“Did I do something?” he asked.
“No, you were… are perfect.”
“That’s worse. Then I don’t know how to fix it.”
“I know.”
He laughed once, quietly, but there was no humor in it. “Wow.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Say sorry like you’re already gone.”
My throat tightened. Because I was. I had been gone from this relationship longer than either of us admitted. Maybe since Katherine died. Maybe since Vincent. Maybe long before either of those things, when I realized Thad’s future looked safe but never once felt like mine.
He crossed his arms, then uncrossed them, restless now.
“Is there someone else?”
I should have said no immediately, but I froze.
Thad’s expression changed.
“Who?”
“No one.”
“Don’t insult me, I’m not stupid.”
“I’m really not. There’s nobody.”
“Is it Moreau?”
I looked away.
“I didn’t want to believe the rumours but oh my god…” Thad said softly.
“Nothing has happened… or ever will.” It was a half-lie.
Thad stared at me in disbelief.
“He’s your professor.”
“I know.”
“That’s insane.”
“I know, Thad.”
“And you’re what? Leaving me for him?”
“No, of course not!”
“Then what is this? Tell me what it is about.”
