The Perfectionists

Chapter 16

IT WAS RAINING ON FRIDAY as Audrey drove toward Mr. Jay's house. At the end of the block, she turned onto Shady-wood Road, a familiar street of small, quaint houses. As she passed Chad's, she gave it a little wave, even though she knew Chad was out at the mall, shopping for a new pair of Vans. Then she pulled into the driveway just two houses down. It was funny: Chad had mentioned once that he'd seen Jay running on his block, but Audrey hadn't realized how close their houses were until she pulled into the driveway.

Jay's house had blue shutters and a red front door. Rolling back her shoulders, Audrey walked to the front stoop and rang the doorbell, adjusting the strap of her bag, which was filled with spiral notebooks and her laptop and even note cards, since she hadn't been sure what she would need.

She heard footsteps, and the door flung open. "Miss Rose," Jay said with a smile. "Please come in." Audrey followed him inside, looking curiously around. His living room was warm, with two low-slung leather couches around a square teak coffee table. There were film noir posters on the walls, a bunch of ancient-looking cameras, and an old film projector on a side table.

"Does that actually show movies?" Audrey asked, gesturing to it. "Yep. I've thought about bringing it into class, actually. Maybe next unit." "I'd love to see something on it," she said, then wondered if that sounded like she was inviting herself over again. "I mean, I bet it's the best way to see old movies, the way they were designed."

"Exactly." For a split second, his gaze seemed to travel down her body, taking in her smooth skin. Her ample cleavage. Audrey felt her cheeks growing warm—but a moment later she was sure she'd imagined it. Ben's stupid rumor was making her paranoid.

"Thank you for letting me rewrite the essay," she said. The sooner they got started, the sooner she could call Chad. "I think you're a wonderful writer. I'd love to see you do more with it." She frowned, looking down at the floor. "Thank you. But I don't think good writers get Cs."

"Audrey." Jay seemed suddenly earnest. "I didn't give you a C because your work was bad. I gave it to you because I know you can do better. You're special—I expect more from you than I do from the other kids in class." He cocked his head. "Do you write anything aside from school stuff?"

"I've written a few, um, essay-type things," Audrey admitted. "About things that happen to me. You know, stuff about my mom. Stuff about my family." She shrugged awkwardly. "Not that anyone's seen it."

Jay nodded. "If something is weighing on you, writing is a great way to relieve the tension. So you like narrative nonfiction?" "I guess so," she said. "But I guess I see it more like a diary. It's really just for me—no one else has ever read it." "Not even your boyfriend?"

"Not yet," Audrey said. Was that weird, that Jay was bringing up Chad? She tried not to let it bother her. Maybe he was just trying to be cool, show that he knew some of the school gossip. "Well, I'd really like to read them." Jay crossed his arms over his chest. "You've got a fascinating mind, Audrey. You're beautiful and brilliant."

"Thank you?" Audrey said uncertainly. A teacher shouldn't say she was beautiful. A teacher shouldn't even notice what she looked like. But the way he was looking at her, Mr. Maraj definitely noticed. "So, um, my paper?" she blurted out, her voice squeaking.

"Of course." Jay blinked as if coming out of a trance. "Let's get to work on that." But then he leaned forward. "Listen. If you don't mind me asking, was everything okay with the police the other day? I was worried about you."

A sour taste welled in Audrey's mouth. "Um, everything was fine," she said in a small voice. "Just routine questions."

Jay sniffed. "The cops shouldn't be questioning kids. It's scary and intimidating, and they're never going to get anyone to talk that way." His smile was kind on the surface, but Audrey sensed another emotion below. "But enough of that. I just made a pot of Caffé Vita coffee. Best in all of Auradon. Can I get you a cup?"