Snippet #2702901

“I’ve got it, thanks,” said Piper, pushing her own wheels in strong strokes, chuckling at his affected airs of gallantry, his abrupt turn from awkward to putting on a show—and Piper could tell it was a show, but she didn’t mind terribly; at least he was being friendly.

When he brought up the weather, she pleasantly agreed with him, commenting on the previous night’s pinkish glow while smiling at him sideways. What a classic way to delay the real topic of conversation.

But the real topic of conversation turned out to be very unexpected. He certainly got to the point quickly once he came around to it.

“Oh,” said Piper, completely floored by this turn. And before she could stop herself, she blurted, “I just thought you’d probably be taking a guy.”

Realizing that might be a little uncouth, she hastily backpedaled. “But—thank you. I’m flattered by the invitation,” she said. A little spark of excitement flared. An invitation to a promotional ball at such high rank was huge. She didn’t even care that it was a pity date; that being in a wheelchair had apparently put her on a list for good publicity dates. Oh, look at the new chancellor, such a humanitarian, taking the crippled girl to the dance. She’d probably have to swallow her independence and let him push her around the dance floor like some cheesy rom com. At least he told her she was basically picked for him and didn’t try to bullshit her into thinking he picked her because he really liked her. “I’ll go—I’d love to go.” Since it was the only way she’d ever get an invite—and she wanted one, badly. For all she imagined she could see through the surface layer of the sparkle of these publicity events, she loved the sparkle, and what she pictured underneath was still pretty shiny.

She laughed a little at the way he phrased that last bit: ‘I’m willing to offer.’ “Do you really want to get together again between now and then, or are you just being polite?” she asked. “You can be real with me—“ She almost called him Chancellor but caught herself. “—Derrick.”