Page 118 of Devilry

Elijah has been hoping if Aiden comes tonight they’ll be able to find some middle ground and salvage their friendship. The whole thing has taken a huge toll on Elijah, and I respect his wishes and his loyalty to his friend, but it’s going to take a lot more than an apology for me to ever forgive the way he treated Elijah at Sakéhouse.

Just as I’m about to message Miles and ask where he is, he texts me first.

Miles: Just leaving home, see you in twenty.

Me: Thanks.

I pull up Elijah’s contact and text him quickly.

Me: How are you getting there?

Elijah: My date got me a limo. Said she’s making up for the prom I didn’t get to go to.She said she might even let me cop a feel.

I laugh to an empty room, always impressed with how witty he is when he’s comfortable.

Me: Did you tell her you like dick? Specifically, mine?

Elijah: After the limo ride. I’ve never been in one.

In these moments of casual conversation, I’m grateful for Callie, Miles, and Harper. People who are there for you unconditionally. The night at the restaurant may have put a rift between Elijah, Aiden, and Callie, but Callie has really stepped up. And Harper and Miles… Let’s just say if there were ever three people who were meant to come into one another’s lives at the right time, it’s us.

Quickly giving myself a once over, I walk outside to meet Miles. His Explorer sits idling on the street, his empty baby seat in the back, the perfect depiction of Miles’ life.

“Hey, man,” I greet, climbing into his car. “How are you?”

“I’m doing good, man. Things are really good.” The satisfied look on his face makes me happythat after a shitty divorce, he’s finally where he’s supposed to be.

“Thanks so much for coming tonight. I know you probably had better things to do.”

“I’ll take any excuse to eat and drink on the King dime. Billings owes me.”

As my time at King has progressed, I’ve come to realise how many people actually dislike Dean Billings. It’s a wonder he’s actually got a job considering the rumours circulating about him are never ending.

Ever since the day he came into my office and tried to lay down his law, bringing my family into it, I can’t seem to warm up to him.

“So, I wanted to ask you something.”

Miles gives me a quick look and then focuses back on the road. “Yeah, what’s up?

“Do you think Alexandria University has any openings for a history or arts teacher?”

Alexandria University is where Miles works in the summer. It’s still in the same vicinity as King, so I wouldn’t need to move or worry about leaving Elijah. It would mean I wouldn’t need to worry about a lot of things, namely Elijah and me sneaking around and worrying about getting caught. Add in that there’s no Dean Billings, and it’s like a dream come true.

Gobsmacked, his mouth opens and closes a few times. “Are you serious? You want to leave King?”

“I want to know I have options,” I tell him.

“Can I ask what brought this about?”

“It makes me sound ridiculous.”

“Try me.”

“It just didn’t live up to the expectations.”

“So this has nothing to do with Elijah?” he queries.

“While that’s definitely a factor, it’s surprisingly not the bigger part of it. ”

---