"Thus ends my short career as a professional tutor," Miranda added flatly as she ended her summary of what she'd learned. Declan was grinning.
"I think I'd like to meet this guy someday, Miranda," he added.
"Yeah, he's right up your alley." Miranda couldn't help but smile back. Declan and RJ certainly would have gotten along had they gotten the chance to meet.
"Anyone who pushes Waldau's buttons is right up my alley," was Declan's smiling comeback. "You gonna see him again?"
"Huh?"
"RJ. Are you going to see him again?" Declan asked again.
"I...ah... hadn't thought about it," she said, but in truth, she had. A lot, in fact, which really surprised her.
"You *should* think about it, Miranda," Declan told her.
*~*~*~*
"Hey, Miranda! Wait up!"
Miranda was halfway across the parking lot to her motorcycle when a familiar voice reached her ears. "RJ!" she exclaimed, turning around to see him sprint towards her. "Hey," she said when he stopped in front of her.
"Hey," he echoed. "I'm glad I caught you. I... " He fidgeted a little. "I haven't had the chance to tell Dad about not needing a tutor anymore, so I was wondering if you wouldn't mind playing along a little longer?"
"You *don't* need to tutor you, though," Miranda pointed out, but she could suddenly hear her heart pounding in her ears. It wasn't a reaction she was used to.
RJ grinned at her. "I know, and you don't have to. We can just hang out. Come on... it'll make Dad happy and it'll be fun."
"Well..." Miranda hesitated. She really didn't need to be lying to her professor.
"I'll tell him tonight, I promise," RJ added, as if reading her mind. "Whattya say?"
"Well..." RJ was smiling at her again, a warm, infectious smile. "Okay. But just for today," she agreed at last.
"Great!" RJ beamed at her. "I knew I could count on you!"
"Well, if we're not going to study, what are we going to do now?" Miranda asked.
"Actually..." RJ flushed a little. "This isn't, like, a date or anything, but... my favorite is playing is at the Gold Rush all day. I was kind of wondering..."
"_Tirez sûr le pianiste_?" Miranda asked instantly.
"You know it?" RJ asked in amazement. Miranda nodded.
"David Goodis is a genius. Have you read the book?"
"Of course! What's your favorite part?" RJ asked eagerly. They talked for a few more minutes before making plans to meet at the theatre for the next showing. "See you then!" RJ added as he headed back towards the dorm.
For some reason, Miranda couldn't stop smiling.