I raised an eyebrow. “A thing?”
“She’s clearly into you. And you must think highly of her to say those things,” she said. She tilted her drink back, and I glared at her, daring her to accuse us more.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said.
“Come on, Dr. Evans. I saw you together in the Afterglow. It’s not like it was a coincidence.”
“We were discussing the use of power in submission,” I lied.
“Uh-huh. Because I totally believe you were only discussing your essay.”
She rolled her eyes, and I clenched my fist. “Do you have any idea of what you’re suggesting? The gravity of an accusation like that—”
“Relax. It’s not like I’ve told anyone,” she said.
And those words haunted me. The casual nature of her claim, as if it were gossip she could throw in the garbage on her way out.Relax.It was nothing to her.It’s not like I’ve told anyone.And yet she could, at any instant.
I didn’t care about these events. These activities were practically mandatory for tenured and non-tenured staff at the university. And while the thought of tenure was finally in my grasp, being with Mara had made me realize something: I had less longing for it now. Being locked in this place had lost its charm. Mara was the only reason I had awoken from the slumber and found a reason to smile when I was here. She had made it different somehow.
But Mara was risking a permanent mark on her transcript, or worse, expulsion. While she had not abused her privileges as a student, the dean wouldn’t be able to prove that, nor would it be fair to the other students to let her continue the program, should our relationship be revealed.
I turned to leave, excusing myself from Jessica.
Perhaps it was better for Mara if we didn’t get involved. At least not tonight. Not with so many eyes watching, especially Jessica’s. I resisted the urge to look back and see Mara, but it must have been confusing. I was leaving before the event had even started. We had made loose plans to see each other tonight, after our game—and this ridiculous event—was over. Once I was off of campus, I would send her a text letting her know that something had come up. But for now, she needed to mingle with the other academics. Her peers. Not texting me.
Jessica hadn’t told anyone yet. But there was still time.
