Page 81 of Boiling Point
“And when do I get to meet him?”
I shifted the phone to my other ear, avoiding Cal’s eyes. “I’m not sure yet. We’ll see.”
“I don’t see what the big deal is. You could bring him to Houston over spring break.”
“Yeah, but you’ll be teaching. Shame our breaks didn’t line up this year,” I said, pressing my lips together as Cal stepped closer and wrapped his arms around my waist.
Her voice softened, coaxing. “Then when are you coming down? I haven’t seen you since Christmas.”
“I don’t know,” I said, distracted as Cal slipped his fingers beneath the hem of my shirt. “I’ll figure something out.”
“What are your plans for the week?”
I tried to focus as he traced his hands along my waist. “Nothing exciting. Reading. Spring cleaning. Hopefully some time at the airfield.”
“And some time with your ‘friend?’” Her tone sliced through the line.
I hesitated, and Cal’s breath warmed my neck as he nuzzled closer. “Yes,” I said finally.
“Are you spending the whole week with him?”
I bit my lip. “Probably most of it…”
“Gabrielle, this is getting serious.”
“Maybe…”
“I’d like to meet him before you rush off and get married,” she said, half-exasperated, half-amused.
I choked on my words, coughing so hard I nearly dropped the phone. Cal pulled back, brows furrowed. I waved him off. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I managed. Silence buzzed on the line. “Well, if that’s everything,” I said quickly, “I’ll let you?—”
“Wait!” Aunt Suzy cut in. “Before you go, I have news!”
“News?”
She lowered her voice. “Remember my colleague who was put on administrative leave for ‘allegedly’ sleeping with a student? They didn’t say it, of course, but we all knew.”
I froze. “The one you took over a class for,” I said, hoping my voice didn’t crack.
“Well,” Suzy said, voice rising, “he was found guilty and fired. Good riddance.”
The air punched out of my lungs.
“Gabrielle?”
“Yeah. That’s…good news, I guess.”
“Of course it’s good news,” she replied, oblivious to the tension in my voice. “But it means I’m teaching a second course this summer.”
“You can handle it,” I said, forcing brightness into my voice. “Hey, I’ve got to go. Talk later?”
“Sure thing! Have fun this week, but be safe. Protection and all that?—”
“Goodbye, Aunt Suzy,” I cut her off, heat prickling at the back of my neck.
“Love you, bye!” she chirped.
I hung up and flopped back on the couch with an exasperated sigh.
