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Nineteen
On her way to her classroom, Aubrey was stopped no fewer than seven times by friends and coworkers.
She received hugs, well-wishes and handshakes. Everyone was welcoming and happy to see her. It felt good to be back.
“Aubrey!” Elise approached from the long, empty hallway, ever the picture of sophistication in a navy blue pencil skirt, white silk shirt and red high heels.
“You look gorgeous.”
Elise gave her a quick hug. “I’d talk. Your legs are incredible.”
Aubrey wore a green-and-white-striped skirt that flared at the knee, paired with a fitted white T-shirt. Her sandals were wedges with cork heels. “I was going for professional.”
“You overshot the mark, my friend.”
“I hope I remember how to do this.” Aubrey made a face as she unlocked her classroom door.
“You were born to do this. One doesn’t forget something that’s been baked into them since birth.” Elise followed her into the classroom. She chewed her lip and studied her shoes. Normally outspoken, it was odd behavior for her. “I’m sorry for not telling you the truth about Vic.”
“You don’t have to apologize.”
“I do. As your friend, I should have taken your side. I will hate that man until the end of time out of loyalty to you.” Elise cocked her head, a somewhat hopeful expression on her face. “Unless...you’ve forgiven him?”
“Not exactly.”
She shrugged. “My vow stands.”
“I appreciate your loyalty, but I’m not sure if it’s that easy.”
“Was that Aubrey I saw sneak in here?” Primrose walked into the classroom next and swept Aubrey into a warm hug. “We heard about Vic. That rat.”
“How?” Aubrey hadn’t talked to anyone about what’d happened between them except for Chelsea.
“He came here!” Primrose exclaimed. “He pulled each of us aside and apologized.”
“And then he said he was in love with you.” Brooke strolled in next, her lips pursed. “These two want me to hate him, but out of principle, I can’t hate a man that beautiful. Even though I love you so very much.”
“Thanks, Brooke.” Aubrey’s smile felt forced as she pictured Vic apologizing to her friends and declaring his love for her. “I don’t hate him, so that seems fair.”
“Really?” Primrose wrinkled her nose.
“Really.” Aubrey lowered into her chair, weighed down by everything. “His sister Chelsea told me he is lost without me. She claims his behavior was because he’s still in love with me.”
“He should have told you he loved you,” Elise stated.
“Oh, he did. He told me and gave me my engagement ring back.”
Brooke gasped.
“As much as I’d love to share more, I have to refamiliarize myself with how to do my job before I have thirty sixteen-year-olds in my class.”
“Good call.” Primrose hustled for the door, grabbing Brooke on the way. “They are brutally honest, so mind yourself.”
“Do you want some Mace?” Elise whispered. “Bear spray?”
“I’m good,” Aubrey answered with a laugh. “I appreciate you all thinking of me. By the way, I don’t blame any of you for playing along. I would have done the same for you, unless I believed you were in some sort of danger.” Once Primrose and Brooke were gone, Aubrey met Elise’s eyes. “You know Vic. If you believed he was taking advantage of me, you’d have told me.”
Elise gave a reluctant nod. “I suppose you’re right.”
