But where's Natasha

Ten minutes before three, there was no sign of Natasha.

"I'll text her again," Tanya said.

"Don't bother. If she didn't get the last three texts you sent, she won't get the next."

"I don't get it. She was ready for this in class today."

Matt shrugged. "Who knows?"

Was it time to ask his mom whether she wanted to do a mother/son show? That wasn't how he wanted to focus his show... he wanted it to be about eighteen year-old high school kids. And Natasha was the epitome of the perfect high school student... only better.

"Shit, I'll do it," Tanya said. "Karen, you're smart. Each of the cameras has a window on the computer. When one has a better angle, just click it. Don't worry about transitions, I don't have time to go into when wipes work. Now, fuck, what can I use as a mask?"

"Did someone say mask?" A beautiful woman with a black jeweled mask that looked like something out of a New Orleans carnival stepped into the studio.

"Shit, Natasha." Tanya balled her fists. "I was sick. I swear I should kill you."

"Yeah, sorry. I got into a little discussion with the parental unit about my score on today's biology test. Maybe I should have studied last night."

"Speaking of which," Matt said, "why don't we use that as our launch. Natasha did badly on her biology exam and she comes to the smart kid to tutor her... only he isn't interested in cash."

"Cute," Tanya said. "But how do you ask for tips."

"He will only do it if she'll stream with him... and she has to do what the tippers say."

"Great. We'll go with that," Tanya said. "Places everyone. We have showtime in two minutes."

Matt and Natasha lay side by side on the bed, their biology book open in front of them, and Matt started reviewing the questions that had been on the exam.

"Boring," Tanya said. "But lights, camera... action."

"Here's the deal," Matt said. "I'll help you in biology, but you have to help me."

"With what? You get perfect grades."

"I'm running a streaming show. And you're on it. Now, if you want to up your grade, you'll have to perform for the tippers. Because that's the way it works on High School Hotties."

"But Archie, I'm embarrassed."

Archie? Fine, he could roll with that.

"Well, Veronica, the question is whether you'll be more embarrassed not to get into USC. Because if you don't pass biology, you won't be there."

"This is ****."

He smiled. "No, Veronica, it is a bargain. You help me out and I help you out."

Karen walked behind the cameras with a slate that said "Natasha, up on your elbows. We need to see your cleavage."

Natasha arched her back. "Archie, I don't think you're very nice."