Page 138 of Bound Lies

We both order a matcha and a couple of pastries to share and settle at a table tucked away in the corner.

“Can you believe that in less than a year we’ll be done with college?” I break off a piece of an almond croissant.

Lucy nods, but she’s stirring her matcha, looking a lot less happy than she did in the car ride over here.

“What’s wrong?”

She hesitates, her eyes darting briefly toward the window as her throat bobs. “If I tell you something, will you promise not to tell anyone?”

“Cross my heart.”

“I’m serious, Riley. Not even Kieran.”

“I’m a little insulted that you would even suggest such a thing. But yes, I promise not to tell Kieran.”

Lucy quickly takes a bite of one of the pastries before finally meeting my eyes.

“I’ve been seeing someone.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Really? Who?”

“A professor…”

“As in one of our professors?”

Lucy nods.

“Oh… Whoa, okay. Well, I’m happy for you⁠—”

“I broke it off last night, but I think that was a mistake. Because I think…I’m in love with him.”

I nod as I try to think of something supportive to say.

Dating a professor isn’t forbidden, but it’s not exactly encouraged either. Blurring the boundaries between student and teacher can be tricky, and from the look of devastation on Lucy’s face, she’s in deep.

“Oh, Luce.” I reach across the table to squeeze her hand. “Do you want to talk through it?”

“Not really. I just wanted to get it off my chest because I thought it would make me feel better, but I actually feel worse.”

“Want me to distract you?” I pull my hand away and push both plates of pastries toward her. “Or do you want to eat your feelings?”

“Both.” Lucy takes a huge bite of the almond croissant.

“Okay, well, I might have some news…”

“Oh?” Lucy’s eyes brighten instantly as she takes another bite.

I hesitate, suddenly feeling shy as I stir my drink with the paper straw.

“Kieran and I are… Well, I’m not exactly sure what we are, but we’re something.”

Lucy breaks into a huge grin as she claps her hands together. “Riley! That’s amazing.”

“You think?”

“Of course!”

I laugh. “That’s not the response I thought I’d get. I was expecting a lecture.”