Page 107 of The Chase

My own hands aren’t damp anymore. They’re dry as dust, and I curl them into tight fists on my lap. “I’m not trying to destroy anyone’s career. I…”

“Would you like to lodge a formal complaint? If so, we can begin the process right now. You should be aware, however, that it can often be a lengthy process, as well as difficult for all parties involved.”

My eyes start to feel hot. “I, um…”

Impatience lines his forehead. “Summer. Will you be lodging a formal complaint against Professor Laurie?”

After a long moment of indecision, I say, “No.”

“I see.” Richmond rises from his chair. “Well, do let me know if you change your mind. Until then, I advise you to be prudent before making these kinds of accusations—”

“I wasn’t making accusations,” I protest. “You asked what I thought of him, and I told you he makes me uncomfortable.”

Richmond rounds his desk. “I’ll see you next week, Summer. Let me walk you out.”

__________

Later in the afternoon, I’m still smarting over Froghole’s dismissive behavior. But at the same time, I’m also starting to question myself. The descriptions I’d given Richmond sound kind of flimsy when I replay them in my head.

He touches my hand a lot, and my shoulders, and his gaze stays on me a little too long.

That doesn’t exactly scream “highly inappropriate behavior!” The more I think about it, the more I wonder if maybe my original assessment of Laurie was correct, and he’s simply a very friendly man. The fact that Richmond openly admitted that Laurie is known for being a “friendly chap” only makes me doubt myself more. If the assistant dean doesn’t think Laurie’s friendliness is anything to be concerned about, maybe I shouldn’t either?

Ugh. I honestly don’t know.

“Ow!”

Madison, the sophomore whose measurements I’mtaking, jerks in discomfort, alerting me to the fact that I’d cinched the tape way too tight around her boobs.

“Sorry,” I say hastily, loosening the hold. “Let me finish with the bust, and then we’re all done.” I look over at Bianca, who’s sprawled on the ornate couch flipping through the latest issue ofVogue. “Thanks so much for agreeing to do this, by the way. I think it’ll be a blast.”

“Thanks for asking us. I’m super excited,” Bianca admits.

“Me too!” Madison bounces on the heels of her socked feet. “I can’t believe you convinced the football team to walk the runway in Speedos.”

“Not the whole team. Just six of the players.” I wink at her. “Six very hot players.”

Her expression lights up. “Oh my God. I can’t wait for the after-party.”

When Bianca messaged me to say she and five sisters were down to model in my show, I’d sweetened the pot by telling them they were all invited to the after-party. Not the official Briar-hosted one, but the after-after-party with the football team. I already got Rex to agree to host us. All I had to say was “sorority girls” and he was on board.

“I can’t wait to see the final designs,” Bianca gushes. “The pics you sent of the sketches are so hot.”

“Yeah, they’re boss,” Madison agrees.

“Thanks. I’m excited to see them on you guys.” I jot down Madison’s bust measurement and then roll up the measuring tape. I tuck it and my little notepad into my Prada tote. “All right. Perfect. I’ve got everything I need. Next time I’m here, we’ll do a proper fitting and—”

“What the hell is going on?” Kaya appears in the doorway, suspicion darkening every inch of her pretty face.

“Hey, Kaya,” I say cheerfully.

Bianca warily gets off the couch, while Madison scurries out of the room like an animal that’s just sensed a thunderstorm brewing.

Kaya glares at me. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to take some measurements.” I sling my purse strap over my shoulder and root around inside the bag for my phone.

“What for?”

---