Alexei clears his throat, and I swear it’s to cover a laugh. My dad’s eyes run from me to Alexei, his face growing sterner with each passing second.

“You were with him last night?” my dad asks, gripping his pen so tightly I’m convinced it’s going to break in two.

“Yeah, he was awesome. I felt so bad for keeping him late, but I know

I’m going to ace this next paper because of him.” “What time were you there?” my dad grits out.

“Oh gosh,” I say, trying to look like I’m thinking. “It must’ve been from like eight to a little past midnight, maybe even longer, but we...