The New Guy

Katie had been assigned to a project in her business marketing class with Jaali, a Kenyan exchange student. Everything about him was foreign -- from the cologne he wore, to his manner of dress, to his thick, deep voiced accent, to the imperious way he looked at his classmates. While they worked at the project, he always felt like he knew better. It both offended and intrigued Katie.

"You're going to need a good saleswoman for this pitch, Jaali," Katie said for the umpteenth time. "You can't do it alone, the professor will hate it."

"Nonsense, woman," Jaali said, his thick, muscular arms crossed over his well-defined chest. "Back in Kenya ..."

"We're in South Carolina, Jaali, know your audience," Katie said bitterly.

"You know, in my country," Jaali said, leering at her. "You'd be just a pleasure girl, kept whenever I wanted her. I see that white boy you walk around campus with. He can't take care of you. But I could. You'd know your place with me."

Katie looked at him, still feeling so conflicted, so offended and intrigued. Her skin goosebumped.