch my shoulders when I realize it’s David walking through the doors.
“Oh, hi, honey,” Maddy calls from the front counter. “We’re just closing up. I'll be done soon.”
David throws his arms wide and wears his cheesy grin. “What can I do to help?”
“You don’t have to,” Maddy says, walking toward him with an awkwardly flirtatiously strut.
“Come on, I’m here. Put me to work,” David says, with googly eyes all over Maddy.
Maddy giggles and scoops up a spray bottle and a cloth from a table. She hands them to David, leaving her hands lingering by his. “You could wipe down the tables along that wall.”
David leans down and pecks Maddy’s lips. “I’d love to.”
