The Deal

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content and rape.

At Briar University, Hannah Wells excels in her philosophical ethics class, earning an A on her midterm in a class where most students—including many athletes—are struggling under the new instructor, Professor Tolbert. The course was supposed to be an easy grade, but Tolbert’s high expectations have drastically increased the course’s difficulty.

Due to the widespread failing grades on the midterm, Tolbert offers a makeup exam to anyone who received a C-minus or lower. For those who retake the exam, their two grades will be averaged. If they do worse the second time, the first grade will stand. Garrett Graham is a star hockey player who is headed toward a professional career, but he has failed the midterm. This latest grade puts him in danger of being benched due to a dip in his GPA. When he discovers Hannah’s high grade, he desperately begs her to tutor him. However, Hannah, a music major, is too busy with an upcoming showcase (music competition) and doesn’t have the time. 

Meanwhile, Hannah has a one-sided crush on Justin Kohl, a football player in the class.