Page 26 of Lodged

“At the beginning of the semester, I made my expectations clear—not just for academics, but for behavior. Sadly, everyone on this floor could hear the ridiculous accusations being thrown around in here.” I lower my gaze, ashamed—because, yeah, it was silly. Alyssa set the bait, and I fell for it.

“Ruin, Alyssa, please come with me,” Gio says and leaves the room, not even waiting for us. I remove my gloves and lab coat and rush to meet him outside of the lab, Alyssa trailing behind me.

“Ladies, I don’t know what’s going on, but it has to stop. I have no intention of letting my classroom become a gossip corner. I’ve been teaching for four years and have never had to deal with this kind of behavior,” Gio says, visibly exasperated. I can tell he’s really trying not to yell, his hands clenched in tight fists.

“I’m sorry, Gio. Mr. Bianchi.” I correct myself, just in case Alyssa says I’m being too informal. “I know I have no excuse to behave the way I did. I shouldn’t have reacted to Alyssa’s false accusations.” I lower my eyes as I say the words, I know she would see the lie in my eyes.

“Yeah, Gio. I’m sorry, too. I just thought it was a silly joke,” Alyssa says with a chuckle. Oops—that’s the wrong thing to say and do.

“Joking about people’s private lives is despicable and distasteful. I thought I was dealing with adults here, but clearly I was wrong.”

Alyssa is breathing hard, clearly trying to keep the tears from spilling down her face at Gio’s harsh words.

“I’m going to set the example and behave like an adult. I’m not going to report you to student affairs for defamation or harassment. But I do expect your behavior to improve drastically, or else I’ll be forced to tarnish your student record.” Gio’s words are hard, and his tone leaves no room for argument.

I nod at him, and he nods back. Alyssa goes back into the lab, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Once she’s out of earshot, I ask him, “Harassment?”

Gio motions for me to follow him, and we go to the break room.

“Yeah, she came to my office hours earlier this week to ask the most minute things and tried to touch me while asking me out. I’ve been too patient with her, but when I heard her going after you, I had enough.” His expression relaxes, and the Gio I knowstarts to come back. I hate that he’s dealing with this, though. Now I’m even more upset at Alyssa for going after him.

“Are you alright?” he asks as he grabs my wrist, making small circles with his thumb against my pulse point. I shiver at the touch, but give him a reassuring smile.

“I’m a real tough kid,” I say with a shrug.

“I can handle my shit.” He doesn’t skip a beat, and I’m shocked he knows I was actually quoting a song. “What can I say, I enjoy Ms. Swift's music, too.” He smiles and starts walking backward toward the lab. Every day he surprises me more and more. I’m shamelessly falling for my lab instructor, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

I walk back into class with my head hung low, trying to play the part of the reprimanded student. I don’t need or want any more drama and gossip from the other students.

As I get ready for bed, my phone buzzes with a text, and a flock of butterflies takes flight in my belly. I hope it is who I think it is. When I grab my phone, a big smile spreads across my face.

Gio: I just wanted to check in and make sure you’re doing okay.

Oh, my goodness, this man.

Ruin: Yes, I’m good. I told you I’m a tough kid.

Gio: I know, but I still wanted to check in.

Gio: Or maybe it was an excuse to get you to text me? *shrug emoji*

I laugh at his playfulness.

Ruin: I don’t think you have to work so hard for one of my texts anymore.

Gio: Really? *evil emoji*

Ruin: Really. Did you have any issues after the lab? Did anyone ask what all the commotion was about?

Gio: No, I made that part up to get you and Alyssa out of the lab. I really wanted her to know she needed to stop going after you.

I feel bad that she ended up crying today, especially since I really did go out with Gio. But at the same time, I’m upset she’s been trying to make a move on him.

Ruin: Okay, I’m going to completely switch topics. I really don’t want to keep talking about her. What’s your favorite season? I feel like your answer will make or break us.

Gio: Wow, okay. Harsh. No pressure, Gio.

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