Page 10 of The Love Simulation

When I asked her how she’s managed to climb the ranks and stay out of any controversies, it was simple: draw a harsh line between your personal and professional life.

The point’s been driven home over and over again.Guess why the admin from Corpus was fired. She knew her favorite students were stealing computer parts but didn’t report it. She got too close, too personal, and now she’s out of a job.

Did you hear about the teacher suing her district? She claims some teachers are part of an exclusive clique and terrorize teachers they deem uncool, led by the vice principal, and is suing for emotional distress.

Everyone’s talking about the principal from California who was asked to step down. Her husband showed up during an assembly and started accusing her of cheating in front of everyone.

Actually, that particular principal had been carrying onaffairs with the married band director (whose wife taught art at the same school)andthe government teacher. It was only a matter of time before the whole situation imploded, which, I guess, goes to prove Superintendent Watts’s point. There need to be certain lines that aren’t crossed. Boundaries that must be maintained.

And I have maintained excellent boundaries all year.

Mostly.

Okay, excellent where Roman isn’t concerned. I mean, it’s not like anything has ever happened between us. A few smiles and appreciative glances do not a scandal make. And since Roman won’t be part of the simulation, there’s really nothing to worry about.

“I’m sure it’s the best choice,” I finally answer her. “You know it’s been my goal all year to do something about our library. Think of how good the school will look if we do well in the simulation, all in the name of our kids and community. Think of how goodyouwould look if your protégé is part of the team.”

I may be laying it on a little thick with that protégé business, but Jeanine’s curious “hmm” tells me she likes the sound of it.

“Tell me more,” she says, and so I do.

Twenty minutes later, I’m practically skipping down the halls. That’s what feeling like you’re ten times lighter will do for a woman.

I make a right turn on my way to Principal Major’s office when I almost collide with someone. I come to a halt, already prepared to tell whatever teacher or admin to relax and that I’m not a student, until I get a good look and my stomach does a flip. It’s Roman. He didn’t dress up for spirit day. He’s in dark-wash jeans and a gray long-sleeve Henley shirt. He looks good.

“Oh, it’s you,” I say. My voice comes out involuntarily high, and I clear my throat. “I mean, hi, Mr. Major. Er, Science Teacher Major…Mr.Science Teacher Major.”

Roman’s brows crease as I test out saying his name formally. It sounds and feels wrong, but last week proved how allowing myself to become too familiar with him only served to hurt and embarrass me. The first step in getting over him is distancing myself. No more mornings spent waiting for him to make an appearance in the teachers’ lounge and no more using his first name when speaking to him.

But…

“Vice Principal Rogers.” He nods in acknowledgment, though if I’m not mistaken, not only does he look taken aback by me calling him mister, he also looks a little disappointed. “I wasn’t sure you were you at first,” he says, not moving on. “I could have sworn I saw you like five times today. I was convinced I’d fallen into the Brianna-Verse.”

I haven’t heard Roman make a joke all year. Now, with him not only saying my name but bringing the Spider-Verse into it, I gnaw on my cheeks to keep from grinning like a fool. This is exactly why I need distance from him. My reaction to him is too quick.

I take another step to the side so I can get past him.

“I, uh,” he continues before I can get too far. “I haven’t seen you in the teachers’ lounge in a while. Or the science wing.”

Oh no, not my heart doing cartwheels while in my mind I’m doing a little jig from TikTok, full of body rolls and poppin’ hips.

Nope.Nooo. Bad Brianna. If Roman is the type of playboy who only likes when a girl chases after him, then offers up just enough crumbs to keep her interested when shepulls back…well, my name ain’t Gretel, and I’m not about to feed into his ego to let him know it means something that he’s noticed my absence.

“I’ve been busy trying to close everything out for the end of the year,” I say.

He nods. “Yeah, of course.”

“Is there anything else you need?” I ask when he continues to stand there.

“Yes,” he answers right away. “I wanted to apologize about the other week. Vice Principal Rogers. Brianna, I’m sorry.”

On second thought, maybe I am as foolish as Hansel and Gretel taking off into the woods, because my name on Roman’s lips could lure me into the deepest of forests with the desire to do the wickedest of things.

“I should have gotten any news from you firsthand before believing my dad and talking to anyone else about it. I…”

He stops midsentence as my back goes straight and I hold a hand out, palm facing him. That’s right, Roman’s dad. Roman’s presence is so alluring, so distracting, that I forgot why I was down here.

“It’s okay.” I relent just a little. It feels unnatural to be so rigid with Roman. “It means a lot to me that you would apologize after realizing your mistake. And I believe you when you say it won’t happen again.” Roman dips his head in agreement. “Perfect. Well, I’ll let you go, then. If I don’t talk to you before break starts”—which I won’t; it’s going to take some time before this crush is out of my system if one conversation with him has the ability to turn my insides to goo—“have a great summer.”

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