Page 60 of Solo

“Yes, actually. I’ve got it out in my truck. I can go and get it now, if you like…”

She shakes her head. “No, I just don’t want to lose it. It was a gift from my mother. Just hang onto it for me until we can find a safe time for you to get it to me.”

“All right,” I agree.

There’s an awkward beat of silence between us.

“How long has this been going on?” I ask.

“What?”

“You know what. How long have they been screwing around with you like that?”

She doesn’t reply, just stares at me. My eyebrows go up.

“Katherine…”

“Dr. Markham, it’s fine. I’m fine. I can take care of myself,” she informs me stubbornly.

“Funny, didn’t look like that to me.”

Her voice drops down to a level that’s barely audible.

“You know what? Just because we…we…you know… Doesn’t give you the right to—”

“To what? To worry about you? To defend you? To care about what happens to you?”

“Exactly. You never had any interest in doing any of those things before.”

Before we can finish our heated exchange, the classroom door opens and Tessa sticks her head in.

“Drew? I was wondering… Oh, hello, Kate. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize the two of you were having a discussion.”

“Nope,” Katherine says as she spins on her heel and walks out of the room. “I was just leaving.”

“We’re not done discussing this, Miss Brenner,” I call after her. She gives a little wave with her hand, not bothering to turn around.

When the door closes behind Katherine, Tessa gives me a quizzical look.

“Everything okay there?” she asks.

“Yeah. Just the usual.”

“You know, maybe you should consider having her finish this semester as an independent study. I’ll bet Barry Green would take her.”

“No,” I say, a little too quickly. And a little too loudly. “No,” I repeat in a softer voice. “She really did an exceptional job with her midterm project. I’d like to see her finish the semester with me.”

“Well, okay,” she says, looking at me a little oddly. “Whatever you think is best. I just wanted to see if you’d like to grab some coffee?”

I glance at the sopped-up mess in my trash can. I never did get that second cup.

“Yeah, absolutely. But let’s go off campus. I don’t need to be back for an hour or so. Feel like a drive to Ruby’s Café?”

Tessa’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. “I’d love to. Let me get my coat and meet you downstairs.”

She scurries away and I walk out to where I’ve left my vehicle in the parking lot. By the time I drive around to the front of the building, Tessa’s waiting for me in a very stylish and feminine-looking parka. I didn’t think they made those things to look girly. It gives me an idea. One that Tessa can help me with—if I’m careful.

“Hey, Tess?” I venture once she’s buckled in and we’re on our way in my truck.