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“A couple of years.”
Where are the costumers looking for attention when you need them?
It feels so...weirdto be around Dr. Banks’s ex-wife. And maybe it’s just me, but I just want to run from her.
“Hmm.” Madeline runs her finger along the top of the glass. “And is bartending all you do? Are you one of those who findsartin making drinks?”
How is it the woman has the ability to make everything she says sound like an insult?
“No, I don’t intend to be a bartender for more than another couple of years. Just long enough to finish my business degree.”
She whips her head up and narrows her eyes at me.
Shoot, shoot, shoot.
“So, isthatwhy you were asking about my last name? Because you have classes with my ex-husband?”
I have no idea how to answer to the bristling woman, but that doesn’t stop me from trying to pacify her. “I do have Dr. Banks as my professor, which was why your last name rang a bell, but I also am a huge fan of Jasper Banks.”
I force a smile at her. “I had no idea either of you was related to the actor, though.” Or I wouldn’t have if Fran hadn’t told me last week, but for now I just need this woman to lay off.
“Mmm, yes. Aiden’s not nearly as charming as Jasper, is he? I know most of the students think he works them too hard.” She snorts, shaking her head. “He’s just all bark and no bite. There’s nothing intimidating about him.”
“Anyway,” Richard intercedes. “As much as I love a good ex-bashing, I think we ought to find something else to talk about... Likeour wedding.Let me show you what I found today, dear.” He pulls out his phone, and the both of them focus on whatever is on his screen.
This is my chance. I slip away.
Madeline Banks seems like an insufferable woman, though I can’t say that Dr. Banks is any better. His only saving grace is that he’s still letting me stay late to work on homework, and he genuinely cares about his son.
I refill my water and take a sip as my phone begins to ring in my pocket.
Quickly, I dig it out. Mrs. Wellington’s name pops up.
Something is wrong.
There is no way she’d call me this late at night if something hadn’t happened to Dorian.
My voice shakes as I answer. “Hello?”
“It’s Dorian. I’m afraid you need to come home.”
6
Aiden
Something is wrong with her. It’s been a few days since I last saw her, but the difference is evident.
Ms. Everett sits at the back of the classroom, eyes looking heavy as she leans her head against the palm of her hand. She looks like she is about to fall asleep any moment now. The last few classes, she was alert and ready to take on the work. Now?
I keep wondering when her eyes are going to blink and refuse to open as the bags under them are dark and show the weight of the past few days.
And as I wrap up the first class and the last student heads out the door, I find myself walking up the steps toward her.
“Everything okay, Ms. Everett?”
She jerks her head up, giving me a smile. “Of course. I’m sorry. I just had a late-night last night. My brother was sick, and I picked up an early shift this morning.”
“I take it Dorian is alright, though? I know Connor talks to him all the time.”
