Chapter 37: Beck

I rap my knuckles against Dr. Hayes' office door.

"Come in," is the muffled response from the other side.

As I push open the door and poke my head in, she glances up from her desk and smiles. Papers are spread out all around her. "Thanks for stopping by. I wanted to check-in with you regarding the progress you've been making." She pauses for a beat. "Please tell me that you've been working on the paper."

I crack a smile. "Yeah, I have."

"Good. I was worried after our last conversation. It seemed like you were dragging your heels about delving in."

"You're right, I was," I admit. "It's a little overwhelming."

She wags a finger at me. "You athletes are all alike."

I really hope not. School might not come easy, but that doesn't mean I don't work at it.

As I get ready to slide onto the chair parked across from her desk, Dr. Hayes rises to her feet and points to the small couch against the far side of the office. "Would you mind if we sit over there?" She arches, thrusting the