Page 34 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
“I mean, whose life is it—yours or theirs?” She scoffed, as if the matter was as simple as giving a single-word answer.
“That’s not how it works.”
“It could be. But hey, if you’re happy trying to be perfect Little Miss Sunshine, by all means. Anyway, your stop’s here.”
My apartment building came into view, and I couldn’t have been happier to escape that conversation. “Thanks for the ride,” I told her as I unbuckled my seatbelt.
“K. I’m off to Shawn’s.” With that, she sped off, leaving me shaking my head.
I had to give it to Chloe—she knew what she wanted, and she went after it without thinking twice.
Maybe one day I’d get to that point too.
chapter twelve
gabe
Cesar
How are you, Gabriel? I hope all is well
When can you talk?
Gabe
I’m fine. Busy with work. I’ll call you back.
“That’s all fortoday. See you next week.” Nodding at my students, I closed my laptop and slid it inside my satchel.
It was finally Friday, and I was done with classes for the week. I could breathe easier knowing I’d have a couple of days off campus.
My hand paused in the act of closing my bag. I sounded like a student, which would have been fine years ago but felt pathetic coming from a grown man. Particularly one who’d chosen this path.
“Professor Martins?”
Damn it. This was the reason I tried to leave as soon as I dismissed my class. If anyone had concerns, they could raise them during the lecture. I called for questions for a reason. Some cases required discretion, but often, when students approached me after class, it was for purposes other than academic.
Glancing at the girl who gave me a coy smile, I suspected it was one of those times.
A few minutes later, I strode out into the hallway and headed to the office. Female laughter rang out from my left, and a flash of vibrant yellow caught my eye. Luna walked with her friends in one of those outfits that resembled a dress but wasn’t. She clutched Kriz’s forearm as they talked, her eyes wide, the way they were when she was engrossed in a conversation.
I hadn’t spoken with her since she called to thank me for the shirt I’d gifted her. I wondered how she had been doing since then. If we were friends, I would have said hello to her, or nodded at least. But one shared Christmas dinner didn’t change the situation.
Still, I could text her to check in. Surely she wouldn’t find that strange—not after we’d finally had an interaction that hadn’t ended on tense terms. Even though we couldn’t be friends like I was with Tala, I could look after her from a distance.
As I approached the office, the door swung open and out walked Max. Seeing me, he grinned. “Gabe! Perfect timing. I was beginning to think something happened when you didn’t show up right after class.”
“Student,” I muttered as I entered the room.
Instead of going on his way, Max followed behind me. “Why am I sensing that this student is a member of the Professor Martins fan club?”
My spine prickled at the idea. “I thought you were leaving.”
“Not anymore. Drinks tonight?”
I deposited my bag on my chair. “I have work.”
“Not at nine p.m. on a Friday, you don’t.”
