Page 24 of Mariposa
“What’s wrong with you? You haven’t texted or called since you started teaching this cycle. Who else has your attention? Because I clearly don’t have yours.” She’s seething as she backs away from me with an edge to her whiny tone. She places her hands on her waist, waiting for me to respond.
Why is she acting this way? I thought we were on the same page. Is she growing feelings for me?
I remain calm and collected.
I stand, and the chair screeches back violently. I tuck my dick back into my boxers and pull my zipper back up.
She clicks her tongue impatiently.
When I reach the window to my office, I rub my temples. I watch the ocean waves and see a bright bonfire on the beach. I keep my vision zeroed in on it until my tension eases.
“Nothing’s wrong with me.” I rub the nape of my neck.
“Then why won’t you fuck me?” she clips back.
I’m mentally checked out. I sigh and close my eyes, gripping the edge of the windowsill.
Maybe I should fuck her and be the asshole that everyone thinks I am and have lived up to. I stare hard at the ocean as my phone vibrates in my pocket.
“Hello? Earth to Kade?”
I take it out, hoping it’s Adam. I’ve called and texted him weekly, and he still ignores me.
“It’s my son’s mother. Give me a second.”
Penny:
Happy Thanksgiving!
“Listen, Kade. I like you a lot, and I forgive you.”
What the fuck? She forgives me for not wanting to have sex tonight?
“And I know how you like to fuck. I miss your touch and the way you mark me. No other man fucks me like you do. You’re stressed out, and I’m ready to take that away from you for a couple of hours tonight, just like I’ve done these past few years. So if you change your mind and get out of this grumpy episode you’re having. My hotel room number is 568…I’m at the motel on base. Text me when you change your mind.”
“I won’t.”
She scoffs behind me, and the sound of the door shutting follows.
Me:
Happy Thanksgiving. How are you and Adam doing?
Penny:
I’m good. Busy with work, as always. Adam’s doing good, too. He looks like me more and more every day, but when it comes to his habit of being a perfectionist, that’s all you. He’s in his sophomore year of college and getting straight As. We spent Thanksgiving dinner together, but he left right after eating.
Me:
I’m glad he’s doing great in school. He left on Thanksgiving Day? He must be with his girlfriend.
I don’t know why I’m prying so hard like this. I’ve never asked about his love life, but a sting hits my chest because I dread the answer. Of course, they’re together, and I hope they’re happy.
Penny:
Actually, no. I asked about Violet, but he said she didn’t come home for the holidays. She stayed wherever she’s training. They may be having problems, but I don’t like hovering, so I haven’t asked.
Is she still here? Why?
