Page 19 of Pucking Forbidden

There’s a pause, and the total silence coming from him has my stomach twisting with dread.

“A 42%?” he growls at length. “Hadley…what the hell happened?”

“I don’t know,” I mutter. “I’ve been struggling.”

“You’ve never struggled like this before,” he states, his voice laced with impatience.

I swallow. “Things are different now.”

“Different how?” he presses. “You were performing at a high level. There’s no reason for a drop like this unless something has changed.”

Something has. Do I really have to explain this to him? Has he just not been paying attention to what I’ve said this whole time?

“You’re not listening to me,” I whisper.

“I am listening,” he insists. “And what I’m hearing is that you’re having difficulty adjusting to the harder courses. Which is normal. It just means we need to work harder. Get help if you need it.”

Seriously? Frustration bubbles up inside me, and I can’t hold myself back.

“I don’t want to be here, Dad!” I exclaim. “I don’t want to study law!”

“We’re not making impulsive decisions based on one bad grade,” he cuts in firmly.

My frustration spikes. “It’s not just one bad grade!”

“Then it’s a pattern we need to address,” he replies, already shifting gears. Going into lawyer mode. “You clearly need more structure. More oversight. We can’t let bad grades ruin your chances at getting into a top-tier law school.”

My grip tightens around my phone. He’s not hearing me. All he sees is the problem, and he wants to do whatever he can to fix it, but it won't work. He can’t fix this if he doesn’t fucking listen!

“Hmmm,” he murmurs. “It may be better for you to be closer to home. Somewhere I can ensure you’re staying on track.”

My heart stutters, and I lose my breath.

Wait. What’s he saying?

“I can pull you from the program,” he says. “Transfer you to a university here in Colorado Springs. There are a couple I know that haven’t started classes yet. You won’t lose any standing, and we can protect your GPA before it takes further damage.”

It takes a moment for my brain to process his words. Is he serious? It’s not exactly what I want. He’s not letting me give up business law, but if he’s letting me come back to the States, that’s progress.

Except, I don’t think being in Colorado Springs will do me any good. Dad will have more immediate control over my life. That isn’t what I want at all.

A thought hits me then. I have to fight to keep my eagerness from my voice so he doesn’t get suspicious.

“Okay,” I nod, sitting up. “But…what about Denver? Doesn’t it have the best pre-law program in the state?”

Silence greets me, but I rush to fill it. “Grandpa’s there. It makes sense. I’d have family nearby, and it’s still a good environment academically. It’s not like I’d be on my own.”

Another beat of silence, then…

“That could work,” he agrees. “It does have the best programs…that’ll definitely stand out to law schools….”

My pulse starts to race.

“I can look into it,” I add, trying to sound reasonable. “It’d be…a good middle ground.”

“Mmhmm,” he hums. “Yes. That may be the most logical option. I’ll still be close enough to oversee your studies as needed.”

Logical. Of course. It’s the logical solution.