She shrugged. "It's something I'm passionate about. What else am I supposed to do? Study, work hard, and get it done." And she didn't like being told what to do with her life, much. Like, it wasn't anyone else's choice, and no one else had to pay for it. Ugh.

"I don't need a woman, no," she agreed. But still, it might be nice to have one. The problem was that the pretty girls her age were looking at the pretty boys her age, and not at her, which was disappointing as could be. Sort of. "And I'm not down, Riley. I just don't want to waste anyone's time with my mindless drivel."