Unveiling Samantha by Veronica Wright

Chapter 17 

“How old did you say you were again?” Samantha’s question came out of left field as she Boa, who looked like a hopeful 

kid. 

“Huh? Uh, 28… Why?” Boa countered, looking lost. 

Samantha let out a low whistle. “Dude, she’s just 24. Ever cross your mind she might think you’re a bit… old?” Samantha didn’t sugarcoat it. Truth hurted. 

Boa’s face fell. He knew it, deep down-age could be a big deal. But hey, love was love! Looking pitiful enough to earn a sympathy card. Boa grabbed her hands. “You gotta help me. Samantha. Without her, I’m toast. It’s fate!” 

Samantha paused, weighing her words. “You want me to play Cupid or something?” 

Boa’s eyes sparkled. He nodded frantically, hoping against hope. 

Samantha finished her water with a gulp, her face all sorry-not-sorry. “Can’t do it, Boa.” 

“What? Why?” Boa’s world was doing a nosedive again. 

“Clueless” she shrugged. Labs and gadgets were more her scene, not this rom-com stuff. ‘Why would I even bother?” she pondered, already over it. 

Boa clamped up. Samantha was super smart for 18, and this should’ve been child’s play for her. 

Ready for another pep talk, she cut him off. “She’s your crush, not mine. Man up and go for it! And hey, keep our work stuff on the down-low. Don’t embarrass me,’ Samantha half-joked, half-warned. Samantha was about to leave when she caught a glimpse of Christopher. 

He slowly approached her with a gentle smile, giving the impression that he was pretending to be a good person. However, since Samantha’s first impression of Christopher was good, she sat back in her seat and wondered, ‘Is he here for me? 

“It’s so hot. What are you doing here, Ms. Vanderbilt?” Christopher asked, sitting next to Samantha as he spoke. 

Samantha felt there was nothing wrong with that. Boa, however, glared at Christopher and complained, “Mr. Wright, has anyone ever told you to keep your distance from girls? There are boundaries between men and women.” 

No wonder Boa was angry. The distance between Samantha and Christopher was so close that they could kiss if they turned their heads. He felt that someone was trying to separate Samantha and him. Then he wanted to step in between them. 

However, Samantha suddenly uttered, “Relax, Boa. It’s cool here. Let him chill.” The weather was scorching hot. Samantha wouldn’t have stayed there if it had not been for the boredom. She got up and went to the refrigerator. 

Christopher gave Boa a sly wink as Samantha walked away, and Boa’s temperature rose even higher. ‘Dang! That guy’s got some nerve!’ Boa furned, his fists itching for a scrap. 

“Boa, what are you doing?” Samantha asked, approaching with six cans of Coke. 

Boa jerked around, his face dropping as he realized Christopher was playing both sides, acting the good guy only when Samantha was around. But he swallowed his anger, sat back down, and shot death glares at Christopher across the table. 

Samantha snagged her favorite shaded spot, one she’d had her eye on all morning. Opening a can, she took a sip, oblivious to Christopher eyeballing her like she was the last slice of pizza. His stare had a weird, clingy vibe. 

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Chapter 17 

Boa caught that look-pure dog-in-the-manger-and it nearly sent him through the roof. He wanted to lay into Christopher but kept his cool. Barely. 

Samantha broke the silence. “Heard Mr. Youngston mention some geniuses from Trinity Research Institute might swing by. Got your eye on that, Christopher?” she asked, just making conversation because it was not yet the right time to reveal her identity. 

Christopher perked up, intrigued. “What about you, Samantha? he shot back with a grin…. 

Samantha paused mid-drink. “My report card’s not exactly Ivy League material, you know.” 

Christopher was quick to pep talk. “First day jitters, maybe. Trinity Research Institute’s more into what you can do, not just grades.” 

Samantha crushed her empty can, sizing him up. “So if I throw my hat in, you’re in too?” 

“You bet. I’ve got faith in you,” Christopher winked. 

Samantha, half-asleep already, muttered, “Luck to you too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, nap time. Just so you know, I’m gunning for the try-out too. Bring your A-game.” Christopher gave her a ‘mature-for-her-age’ nod, puzzling over her true identity. Professor Brooks, are you the Director of Trinity Research Institute as well? Double life, Ms. Vanderbilt?’ he mused. 

“What? Samantha, this kind of person…. He… Boa protested, slapping the table angrily. He glared at Christopher and then looked worriedly at Samantha. His anger immediately vanished when he saw Samantha’s cold eyes. He put his hand to his forehead, not wanting to talk anymore, having lost all courage. However, he cursed Christopher inwardly, “What a sly fox! But I can’t reveal Samantha’s identity yet. Ugh! It’s so frustrating 

“Well, that’s all. I think they’ve almost arrived now,” Samantha said. She had sent the message to their friends earlier. Everyone had probably arrived by now. 

“Samantha! Boa!” A sudden exclamation came from behind them. It was Zachary coming out of the school. When he group, he wondered, “Who’s that person in the school uniform standing next to Samantha? It’s a man, and they’re stan so close together. Gosh! I can’t believe Samantha didn’t kill him” Suddenly, he stopped and narrowed his eyes at the m thinking, “Why does he look like the brainiac in Class One, Christopher? Doesn’t he have any interest in women? Why he look like he’s clinging to Samantha right now? 

They mostly recognized Samantha’s EQ. She had a short temper and never got close to men unless she knew them. 

For a moment, Zachary did not know if he should continue his tracks. 

Samantha heard the sound and looked over. However, she was confused by Zachary’s extremely complicated expression and asked, “Why are you standing there?” 

“N-Nothing. You’re here too, Christopher,” Zachary replied. When he saw Samantha look over, he approached and sat down 

next to Воа. 

Christopher nodded and smiled perfunctorily. 

An awkward silence hit the group. Samantha’s attention was already back to her phone. She stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Let’s book it, Jo and the gang are waiting.” And then, spotting Christopher still sitting there, she threw out a casual invite, “Hey, you haven’t grabbed lunch yet, right? Come eat with us?” 

It was four in the afternoon, and Samantha decided to take the evening off. She did not want to go out late. 

“Sure. Thank you, Samantha, Christopher accepted with a smile and got up, following Samantha and the group. 

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Chapter 17 

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Samantha, Boa, and Zachary were left speechless. 

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