“I’m trying it out. He’s not a dude sort of reference, needed a backup word, bloke fit.”
“How?”
“I couldn’t think of any other words.” She stretches her arms above her head. She’s in a matching pink and white tank and spandex duo, it looks like she just went to yoga, when in all reality she just took the very long trek from her room to the kitchen, she’s the type of girl who looks like a gym rat but bakes sourdough and eats donuts like her life depends on it. The type of girl who you want to punch but can’t help but hug because she’s as sweet as the donuts she’s eating.
“Fine.” I finally say. “Maybe. Let me see how my day goes, I’m a bit ahead on my project. Let me check my work schedule.”
“Axel says you’re on for tomorrow not today,” she says casually. “It’s nice dating your boss, do you feel powerful? I feel powerful.”
“I feel annoyed, is that the same thing?” I ask.
“Nope.” She slides a mug of coffee toward me. “Does that help?”
“Yes.” I take it, it’s lukewarm which is nice because I can chug it which I do, then grab my keys, purse, and laptop. “I’ll see you maybe tonight. Text me the info on it.”
I’ve avoided my dad for years. I couldn’t even look him in the eye.
But I owe it to Jude, to do the hard thing, to give him his revenge, to help him even if he hates me. Plus, after last night’s text, I know my dad’s more involved than I ever believed. And if he had reasons to put Jude away, to cover up his mom’s death or to help with it, I need to find out what they are. Besides, I always thought it was strange how quickly he got his promotions, how quickly he tossed us aside, and how easy it was for him to start a new life with money we didn’t have after feeling the city like we were the guilty party.
Interesting.
All of it.
By the time I get to class, I’m a minute late. I quickly find my seat and see a coffee sitting at it. I almost sit down a chair over when I see my name on the cup. “Drink me—J.”
How veryAlice and Wonderlandof him.
I’m desperate though so I take it.
Hot coffee, a bit of cream and sugar, just how I like it.
Damn him.
He completely ignores me, not that I expect him to call me out in class, but it’s as if he really is our professor helping us get an education. By the time class ends, I’m almost calm. I wait for everyone to leave and notice how Sandra and Breanna linger.
Great.
Now it looks like I’m desperate.
His eyes flick up. “Ladies, can I help you?”
Sandra steps forward first. Great. I stay back and start putting my stuff away as slow as humanly possible. “Are you free after class?”
“My hours are on the door,” he says in a clipped voice.
“Right, I don’t need that kind of service.” She giggles like she’s funny. Breanna joins in. Gross. “Let’s go get coffee. There are no rules against an adjunct professor dating a student, I checked, besides, it would be fun, we could learn all about how?—”
“Ladies, I’m so sorry to disappoint, but I already have a girlfriend.”
I knock over a book and pick it up from the floor then bang my head on the desk. Shit! How did I not see that coming? I’m such an idiot. Oh God, why do I feel tears? Am I seriously crying tears of embarrassment? Get me out of here! Loitering has never been more painful! I’m sure of it. I jump to my feet and fumble for my bag.
“Lilah, babe, you ready or are you going to knock over some chairs too for effect? I think they heard you. No need to be shy.”
I die.
I die a thousand deaths.
My heart drops to my feet.
