Matchplay Read Online Free PDF Page B

paired with Aaron Donovan.”
    I could hear one of the girls in the back moan an “Oh, not fair,” but I was frozen with anxiety. How could I possibly work with Aaron all term? How could the fate of my grade in the class rest with someone who said he didn’t care about art? This was a class that could have a major impact on my career if I did well. I debated the sanity of asking Dr. Griffin to pair me with someone else, especially when she had just made a point of telling us there would be no trading partners. I wanted to scream but instead, I just sank into my chair in despair.
    After class, I sat for a moment as all of the students filed out. Rising, I approached Dr. Griffin. She was packing up her books and materials but looked up when she noticed me standing at her table.
    I cleared my throat. “I just wanted to thank you for saying I have a beautiful name. That was kind of you.”
    She smiled. “I wasn’t just being kind. The name is wonderful. I hope you appreciate it and treasure it as a gift from your parents.”
    I had never thought about my name like that before. After years of living with classmates making fun of my name, it was difficult to appreciate it.
    Dr. Griffin had such warmth and kindness in her eyes, I felt comfortable confiding in her. “My mom named me. She always liked rainy days. She said they made her feel alive. She died five months ago.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that,” Dr. Griffin said. “I know how diff icult it is to lose a parent. I lost my father when I was in college.”
    I nodded.
    Her eyes narrowed and she looked as though she was going to say something else. I waited as she hesitated. Then she said finally, “Aaron Donovan is a complex person. I realize he comes across as arrogant and full of himself sometimes but there’s a lot more to him under the surface.”
    I wasn’t expecting her to say something about Aaron and de finitely not what she just said. I had so many questions but I wasn’t sure what was appropriate to ask.
    As if she sensed my uneasiness, Dr. Griffin continued. “I’ve known Aaron his whole life. His father is an old friend of my husband’s. They went to school together. Here, as a matter of fact.”
    I nodded still not sure what to say.
    “The only reason I’m saying anything is that I noticed you got a bit anxious when I made the pair assignments.”
    “School is very important to me, Dr. Griffin. I want to major in art history and eventually earn a Ph.D. like you. I’ve had the same goal since I started high school and I’ve never wavered. I worked very hard in high school to earn a full scholarship and I intend to work even harder in college so I can compete for an elite graduate program.”
    Dr. Griffin was smiling at me. “Well, you just made my day. It’s not often that a student tells me she wants to major in art history. Most people in my classes just need an elective to graduate. Let me know if Aaron gives you any trouble and I’ll talk to him.”
    I breathed a slight sigh of relief. Maybe having Aaron as a partner would not be as big of a problem as I initially thought.
    “Thank you so much, Dr. Griffin. I appreciate it.”
    “Anytime.”
    When I exited the art building, I was shocked to see Aaron standing near the entrance. He was leaning against the building with his arms crossed over his chest. It looked like he was waiting for someone. I tried to hurry past him but he easily caught up to me and started walking with me.
    “Thanks for the sticker. That was nice of you.”
    When I looked over at him, he gave me a sly half grin. “I’m glad you like it.”
    I kept walking and was surprised that he kept following me. “I’m going back to my dorm room.”
    He raised an eyebrow.
    “And you’re not invited,” I clarified.
    He grabbed his chest dramatically. “You’re breaking my heart.”
    I rolled my eyes. “Oh, please, there was a bevy of beauties in the back of the class clamoring for your attention.”
    “A bevy, huh,”