Page 69 of The 21-Day Boyfriend
Hiding my disappointment takes all my energy – and I still don’t think it’s enough.
“He’s never come before.”
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“I don’t know. I just wanted to be supportive.”
“Like an attentive boyfriend?”
I swallow down another bitter mouthful. “Exactly.”
“Well, don’t be. I don’t need your sympathy.”
“That wasn’t what I was doing, but I’ll get back in my place.”
“Your place? And what would your place be,professor?”
“I told you not to call me…”
“Oh, there you are.” The Faculty Dean joins us outside the library. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
“Looking?” I ask, shocked.
“I didn’t know you’d be gracing us with your presence, Mr. O’Shea,” the Dean says, turning to Eric, who flashes her a polite smile. “Evelyn has told me great things about you.”
“My grandmother tends to exaggerate.”
They shake hands, and the Dean rests her hand on Eric’s shoulder.
“Why don’t you come back inside with us? There are a few people I’d like you to meet.”
“I really…”
“Come on.” She drags Eric inside, then turns to me. “Well, Professor Quinn? Are you coming?”
“I’ll be right there.”
Eric casts me a quick glance before being dragged inside. I respond with a nod, and the door swings shut behind them, right in my face.
I decide to stay outside for a while longer, far from him, from the thought of him with his ex, and from the way I feel just imagining that mouth, which kissed me so sweetly this evening, on the lips of someone else.
* * *
ERIC PARKS ONthe road a few feet from my house.
“I had a nice evening. Thanks for coming.” I move to open the door, but Eric stops me.
“You never asked me what Colm wanted.”
“Should I have?”
Eric lets go of my arm and flops back into his seat.
“Sorry,” I say, taking off my glasses and massaging the bridge of my nose. “I shouldn’t have. It’s just, that man…” I exhale slowly. “I don’t trust him at all.”
“Are you worried about me, Mr. Quinn?”
