“Exactly.” Professor Thompson’s voice interrupted the beginning of Eden’s explanation. Both of our heads snapped toward our professor. “Higher production costs can be a significant weakness, especially if competitors can produce similar products more cheaply. Now, what opportunities might PureNature have?”
“Growing consumer demand for sustainable products,” Eden replied before anyone else could.
Professor Thompson glanced in our direction, a serious look on his face. “That’s right. What does that mean for PureNature?”
“As more consumers prioritize sustainability, PureNature can expand its market share.”
Professor Thompson nodded, but he appeared to be suspicious of Eden. “And what about threats, Mister King?”
Ever since the beginning of the year, there had only been a few lessons I’d seen Eden attend. As far as I could remember, he hadn’t spoken up in either of those. Seeing as he was a hockey player, he didn’t need to either. Eden would pass his classes no matter what. They all did.
On top of all that, the guy hadn’t even been in this class from the beginning; he just got here, or so I thought.
There was no way he knew what Professor Thompson was talking about. This must’ve been pure luck, right?
“Increasing competition from larger companies entering the sustainable market,” Eden replied. “Larger companies with more resources could pose a serious threat. With that SWOT analysis in mind, PureNature should probably focus on strengthening its brand and perhaps look for ways to reduce production costs without compromising its eco-friendly values.”
He kept on talking about more business stuff, but even if I had tried to listen to it, my brain wouldn’t have comprehendedmore than gibberish. Professor Thompson, however, seemed very pleased with Eden’s knowledge.
5
ALANA
“Alana, wait.” Eden wrapped his hand around my arm, holding me back as I tried to dip right into the women’s restroom.
Turning around, I was startled when I noticed just how close he’d been. Our bodies almost touched. He must’ve been about a foot taller than me, forcing me to lean my head back to really look right into his eyes.
Last Friday, I didn’t even realize how tall he was.
“What do you want?” I asked, sounding snappier than I intended.
“I want to be friends,” he replied, and I almost burst into laughter. I had to stop myself because I knew it would’ve drawn attention to us. People were already staring more than I liked. “What’s so funny about that?”
“I’m not good at making friends, Eden. Especially with guys like you.” I finally pulled my arm away from his grasp. He looked at his hand with a questioning look, as if he hadn’t even realized he was still holding me.
Or perhaps he just realized he had to wash his hands because I was poison or something like that. It certainly wouldn’t have been the first time someone did that.
“Guys like me? What’s that even supposed to mean?”
My eyes rolled. “Guys who hold everyone’s attention. Guys with pretty faces and charming smiles that make a girl melt on the spot, or so they believe. Guys who elevate a person’s status. Guys who just want to fuck and leave.”
Eden took a tiny step back, offense etched in his face. “I’m not the type tofuck and leave. And even if I were, I asked forfriendship, hadn’t I?”
“Look, if this is about what Asiya said at that party…” Damn her for making my life more complicated. The last thing I needed was a hockey player with a god-complex thinking he could be the hero in my life story. “Asiya was kidding. I don’t want any elevated status on campus.Shewants that for me. She thinks if I learn how to be less shy in crowds, it would help me become more confident and finally talk to thi?—”
“I can teach you,” he cut me off. “To be less shy, I mean. I’m a lot of things, but shy isn’t one of them. I can take you to places wherenobodyknows you, and you can learn to overcome your fear of people.”
“I don’t have a fear of people.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“You made it sound like you do.”
“Well, I don’t.” I turned around, opening the door to the women’s restroom. “Now, if you’d excuse me.” I walked inside, not waiting for any sort of reply from him.
For just a moment after the door closed behind me, I felt like I’d gotten rid of Eden. That feeling didn’t last long because when I looked into one of the mirrors, ready to give myself a little pep talk, the door opened back up and he came walking inside.
“Uh, excuse you?” I waved around the room. “Unless you’re a woman, you’re not allowed in here.”
“Tug your claws back in, Ally-Bear, I’m not going to watch you while you pee.”
