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“Because it basically did,” I snap at him, shaking my head and then sighing. “Sorry for being snide. I’m just stressed.”
I stop and turn to him, my shoulders dropping. “Did you have a good day at school? It was nice of Melissa to bring you home after Chess Club.”
“Yeah...” He folds his arms across his chest. “Are you okay?”
“Not really. But I will be. I have to go somewhere this evening for a little while. Do you want me to call—”
“No,” he stops me. “I donotwant the eighty-year-old neighbor to come over. Just tell her on your way out, and if something happens, I will call you.”
“Are you sure?” I bite down on the inside of my cheek.
“Yes. I haven’t had any issues in a while, and if I do, we both know they’re not life threatening, anyway. I don’t want her over here. I can handle myself.”
“Twelve going on twenty, I see.” I chuckle lightly as I stand to my feet. “I’m going to get going, then. The sooner I leave, the sooner I’ll be back.”
“Okay. Just be careful.”
I stop, making a face. “You’ve never told me that before.”
“You’ve also never looked this psycho before, either.”
Laughing, I tussle his hair as I pass by him. Quickly, I change into a pair of dark wash jeans and a white long-sleeve shirt. It’s a little tight, but honestly, I kind of like the way it hugs my curves. I refix my high ponytail, throw on a pair of Vans, and head out the door. I have no idea how this is going to go, or if I’ll even be let into the neighborhood.
The thought crosses my mind as I make my way across town and pull into the gated neighborhood entrance.
“You again,” the guard comments as I give him a terse smile.
“Me, again,” I say lightly. “I’m sure I look really out of place.”
He chuckles and hits the open button on the gates, not even bothering to call. It’s surprising, but I guess I look innocent enough. I navigate through the streets and consider turning around multiple times before pulling in and parking in the same spot I did on Friday.
“You got this.” I nod at myself in the mirror as I grab the envelope and exit the car.
It’s a gamble as to whether or not Dr. Banks will even be here, but that’s just a risk I’m willing to take.
My footsteps are quiet as I make my way to the porch, and as I lean forward and press the doorbell, my fingers tremble.
A few moments later, the door swings open.
“What’re you doing here?” Dr. Banks looks shocked, peering around outside before his eyes rake over my body. “Connor is with his mother tonight and—”
“I’m here to see you,” I state flatly, holding up the envelope.
His lips turn downward. “I have nothing else to add. I believe I was clear enough in my note. I don’t think there’s any other way to take care of this situation, Ms. Everett.”
“Uh.” I hesitate, shaking my head. “You can’t be serious right now. We could’vetalkedto each other face-to-face like adults about this. It’s not like I’m a child.”
He lets out a sigh and steps to the side, gesturing for me to come in. “It’s not that I didn’t want to talk to you about it. I just thought it would be the easiest way to make a clean cut.”
“A clean cut?” I furrow my brows. “I literally quittwojobs to come to work for you, and you were just going to cut me off with a note and a stupid severance check?”
“That was a big—” He stops talking as I rip up the check right in front of his face, letting the pieces cover the tile floor of the entryway.
“I don’t want your sympathy money,” I snap. “I never asked for your pity. I thought you actuallycared.And for the record, I’m a virgin because I didn’t have a choice. By the time I could date, I was taking on the role as guardian for my brother! I didn’t have time to be a normal teenager. I had to raise him and provide for him.”
Dr. Banks lets out a sharp exhale. “Melody... It’s not that. It was just a stark reminder that I’m in an authoritative position. You’re my student.”
“I’m a grown-ass woman,” I counter, my tone sharp. “And you’re a coward for doing me like this.” I toss the envelope and note to the floor. “I reallylikedyou because I thought you saw me for who I am. But I guess I was wrong.” I spin around to leave, shaking my head as I take a step toward the door.
