Page 60 of Forbidden Professor

I keep moving, shaking my head.

Outside, my mother is standing beneath a large white tent, a pleased little smirk playing on her lips.

I stride down to where she has a table laid for two. Starched linen, crystal glasses, undoubtedly expensive china, and gleaming silverware. There are two fully decked out servants wearing tuxedoes with tails… my mother’s style, to a t.

I sit down across from her and she starts in on me immediately.

“I called you here because it was reported to me that you were seen having coffee, and looking very intimate, with someone very inappropriate.”

“What?” I ask, shocked. “You have someone spying on me? Why?”

“That doesn’t matter,” she says, with a dismissive wave.

“It sure as hell does!” I say, my voice rising in anger.

“What truly matters, Carter, is that you think you can do whatever you want. That the person you gallivant around with doesn’t affect this family.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” I say, completely bewildered.

“You were seen with Eve. Of all people, Carter!”

She admonishes me like I’ve got something to be ashamed of. I stare back at her like she’s grown a second head.

“You can’t be serious about this girl,” my mother says. A haughty little laugh leaves her lips. “She’s just some silly white girl that you think is going to pass my inspection. You have to know that she will not.”

She makes a disapproving sound. “You need to focus on your career, Carter. What would your father think?”

My head whips around. I can feel myself growing hot under the collar. “Don’t bring my dead father into this.”

She smirks. “He would not approve of this girl, Carter!”

“That’s not the damn point!” I shout, standing up from the table.

My mother looks faintly surprised. “I think she’s stirred up your blood too much. Sit down, have something to eat.”

I shake my head staring down at her.

“What do you have against Eve, Mom? She’s a great person.” I keep my voice as levelheaded as possible.

My mother sneers faintly. “You are almost related by blood. It’s enough to make one squeamish.”

Emphatically, I shake my head again. “We’re not related.”

“What about your job? Hm? I doubt they will look favorably on you after they find out you’re with her. She is one of your students. One phone call to inform the administration and you’d be out of a job instantly. You’re going to let this — this — this girl risk your job like that? Certainly makes me question how much she cares about you…”

I square my jaw. “That’s nothing for you to be concerned about. Certainly nothing for you to pass judgment on Eve for.”

My mother shrugs. “I’m sure she’s a perfectly nice girl. But she’s close enough in relation to be invited to Aunt Margaret’s house for Christmas. People will talk about you, Carter. You can do so much better than perfectly nice. I only want that best of the best for my only son.”

I growl. “I’m leaving. I can’t sit here and listen to any more of your craziness.”

My mom stands up so suddenly that her chair tips over behind her. “Carter, I only want what is best for you. You can do better than I did. You can find your soulmate. Someone who is your equal in every way.”

Looking over at my mother’s face, I just feel sorry for her.

“Mom…”

“Yes, son?”

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