Yeah, no, that's a hard pass

I answer as quietly as I can. “I’m sorry Mr. Perkins, doing Garrett was asking a lot. Putting me into a foursome with three students I am not remotely attracted to is out of reach.”

Perkins nods and says, “I understand. I appreciate you coming back in and at least trying to work something out. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

I grab my bag and leave the classroom. Upon exiting the building I see Eric’s car parked half on the curb, half in the road. I wave to them and walk down, hop in the back seat and tell them the good news, that I am going to graduate with everyone else.

They high five me, and Eric jerks the car around faster than necessary to get maneuvered off the curb and floors it down the road back towards home.