Page 32 of Fall Fake-Out

“I’m eighteen already. So I’m an adult too.”

“It doesn’t matter. You’re still a student, and it’s still inappropriate. Just you being here alone in my office could get me fired. Plus, it all makes me uncomfortable.”

Her smile grows. “Like how uncomfortable?”

“I mean it. If you don’t stop, I’ll involve your mother in the situation.”

There’s a puff of laughter. “She won’t care.”

That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.

“Now, you’re a nice young lady.” It’s frightening how much I sound like my dad. “I’m sure there are plenty of boys at the high school who would love to have your attention. Why don’t you focus your energy on one of them?”

“Because they’re boys. And I’m looking for a man.”

“Let’s be honest. I’m barely a man.” My feet slowly walk to the side. Five more feet and I’ll be at the door.

“You’re man enough for me.”

“No, see?” I point at her. “That’s what I’m talking about. That’s the kind of stuff you can’t say.”

“Fine.” Her shoulder lifts. “I won’t say that. There are other things we can do besides talk.”

My hand touches the doorknob—success! I fling it open, stepping into the hall. “Thank you for stopping by to discuss your grades,” I say loud enough I’m probably incriminating myself.

She nods, and I’m pretty convinced that I got my point across, until she leans in and whispers as she passes, “Say it a little louder for everyone else. My visits can be our little secret.”

And with that, she walks out, hips swaying as she goes.

Well, that didn’t work.

Not even a little bit.

So much for being the adult.

Every bad feeling that exists gathers in my chest, making me feel sick.

If I don’t do something, I’m doomed.

I run to Ari’s classroom, panting from exertion by the time I get there.

I slam both my palms on the top of her desk, hunching over her. “Ashtyn hid in my office. HID! It’s entrapment, that’s what’s happening here.”

“She hid in your office?”

“Yes!”

“What did you do?”

“I did what you said. I told her that the way she’s acting is inappropriate and needs to stop, and if it doesn’t, I’d talk to her mom, but it didn’t work. She laughed in my face. LAUGHED!” At this point, I begin pacing in front of Ari’s desk. “What am I going to do? The girl is psycho and obsessed with me. I’m going to lose my job and end up in the state penitentiary. It’s punishment for all the girls I’ve avoided committing to over the years. This is what I get.” I rest my hands on the desk again, not even trying to hide the panic in my voice. “I even told her you were my girlfriend, and she didn’t believe me.”

“Hold up.” Ari lifts one finger, stopping me. “What do you mean she didn’t believe you? Because she didn’t think I’d ever date someone like you, or something else?”

“I don’t know. She laughed and said she wasn’t worried about you. ‘You’re not a threat’ were her exact words.”

“Are you serious?” Her mouth falls open. “What a little brat.”

“I can’t be left alone. I’m two people deep everywhere I go now. I need eye-witnesses.” I rake a hand through my hair. “Thank goodness you’re coming to the game with me tonight. You need to be all over me. There can be no doubt in Ashtyn’s mind that we’re together.”