Page 17 of Gin & Sin

He smiles widely, looking like he has a secret to share. “Busy?”

“Procrastinating. What’s up?”

He looks over his shoulder first before closing my door. “I’ve got some dirt.”

“Do tell.”

Theo’s the best. He’s younger than most, but he’s tenacious, and by all accounts, a solid educator. He’s also queer, polyamorous, and BIPOC. I could learn a lot from him.

“I walked into the lounge today and saw Lara and Janissa talking.”

“And?”

“They didn’t see me, so I was able to eavesdrop. Apparently, the rumors we heard about Professor Grant are absolutely true. He has a meeting with the dean in about an hour.”

I lean forward. “That is scandalous. Couldn’t Lara get fired for telling people?”

“Probably, but we all know Lara’s a nepo baby. They won’t touch her. Working for the dean has its benefits.”

“Definitely. I’m shocked Grant would do that with a student. Isn’t he married?”

“Yep. For thirty years, I heard. I’m not sure who the student is, but if the rumors are right, she’s only twenty-three.”

“Gross. On many levels.”

“Right? Grant isn’t even hot enough to pull a young woman. I wonder if it’s true that it’s about her grades.”

“I really hope it’s not. Lust is one thing, but using your authority is worse.”

“It is. I’m glad I’m into older people anyway so the temptation isn’t even there for me.”

“Same. I wouldn’t date a person in their twenties if you paid me.”

“Word.” Theo chuckles, leaning back in his seat and crossing one leg over the other. “How are things going for you? Any updates?”

I try to laugh off the question, but I can feel my cheeks turning red.

Theo, always ready for tea, as he calls it, leans forward. “Ooh, what a reaction. Spill it, Hanley.”

Scratching the scruff on my face, I glance at my door to make sure there aren’t any students hovering. It would be nice to talk about it with someone, and even though he can be a gossip, I know he would never tell my business.

“I went to Moby’s last night. That new gay bar in town.”

His eyes light up. “Uh-huh. How was it?”

“Better than expected. There were a lot of students there, but one of the owners was there too. His name’s Kit.”

“Kit. I like it. Is he hot?”

I nod. “Very. Tall, beefy, beard. I took a chance and told him I was looking for an experience. He gave me one.”

“Oh my god, Stewart. Did you hook up?”

Grinning, I nod as my chest swells with odd pride. It’s so modern and out of character for me, but I love it. “I did. We did. Yeah.”

“How was it? Give me all the details.”

“I’m afraid I won’t be giving details, but it was good, and I’m seeing him again tonight.”

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