Page 22 of Study You

“Yes! I’m sorry. Reading week is,” Gillian said as she pushed off her desk and turned her back. She dragged her diary towards her, but Finn didn’t care about reading week. No, she cared about Gillian’s impeccable arse. Her calves in those killer heels she wore. Stop. It. “Week commencing the fifteenth of February.”

“Great. Thank you.”

Gillian smiled. “No problem. Now, if there’s nothing else, get yourselves out of here and nab those spots at the library before everyone swarms on it at lunch.”

Everyone started to pack up, rushing to their feet and heading out of the door. Finn remained in her seat, but that was something she often did. She hated that rush as a lecture ended. A load of eighteen-year-olds gossiping about their weekend was Finn’s idea of hell. She could do without it on this fine Monday morning.

“Everything okay, Finn?” Finn looked up at the sound of Gillian’s voice. It was just the two of them, but Gillian stood with her back to Finn. “That suggestion of the library included you.”

Finn got to her feet and shoved her notepad into her rucksack. “I was in the library at seven this morning. No use in me taking up a computer when I’ve got the material I need and I have my laptop with me.” Finn slung her rucksack over her shoulder and approached Gillian. She checked they were definitely alone before going any further. “Are you busy tonight?”

“No. Just home to update the portal and then maybe a soak in the bath.” Gillian stifled a yawn as she turned to face Finn. “You?”

“Not that I know of. Dad should be home, but I never know for sure until I get there and he’s either half cut on the couch, or he’s not home at all.”

“Well, I hope you’re able to find some time for yourself.” Gillian gathered some papers on the desk and slid them into her satchel. “Sorry, I’m in a bit of a rush. I have a student meeting in ten minutes.”

Finn held up her hands. “Yeah, don’t worry. I think I’ll get some lunch and then head home to prep for the new module.”

“I’ll talk to you soon, okay?” Gillian started for the door, an apologetic smile on her lips.

“Go and be amazing.” Finn followed, keeping a decent distance. “But if I do have some time tonight, could I see you?”

Gillian stopped at the door and turned to Finn. She appeared tired, but Finn wouldn’t keep her too long. “Yes. I’d like that.”

“Perfect. I’ll text you as soon as I know what’s what.”

Gillian nodded. “I look forward to hearing from you…hopefully.”

As Gillian left the lecture theatre, Finn stood back and watched her go. Last Monday, as she had walked through the doors for another semester, Finn hadn’t imagined being in this position. Not at all. She was grateful to Gillian for giving her a chance, for seeing her as someone who could fulfil whatever it was Gillian needed. Finn only hoped now that this could continue and Gillian didn’t allow her guilt to eat away at her. Because Finn saw it in her eyes this morning. She felt it in the atmosphere around the room. Gillian felt bad about all of this—the secrecy—and Finn understood.

Still, it didn’t make her want to end this.

No. It just made Finn want to show Gillian the kind of time they could spend with one another outside of campus. Time that was beneficial to them both.

* * *

Gillian forced her apartment door open, dropping her bag to the floor. She adored her job—it was her one constant in life—but this week was only just beginning, and she was already shattered and ready for the weekend. Perhaps she needed to get herself back into a routine through the week. Finn was certainly keeping her busy and awake until all hours of the morning. Still, she couldn’t complain. Not really. A younger woman who wanted to devote her time and attention to Gillian? She could never complain about that.

She flicked the kettle on; a lack of energy to stand around waiting for fresh coffee meant it was going to be an evening of instant cups. But any caffeine was better than none at all. Even if she would regret it when it came to climbing into bed later. Now, she just had to decide what to have for dinner.

In an ideal world, Gillian would have prepared something hearty and warming over the weekend, but she had been too busy with Finn to stand around batch cooking. Again, she really had to get back into her work routine. And that would start from tomorrow morning. So long as she was direct with Finn—explaining how it would have to be a weekend thing between them—everything would be okay. Actually, doing that wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world. It would lessen their contact while keeping the anticipation.

As she prepared her coffee and opened the fridge door, her phone pinged in her blazer pocket. She spied the prepared salad in a box, groaning. She needed something far more filling tonight. She always did when she was tired and cold. Maybe there was a ready meal in the freezer that she could stick a fork in.

Deflated, Gillian took her phone from her pocket and immediately smiled. Finn’s name on her screen always brightened her mood…and other things.

Hi. I’m available tonight from about 6. Can I still see you?

Could she? Of course she could. Even if Gillian knew less contact was better, she couldn’t turn Finn away. She would, however, discuss weeknights with her this evening.

Did you have something in mind?

Gillian chewed her lip as she took her coffee and moved towards the couch. She kicked her heels off, sighing with relief, and made herself comfortable.

Well, I know you don’t want to be seen with me, and I know you don’t really want to leave your apartment when I’m around, but I hoped I could take you somewhere out of the city.

Gillian sipped her coffee, her eyes narrowed at her screen. Out of the city wouldn’t be dangerous.

---