Page 76 of Substitute for Love

“Seriously, Marshall? You drove down to the valley to party. Without me. While I was helping my mom. And a few good memories don’t overrule the bad ones. I deserved better. I deserved the flowers, open doors, laughter, consideration.” Basically all the stuff Gabe did.

If only Avery had left earlier. Like a year or two earlier even. Moved in with Mom, started substitute teaching, she would have met Gabe. The timing would have been better. Sure, Gabe was leaving soon, but that didn’t mean she had to stop wanting to be with him in the little time they had left. Did they have a future? Avery had no clue. But if substitute teaching had taught her anything, it was to make the most of the moment, because that’s all you had.

Marshall cleared his throat, looking down at the table, but still keeping his hand outstretched.

“Are you sure you love me?” Avery asked.

Marshall pulled his hand back at the question. “Duh, Avery. I’ve always loved you.”

There it was. She cringed from head to toe, every hurt he created, every missed opportunity their relationship caused coursing through her. The words she dreaded hearing when they were together were like a nail in a coffin on their relationship. And now, this was the last time she’d ever hear those words from him.

“Never again, Marshall. You’ll never say that to me ever again.” She stood suddenly. “I have to go.”

Marshall stood, too, his eyes wide. “We haven’t even ordered yet. At least stay for dinner.”

Avery looked around, thinking, realizing the difference between this dinner with Marshall and her lunch with Gabe a few days prior. “I don’t love you anymore. Actually, I don’t think I ever did. Claire pushed me to you, and she’s sorry she did. Ionly wanted you because I thought you were the only chance I had.”

The truth of the words stung. So many years wasted, and yet her confidence soared. She couldn’t change the past, but her future was clear. Bright.

He walked toward her. “You don’t mean that. Give me another chance. I know I can make you happy.”

She backed away. “I’m already happy, Marshall. In fact, I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time.”

He tipped his head to one side, stunned, then his eyes showed a realization, like the times he accused her of cheating on him, which of course she never did. “Is there someone else?”

Finally she locked eyes with him. “No,” she responded. “Yes? I don’t know. None of your business, either way.”

Marshall stood there. For the first time, she didn’t feel sorry for him or want to run and help him. It was time for him to do that himself.

“Goodbye, Marshall.” She stepped forward, gave him a hug, kissed him on the cheek, and said, “No hard feelings.”

She walked away, smiling as she opened the door and headed to her car, feeling ten feet tall.

Friday, September 4, 7:35 AM

Avery whistled as she entered Desert Scorpion High School, the weight of the world off her shoulders. Marshall had texted last night on her way home, but she had blocked him. Avery had slept better last night than she had in a long time.

“Good morning, Doreen. I’m ready for moredrama.” Avery held out her hand, and Doreen handed her the sub binder without saying a word. In fact, she didn’t even look her in the eye. That was odd. Doreen was always happy, all the time.

“Is everything okay?” Avery asked.

Doreen sighed. “Mr. Manwaring canceled today.”

Avery swallowed. “I see.” That was unexpected. They didn’t exactly have the best ending yesterday, but that had never stopped him from returning to sub before. “Do you know why he canceled?”

Doreen let out a big sigh. “Apparently his funding came through. He’s heading to Egypt—next week.”

“Oh.” That soon? A lump formed in her throat. Avery tried to hide her utter shock. She had been under the impression he had a few weeks at least.

She swallowed her disappointment. “Thanks for letting me know. I’d better get to class.” She shuffled around students, some who greeted her by name, as she headed to the drama room. Next week? Really? Why hadn’t he texted to tell her?

Avery unlocked the classroom door and turned on the lights, remembering more clearly what had transpired the day before. Gabe, standing over there, her telling him about her date with Marshall.

No wonder he had left. No wonder he canceled subbing today. Avery was no longer in his sights. Right? Had he really lost all hope? Last night at dinner with Marshall, Gabe was all she could think about, and she failed to think about whathewas probably feeling. And if he was leaving that quickly, he’d soon forget about her.

Before long, students poured in, all of them asking if they were doing moreRomeo and Julietreadings.

“Are you and Mr. Manwaring going to pick up where you left off yesterday?” Sarah said as she found her seat.

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