Sharon’s note: Oh boy. I am really excited to really lean into all the bad academy tropes. Characters with no consistency and just randomly spaz out to inject unneeded drama into the plot. Romances with no chemistry, and the only thing keeping them together is the fact that they make each other horny. The sky’s the limit. Warning: Author is giggling over the idea.
He stepped inside and frowned at the messy chaos that was a house full of busy college students. The house wasn’t a complete biohazard, but it could do with good cleaning. “So, can I have your name?”
“No. You’re paying to explain the thing in my eye. Do that, give me my money, then leave.” I crossed my arms.
Anger flickered through his eyes. It was a visible effort to close them, take a deep breath, then continue talking in a calm tone. “Well, my name is Richard. I work for the leading magic school in the country.”
“Okay, playing along, just for fun, how many magic schools are there?” I was interested to see just how intricate his delusions were.
He raised an eyebrow. “Three, but I’m not sure that’s important.”
I shrugged. “You’re the one who brought up the ranking of the school.”
“Fine.” He took another deep breath. “The school sent me out to find the Chosen One. I performed a spell that tracked that mark in your eye, and it’s my job to bring you back.”
“Um, one, not going anywhere with you. Two, chosen to do what?” I’d been hoping this story would at least be entertaining.
He looked at the floor, face haunted. “Some ancient evil has risen. It has been killing the new generation of magic workers, and we haven’t been able to stop it.”
“That’s all you got? A nameless ancient evil? And what exactly am I supposed to do? I’m pretty sure I don’t have magic, Dick.”
“Well, you do now.” He pointed at my eye. “The mark of the gods will endow you with magic. Also, I go by Rich, not Dick.”
“Fine, but I’m still calling you a dick.” I smirked as he took more of his deep calming breaths. “Now, I’ve heard you out. Give me my money, then leave.”
He stared at me for a long moment, then a smile crept over his face. “The school is an accredited college.”
“Good for you.” I held out my hand. “Money?”
“I’m fairly certain that being the Chosen One comes with a full ride and free housing.” He looked incredibly smug, and I considered slapping him.
“Intriguing, but I’m going to need more than just your word on that. Have the college contact me, then I’ll get excited.” I waved my hand in front of him. “My five hundred dollars, please.”
A little shudder ran through his shoulders and he bit his lip. The annoyance practically radiated off of him. I was kind of impressed. Most people would have already lost their temper. He spoke slowly and clearly. “I will have the school contact you.”
He turned and started walking for the door. I grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. “You promised me money.”
He pulled the cash out of his pocket and shoved it into my hand. “I wish you the joy of it.”
I locked the door behind him after he stomped out, then took a look at the money. There was only three hundred dollars there. Nice to have, but I stood by my original assessment of Richard. He was a dick.
Gray Matters: The Works of Sharon and James Gray 