Page 118 of Love, Academically
That was the biggest understatement he had ever made. His father, his self-worth, his obsessive need to succeed. He should have gone to therapy a long time ago, turned himself into someone worthy of a woman like Lila.
“You shouldn’t go to therapy for her, you should do it for yourself,” Jasmeet said, not unkindly but there was no warmth in his words.
“I know, and I am. But she’s shown me what life can be like. The threat of losing her, thenactuallylosing her, put my entire life into perspective. I will do anything,anything, to make it up to her, to make her happy. Even if it’s not with me, I just need her to be happy.”
Jasmeet took a long look at him, obviously trying to see into his soul. He’d bared it all to them and he just hoped that it was enough.
“Fine.”
“What does that mean, Jasmeet?” he asked quietly.
“It means that I believe you’re trying to better yourself. It means I believe that you understand what you’ve done.”
He let out a relieved breath and let his head hang.
“But that doesn’t mean that I forgive you or that I like you. Because I don’t. At all.”
“Yeah, I get that.”
“You’re a dick, you know that right?” Dan said, a smile pulling at his lips.
“I know. I know I am.”
“If you really do love Lila, you’re going to have to prove it, Rhys.” Jasmeet finished her wine in one large gulp and stood, hooking her handbag over her arm. “Dan?”
“Yeah, coming,” he said, pushing his half-finished beer to the centre of the table. “Kickboxing tomorrow? I’d really like to hit you.”
Rhys smiled, the first one since Thursday evening, and nodded.
Chapter 19
Crestfallen(adjective) crest·fall·en
dejected, dispirited, discouraged
having a drooping crest or head
Lila
Professional, professional, professionalwas the chant that went through Lila’s mind as the lift opened on the first floor of the History Department. This was her job, she was professional and she could cope with addressing Rhys in a professional manner.
Not screaming or shouting or crying or curling up in a little ball under the table. She was a big girl and she could beprofessional.
There was a vase of fresh flowers on her coffee table and she hung up her coat on the stand in the corner.Things would be okay,she kept telling herself.
“Lila?” Sue poked her head around her door. “You good?”
“Oh, morning Sue,” she said, pasting a smile on her face. “Yes, all fine. I really appreciate the time off. Thank you.”
“Not at all.” Sue came fully into her office. “Look, I know things might be difficult today. If you need anything, please do come and see me, okay?”
