Page 65 of The Other Side of Green

“I don’t think so. Does she make you play the piano at an exceptional level too?”

“Ugh, no.” I pondered for a moment, taking some time to sip the milky coffee that was just about bearable. “But I probably wouldn’t have been here, or rediscovered the piano, if it hadn’t been for her.”

Truth. Sadly.

Greene peered at me closely. “And you really haven’t had lessons for years?”

I shook my head. “No. Lessons were a luxury.” I didn’t add about the backyard bonfire.

He shook his head. “Extraordinary.”

To my surprise, my cheeks warmed. “So, sorry, what’s this about?”

“This course you’re on is only three years.” He tilted his head to the side. “You didn’t apply for the full program.”

“I think you and I both know that I haven’t paid for my own fees.”

He inclined his head. “Lucky you’ve got a girlfriend with a generous family.”

I almost snorted, but the Collins family were gods around here, and you didn’t knock a god off their pedestal, not unless you wanted a pile of shit at your front door.

Which I didn’t. I’d already tried to get away from them once, but it had ended up with me here at Berkley – so not all bad.

Stupid games of Miriam wanting to offend her father by bringing home a down and out boyfriend, but then Jensen Collins offering me my fees to attend college myself just to hang around and cramp her style.

A guy like me never expected to attend college. No one in my position would have made a different decision. College—on a plate.

But then of course, I’d been good, maybe even better than good. I hadn’t embarrassed Miriam like he’d hoped.

Now the games were over and I couldn’t wait to get away. I’d done my three years.

“Normally I’d suggest a Masters,” Greene said, bringing me back to focus.

I almost dropped my mug of coffee. “That’s not on the cards.”

He held up his hand. “But in your case, I think a Masters would be wasted. You should go straight onto the PhD.”

My mouth hung wide open. “What? I can’t do that. I don’t have a penny to my name.”

“I know. So that’s why I’m offering you a job as my aide. You can earn your teaching credits assisting me, get a salary, and then start your academic studies the following year. You’ve been helping me with new graduates for the last two years as it is.”

“Have I?” I scrunched my face.

“Sure. You are far cooler than me. They want to play for you, especially the girls it seems, although let’s not mention that to Miriam.” He winked.

“You want me to work for you?”

“Yes. Earn some money, get some teaching experience.’

“Why? What would I do with a PhD?”

His smile was wide. “Well, you could be just like me. We need some fresh blood. Berklee needs people who can attract a trendier crowd.”

Okay, this wasn’t quite a bar with music.

But it would get me away from Miriam and her controlling father. And I could do it without lies and games.

Living a lie rubbed at the edges of my soul, made me ache for things that I knew I could never have. I shut my brain down to the thoughts of pale-blue eyes and bronzed curls. I doubted I would ever see them again.