Changing Tunes by Heather Gunter, Raelene Green

with Austin.”
    “You’ve got a good memory. I must have made an impression.” He says.
    I laugh, “Don’t kid yourself.” I say jokingly. “I’m good with names.”
    “I heard my man Austin flirted with you on your first day and his woman tore you a new one, but you held your own and handed his manhood right back to him. Nicely done,” he says.
    “I call it like I see it.” I say. “I don’t have time for that crap, and I don’t have time to deal with jealous girlfriends.”
    “You handled yourself well, at least how Austin tells it.”
    I grin at up at him, “Thanks.” Maybe he’s not such a douche after all. It’d be nice to have a friend in here.
    He plants himself in the seat next to me and we chat for a few minutes before Professor Forrester begins class. I notice right away when I’m spotted and he gives me the once over. My cheeks heat up and I know Nick notices it, as well. I quickly look away, trying to be nonchalant. It’s like this throughout class. I listen and take notes, but I do not participate. Participating would be creating a dialogue with the Professor, and I can’t do that. I don’t want anyone to think I’m encouraging him. I’m avoiding all eye contact, but I can feel his eyes on me. I know when he’s looking my way. I feel Nick look at me several times. I guess to see if I’m reciprocating or encouraging the attention. The moment class is over; I pack my things as quickly as I can.
    “Wow, Forrester seems to have his sights on you” Nick smirks.
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I say innocently, looking back down at my backpack.
    “Don’t give me that shit. You’re hot, and you know it. You know when a guy has interest in you.”
    I glance up at him. “I’m not doing anything to encourage it.” I say quickly. I don’t need shit started, or a rumor, and I don’t know Nick from Adam.
    He puts his arms up as if to fend of my verbal assault. “Slow down, I didn’t say you were.” He begins seriously, “Just be careful of him.” He leans in closer so no one hears, “I’ve heard rumors. If he wants something bad enough, he’ll find a way. Just watch yourself.”
    My heart begins to speed up. This is disconcerting to say the least.
    “Thanks for the warning, Nick. I appreciate it.” I say. We walk out of the classroom together before I ask, “Why hasn’t anyone reported him?”
    “Have you seen the guy? The girls love him, and the guys aim to be him. He’s a freaking Casanova. Do you think any of these girls would fend off his advances? These girls want him, they aren’t going to report him.”
    “I’m just going to avoid him like the plague then.”
    Nick tilts his head at me. “Why aren’t you enjoying his attention like all the other girls do?”
    I think carefully before I answer. “I have no interest in screwing up my education, not for anyone. Not to mention, he’s too old for me.”
    He throws his head back and laughs. “That’s good to know, maybe then I’ve got a shot.”
    “Don’t kid yourself,” I say smiling. “But it’s good to know you aren’t the dick I first thought you to be.” I wink.
    He throws his hand over his heart like I’ve wounded him, but laughingly says, “Ah, that hurts me, woman.”
    He holds his hand out. “Friends?”
    “Friends.” I shake his hand, deciding to try out this friendship thing—you’ve got to start somewhere. “I’ve got to meet Mac at the coffee shop, want to come?”
    “Sure, I love hanging out with hot chicks. Is Mac single?”
    I shake my head, laughing, “You’re impossible.”
    “Well, is she?”
    I ignore the question, but we walk together chatting the entire way. I spot Mac at a table and see an eyebrow quirk up at seeing Nick with me. I make introductions and we settle at the table where Mac already has my coffee waiting for me. I snatch it up and look at her, “I love you.” I chuckle.
    “Ha ha, I know you do. I mean, how could you not?”
    Nick takes