AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, like cobalt blue! That is such an on trend color right now. I recently watched this episode ofProject Runwaywhere they had to design an entire line in the exact same color. My favorite designer, Seven, opted for all blue and nailed it. He used different textures to create interest so you didn’t feel like the color palette was boring.”
Miller nodded, pretending he had any idea what she was talking about.
“You should check it out sometime. Such a good show.”
It was at that moment Miller was reminded that they were two different species and were definitely in different social classes, if not from completely different planets. “I should get going.”
“Okay, thanks so much for your help. I think I might actually have a shot at passing the midterm. Just gotta get a C!” Liza clapped her hands together.
Miller’s jaw dropped. “That’s your goal?”
“Heck yeah, C’s get degrees! I just gotta pass and then I can move on to bigger and better things.”
Miller couldn’t imagine being happy with a C. He felt nauseous at the thought of getting less than ninety-five percent on an assignment. He slowly nodded and then turned to leave.
Approaching the doorway, he heard Liza yell out, “Ooh, sunglasses!” He turned back to see her throwing her hands in the air and wiggling her shoulders. “NE is neon and I’m putting sunglasses on its card because neon colors are super bright!”
Miller gave her a stiff thumbs up.
Walking out the door that day, he never could have imagined looking forward to tutoring sessions because Liza would be there. She didn’t seem to care that he was branded a “nerd.” She treated him like a normal person. It was almost as if Liza Eckland was his first true friend.
But, like he’d soon learn, nothing good lasts.
Chapter 5
Liza
Afterdrivingfifteenminutesout of town, Liza turned onto a gravel driveway per the directions of the Australian GPS man she called Gabriel. It was still dark out, but thanks to her headlights she could see a green metal building with two large white garage doors. As she came to a stop, she read the black sign above the entrance, “UnderDogs Rescue.”
Liza took a deep breath and turned off the ignition. She wasn’t nervous about the dogs as much as she was about interacting with Books—or rather, Mr. Miller Brooks. He was always so down-to-business. The thought of being alone with him made her nervous. Would other people be working? Or would she be the only person under his watchful eye?
Liza remembered how hard Miller was on himself in high school. He was always carrying around a book or three, hence the nickname “Books.” He not only carried them around, he read them—in the hallway, in the cafeteria, in the library. One time, after she had just gotten her license, she pulled into the parking lot next to his car only to see him… you guessed it, reading…beforeschool. Maybe it was some twisted addiction.
Liza didn’t understand the appeal of books… or academics… or being in a classroom. She was more of a hands-on learner. She needed a teacher to help her experience the lesson if she ever hoped to retain the information. That’s how she ended up in Miller Brooks’ chemistry tutoring group. That’s why she considered him a friend—at least before she unintentionally pulled a mean girl move.Freakin high school peer pressure. She wished so many times that she could go back and change her last interaction with Books.
Maybe now was her chance to make things right.
Liza grabbed her latest design, a denim clutch, and opened the car door. As she stood outside the entrance, she peered inside. She saw what looked like a tiny office area with a front desk, two chairs, and a small table. No sign of Books. Surprisingly, she didn’t hear any dogs barking either. Liza spotted a doorbell camera and pushed the circle button. After two minutes, which doesn’t seem like that long, unless you're standing outside when it’s 10 degrees, Liza pushed the button again. She was about to knock when she heard a voice from the video doorbell command, “Don’t knock! You’ll wake the dogs. I’ll buzz you in. Your first task is on the front desk.”
Liza bounced her legs impatiently to stay warm.
“Okay.”
Once inside, she found a notepad that said, “Read this. There will be a test.” Scanning to her left, she saw a black and yellow book. Flipping it over she read the title–“The Simplest Guide to Dogs Possible: Seriously, Even You Can Understand It.”
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Books.
Sighing, she picked up the book and flopped into a stiff, green chair. Liza read out loud, “Chapter one, what is a dog?”Oh boy, this is gonna be tough to get through.After reading about a dog’s anatomy, diet, nutritional needs, and grooming basics—Liza felt her head bobbing. She looked down at her watch. It was almost six o’clock. She had been reading for close to an hour. Standing up to stretch, she tried the door handle that she assumed would lead to the dogs. At that exact moment, she felt the knob twisting. Someone was about to open it. She hurried back to her chair, cracked open the dog book, and crossed her legs to make it appear she was immersed in reading.
She didn’t look up until she heard, “Eckland.”
“Oh hi. Sorry, didn’t hear you come in. This book is fascinating.”
The corners of Books’ mouth lifted—at least Liza thought they did. But just as quickly, the sternness reappeared. “Good.”
Sitting in the chair next to her, Liza realized Books was holding a plate with eggs, bacon, and toast.He made me breakfast? How sweet!
Books must have noticed her gaze because he said with a mouthful of eggs, “Just finishing my breakfast.”
