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Jimmy fucking Ferguson was an asshole of epic proportions and another student that Erin tutored.
He fucked Erin, told half the college about it, and then declared his undying love for her so he could get seconds.
She told me she was falling hard and fast for him, but I stepped into the middle of that mess.
I told her that she was falling into fuck love, not real love, because her time with Jimmy was her only time. I urged her to have more experiences and to sleep with other guys. I did it to protect her because I saw her as an older sister in a way.
She screamed at me, called me a jealous bastard, and threatened to stop tutoring me.
She did for a year and a half until we bumped into each other in a restaurant.
We talked through what had happened, she thanked me for having her back, and we went back to student and tutor.
“Every experience I’ve had with a man has taught me something,” she says softly. “If I wouldn’t have had those experiences, I would have missed out on becoming who I am today.”
I take in every word she says, listening carefully.
“A virgin should never fall in love with her first lover.” She laughs. “Because, as you so elegantly put it back then, it’s fuck love, and that’s never real love.”
I drop my gaze to the flowers in my hand, unsure of what to say. What the fuck can I say? I want Faith to fall in love with me. I want to be her only lover.
I don’t move an inch as Erin wraps her arms around my neck to plant a kiss on my cheek. “Thank you, Matthew. Thank you for helping me find my forever.”
Chapter Forty-Five
Faith
I nervously rake my fork over the plate in front of me. It’s filled with a healthy serving of spaghetti and meatballs.
I’m back at Calvetti’s with Gwynn for another cheat meal. This one is different, though. She insisted on paying, and she ordered a bottle of champagne.
I should be excited by the indulgence, but I’m too preoccupied.
The last text message I got from Matthew was two days ago. I had asked him to meet me in the hallway for a kiss. He told me he was at work, and since then, it’s been radio silence.
How can he ghost me?
We live across the hall from each other.
I’ve tried knocking on his apartment door, but he hasn’t answered. My next move is to go down to Premier Pet Clinic, but the last thing I want is to overreact to a man putting his all into his job.
I’m trying to figure out how to ask Gwynn for advice without revealing that I’m in love with the same man we saw with Professor Stein.
“Hey.” Gwynn taps her hand on the table. “You look great tonight, Faith.”
I glance down at the sheer black blouse and jeans I’m wearing. I’m wearing a black tank top under the blouse, so nothing is showing that shouldn’t be, but I wanted to look nice for this meal since Gwynn told me to wear something special.
“So do you.” I smile.
She does. Gwynn has on a red dress that’s formed to fit. It looks custom made, although I know it wasn’t. I was with her when she picked it up at a clearance sale in midtown last month.
“Let’s toast.” She raises her glass in the air.
Alcohol isn’t my thing, but I can stomach a sip or two of wine or champagne.
I pick up my glass too. “What are we toasting to?”
“My future law degree.” She squeals. “I’m doing it, Faith. I’m going to be a lawyer.”
My eyes fill with tears at her declaration. “You’re what?”
“I thought about what you said about Rich.” She finishes half the champagne in her glass. “So I talked to my dad, and he was thrilled, Faith. He was over the moon. Rich and I are going to school together, and then we’ll start a law firm after we both pass the bar. Can you believe it?”
I can’t.
I stare at her, certain that my mouth must be hanging open in shock.
“I’ve been running around telling everyone.” She giggles. “Stingy Stein actually looked relieved when I told her, but that might have had something to do with her kissing that hot number we saw her with a few weeks ago.”
The champagne glass in my hand shakes. “What did you say?”
Sighing, she lowers her voice. “I only told her first because I’m dropping out of her class. I’m transferring to Michigan State.”
“You are?” I ask, even though all I want to talk about is what she saw happening between Professor Stein and Matthew. “When?”
“As soon as I can.” She beams. “I’ll miss you, but you can come visit me. I know Rich won’t mind.”
I hastily change the subject. “So you went to talk to Professor Stein?”
