Hors d’oeuvres and champagne are brought out, and we all spend the next thirty minutes mingling with one another. Dean Marshall takes the stage, getting everyone’s attention. There’re several awards being presented tonight, so he gets started on those. Eventually, he gets to the one I’m being given.

“Next is the Jefferies Faculty Excellence Award for instruction, leadership, outreach and engagement, and research. This is one of my favorite awards to present, and I’m even more honored this year, because the recipient is someone I’ve watched grow for several years. This Jefferies Faculty Excellence Award is presented to a member of the faculty in recognition of truly outstanding accomplishments in the establishment of excellence in the instructional programs of Washington State University.

“Activities encompassed by this award may be either outstanding singular accomplishments or a record of excellence over a period of years including exceptionally effective instruction, organizing or conducting new courses or programs of study, revitalizing existing courses or programs of study, and establishing a national reputation as a leader in instruction.

“This individual is not only an alumnus, but also someone who has grown tremendously in his time here, both as a student and as faculty. It is my absolute pleasure to announce the winner of the Jefferies Faculty Excellence Award, Stone Philips!”

Aida’s gaze snaps in my direction, annoyance and shock painted on her face. Instead of dealing with her, I smile, getting up out of my seat and heading toward the stage. I shake Trey’s hand and thank him for the award before finding my seat once more. Aida still looks pissed as ever, but I don’t understand why.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were winning a fucking award, Stone,” she hisses beside me. “I look like a fucking ass being blindsided by it.”

“Are you serious, Aida?” I glance over at her. The bewilderment on my face is probably apparent for everyone around us to see. “I told you about this when I was invited to the event.”

“Whatever, Stone.” She rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I think what you meant to say was ‘congratulations, Stone.’”

We leave shortly after that. The entire car ride home is tense and silent. Knowing her, hell is probably about to break loose once we get inside. My phone vibrates in the cup holder, but glancing down, I can see it’s Cash, so I don’t open it right away.

We both get out of the car and go inside, still in silence, but as soon as the front door is closed, she lets me have it.

“I don’t think you did tell me about this little fucking award, Stone. I think you enjoy making me look like a fool in front of your friends and colleagues.”