Page 25 of Where We Met

Chapter Nine

Savannah

I'vebeendyingforthe weekend to be over so I can see Professor Luke again. Things got cut short on Friday, and now I have no idea how to act around him.

I'm so hard right nowplayed on repeat in my mind.

I've never had phone sex before. I had no idea how hot it was to be so close to someone and yet so far away. To feel like they were touching you when they weren't even in the room.

Now here he is, lecturing to our class like it never happened. Well, I don't know if that's true. I have no idea what's going on in his head, but I'm afraid his mother wasn't even calling that night. What if he panicked and wanted it to end but didn't want to hurt my feelings?

"Just a reminder. This Friday is your written exam on International Business case studies. You will have the entire length of the class to complete it. Rebecca will be working hard over the weekend to have them graded by Monday."

I’ve already decided that I’m going to approach him when class is over. I'll never get good sleep again if I don't.

The girls hounded me before class about my being distant this semester. I don't think they're buying my excuses anymore, but I just can't admit my struggles to them. I know they will want to fix it, and I don’t want to be a burden.

My whole life, I've always been the poor girl who grew up without a mom. Who brought burnt cookies to the school bake sale, who didn't wear makeup or dress the right way when my dad was too busy working to worry about such trivial things.

I made a vow to myself in high school that as soon as things were in my control, I would never be that girl again.

Luke dismisses us, and I look around the room to see everyone else quickly exiting. Evening classes make people antsy, and they want out as soon as possible. I pack my things slowly, hoping nobody notices how long it's taking me to put my laptop in my bag.

Once most students are out of the room or at least climbing the stairs of the auditorium, I grab my bag and start to head in his direction. He looks up at me, and his warm smile instantly settles my nerves.

Just as I'm about to speak, Rebecca makes quick work to join us.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead, sweetie," she says like I'm a child. "I'll wait."

I'm momentarily filled with rage before I realize I have to come up with something to say that won't give away our… relationship. I don't even know what to call what we have going on right now.

When I look back at Luke, his eyes are slightly wider, looking alarmed. He's waiting for me to cover this up.

It hurts, but I get it. I have no right to be territorial over him.

"Um, I just wanted to tell you I really enjoyed the lecture today. I'm learning a lot in this class."

"Thank you, Savannah. I'm so glad you're absorbing the material. It will be valuable to you in your career."

I feel deflated at how distant we are acting right now. He is shuffling through his papers nervously, not meeting my eyes.

"Well, I'll see you on Wednesday. Bye."

I turn around and begin to walk up the steps, feeling embarrassed and small.

"Aww, looks like someone has a little crush on her professor." I hear Rebecca laugh behind me.

My fists clench at my sides as I listen to her not so subtly mock me. She must know I can hear her.

Feeling even more shitty than I did before class, I rush home so I can put on my pajamas and sulk.

When I get back, I grab Bailey and take her outside while it’s still light out. I feel more confident today with my new pepper spray, sharp unicorn head, decorative things that can be used as weapons, and something that creates a brutally loud alarm sound. I spent all yesterday wandering around the city, searching for things to put on my keychain to fight off an attacker.

My phone rings, and I see my dad's name come up on the screen.

"Hey, Dad," I answer cheerfully.

I know he's doing his best to balance his new life with the one we had together. Just because it was always just me and him doesn't mean that's how it should be forever. He deserves happiness, and if that means I have to miss him a little more than I used to, I’m okay with that.

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