Page 79 of Hello Kitten

I nod, adjust my backpack, then leave the classroom. I head to the English building. It’s my last day of the semester and Ineed to oversee Dr. Spence’s test. I tried to avoid her after I saw her coming onto Adrian, but I couldn’t really. I’m still her PA.

She said she trusts me enough to oversee the test. So I hand it out quickly, promising the students they have as long as they need since this is the last class of the day, but that I have to cap them at two hours if they’ll need that.

A few appear nervous, but I quote the professor I just had, promising the class that if they’ve paid attention, they’ll do well. I also spoil a surprise that Dr. Spence likes to keep secret. She went after Adrian and this is the only revenge I can get.

“I happen to know that if your final essay is better than your final in terms of grade, she’ll drop the lower one. There’s no pressure here,” I promise in my calmest voice. “You can handle this just like you all handled the semester. Take your time, breathe, and don’t second guess yourself.”

With that, they get started. I glance around occasionally, just to make sure that no one is cheating, but my phone vibrates after the first student turns in their test and thanks me. It has to be a record. Thirty minutes to complete an exam.

I wish them a good break, then check my phone. Adrian?

Come to my office when you’re done.

I glance around and gulp, then reply.

Everything okay?

It’s not about your final, calm down. I haven’t even started on those yet. I want you to be the first to know something.

I send him a few question marks, but he doesn’t answer.

I huff, my heart beating quicker, but I manage to glue myself to the chair until everyone’s done with their tests. No one has questions or reports problems, they just give me nervous smiles as they leave. I alphabetize the tests, then turn them into Dr. Spence’s office where she’s already grading others.

“Thank you for all your help this semester, Emily. You really are amazing. You should consider teaching,” she gushes.

“Thank you. I hope you have a great break,” I bid.

“You too!” With that she goes right back to grading, so she doesn’t see my smile fall.

I roll my eyes, then head to Dr. Hayes’ office. He has to be Dr. Hayes right now. Otherwise I’ll get excited. After our first and last round of fun in his office, he all but banned me from coming in.

“Shut the door, Emily,” he orders asI walk in.

Someone outside hisses that I’m in trouble. I shake my head and shut the door, but don’t sit down. I clear my throat. “Dr. Hayes, if there’s something we need to discuss.”

“You have no reason to call me that anymore,” he says without looking up from his desk.

My heartbeat fills my ears. I have no idea what he’s going to say, but I’m sure I don’t want to hear it. I’m sure it’s going to be terrible and I have no idea what to think or feel. When I don’t say anything, Adrian looks up. He arches an eyebrow.

“We’re in your office, so I should call you that. You’re ... my final hasn’t been graded, so ...” I trail off.

He sighs and looks at his computer. “I saved your class for last. I’m trying to saveyouressay for last since I have a feeling it’s going to set the curve.”

“You shouldn’t grade on a curve,” I mumble.

“I am feeling nice,” he concedes with a half-smile. “I could give everyone As.”

“What’s going on? It sounded really important and you’re being weird,” I grumble.

He takes a slow breath. “Peel yourself off the door and come in here, Emily.”

“Did someone ...”

“It’s been a pleasure being your professor,” he says, then reaches over his desk like he wants to shake my hand.

“Adrian,” I breathe. “Please, don’t tell me that my sister, thatsomeone—”

He waves his hand until I take it in mine and pull myself closer, until my knees hit his desk. “You’re scaring me. What happened? Did the university find out? Did something happen?”

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