My Rebound (On My Own #2) - Carrie Ann Ryan Page 0,59

that. I couldn’t even be jealous about it. Because he was just damn good at what he did. I could hate him for everything else that he did to me and in his life.

“I’m just saying, I don’t know why you keep putting yourself in these situations,” he said.

“I’m not doing anything, Hunter. Now I’m going to be late for my meeting. You should just go.”

“Whatever,” he said before walking away. I hated that this was the one class I had with Hunter that I didn’t have with Pacey. And I hated that I was even thinking that. I had dealt with Hunter for nearly as long as I had been with Sanders. I could deal with him longer, even if I hated him.

He was just so annoying, and he seemed to love razzing me. He might be a genius, but he had never wanted for anything. Nor did he work toward anything. His version of studying was just knowing things. I could be jealous of that, but I didn’t have the energy. I had work to do, and Hunter didn’t get to take up any of my time by annoying the hell out of me.

I finally moved away and headed towards Dr. Jackson’s office. I liked her, and I hoped she had a spot for me. I knew the money was tight, but hopefully, we could make it work. I knew not all schools were like this. Undergrads didn’t always need an advisor or a final thesis or any of the stress I was dealing with. And if I had gone to another school, I probably wouldn’t be in this situation. But I hadn’t, and now I needed to deal with the consequences.

I knocked on Dr. Jackson’s doorjamb since her door was open, and she smiled up at me and then waved me in. Although, I noticed the expression wasn’t very bright.

Well, crap.

“Mackenzie, I’m glad to see you.”

I took a seat, trying to keep my smile. “Hi. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me.”

“I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this,” she said after a moment and then shook her head. “Dr. Michaels is brilliant. I thought you were going to work with him. Honestly, I was a little jealous at first.”

Hope sprang eternal, and I leaned forward. “Things didn’t work out. He decided to go with someone else so I’m still looking for an advisor.”

She smiled again softly, and I knew the blow was coming. “I’m so sorry, Mackenzie. I know I could’ve done this via email, but I wanted to try to work something out with you.”

I swallowed hard, tears pricking the backs of my eyes.

“Oh?”

If she pushed me away, said she didn’t have the money or time or space, I would have to work with Dr. Linde. The asshole professor who didn’t like women, didn’t like people in general, and was even worse than Dr. Michaels. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to deal with that.

“Mackenzie, I really can’t. You were on my list, but when the time came, I was explicitly told that you’d be working with Dr. Michaels, so I picked someone else.”

“You’re working with Pacey,” I blurted and shook my head. “Sorry.”

“I thought you guys might be friends or something more,” she said and shook her head. “It’s none of my business. But, yes. Pacey and three others. I’m allowed one minor and three majors, with my budget and time. And, frankly, even that extra major is a little too much for me. But my family and I are making it work because I want to spend time with my kids.” She shook her head. “I know Dr. Linde isn’t working on the same program you want. He isn’t exactly who you were looking for at all I’m sure, but I have a plan,” she said, and my eyes widened, even as I tried to swallow back the disappointment.

“I like plans,” I said cautiously. She gave me a small smile. “I’ve seen some of your schedules and spreadsheets over the past couple of years. I knew we could be friends.”

“I like things color-coded with checkboxes.”

“Same.”

I hated that she wouldn’t be my advisor. Though she hadn’t been my first choice because her focus wasn’t exactly what I wanted. Still, she would be better than Professor Linde. But now, I wasn’t going to get her either.

“As I was saying, I thought I could try to co-chair your plan. I don’t know how it’ll work, and I don’t want to get your hopes