There was no way for Wes to avoid the conversation.
He pulled Assa off the main path onto a cement patio. Two students immediately picked up their backpacks and left.
Knowing he needed to get to Dean Reynolds, Wes quickly explained about Lux discovering their open marriage. Assa was annoyed that Wes hadn’t told him sooner but accepted his rationale of not wanting to worry him.
“What did Lux say exactly?” Assa asked. “To make everyone look at us so sideways?”
“I don’t know. When I reach the office, I’ll try to find out how bad it is, but it’s obvious that he said something.”
“Do you think we’ll get in trouble?”
Wes shook his head. “I doubt the university can do anything since it’s about our private lives and we’ve been discreet, but if they think the fallout will be disruptive, or if families complain…” He dragged a hand through his hair.
“Alright. Well, I guess I’ll go to the lab like usual and see if anyone says anything. I’ll text you.”
“Great…and sweetheart?”
“Yeah?”
“There’s something else.”
Assa bit his lip. “What?”
“Yesterday, it’s possible Lux overheard Dean Reynolds mention the adoption. I honestly don’t know, but if he did…”
“I understand.” Assa swallowed. “But let’s not borrow trouble. We’ll handle it if we have to.”
Wes was in awe of his husband’s fortitude. The Assa he’d met in school so long ago, the man who’d been beaten down by Jeral’s taunts and insults, would not have stood so tall. Assa deserved everything good in the world. Not to be stared at like a curiosity or judged like a criminal.
“I love you,” Wes said. “Whatever happens, I’ll find a way to make this right.”
Assa tapped their foreheads together. “I believe you.”
Wes hurried to the history building and went straight to the dean’s office.
“I’ve been expecting you,” Dean Reynolds said.
Wes’s chest heaved from powerwalking across campus, but his boss sat placidly, his voice firm yet kind.
“What happened?” Wes asked, knowing there was no need to clarify.
“One of your esteemed colleagues emailed me and several higher-ups to inform us that you and your husband are engaging in practices that do not align with the values of the university—his words—and that you are a liability when it comes to maintaining the university’s image as a top choice for producing upstanding citizens.”
Geesh. Lux had really gone for it.
“Was this colleague specific?” Wes asked. “About thesepractices?”
“Quite.” Dean Reynolds coughed. “He said you and Assa engage freely in extramarital affairs and flaunt this lascivious lifestyle to everyone around you.”
Wes’s fingers curled. “Did he now?”
“Yes.”
“And do you believe him?”
The dean looked him in the eye. “I’m not interested in pondering what you and your spouse do behind closed doors, but as far asflauntinggoes, I can say unequivocally that I do not.”
Wes bobbed his head. “Thank you.”
