Page 41 of From the Flames
WILLY WASnever so happy that a day was over in his life. He was sick of answering the same question about why the police were there. Even the damned dean had taken him aside to ask what was going on.
“Do I need to send out an email to the entire department explaining why they were here and that everyone needs to get their nose out of my business, or should I just send that to you?” he had snapped before leaving his office.
“I’m just concerned,” the dean had said.
Willy turned around. “The time to be concerned was when my home burned to the ground and I lost everything, but no one seemed to give a damn then, so I suggest you all butt out now.” He continued down the hall under a full head of steam, pissed ashell and getting angrier by the second. He knew he should have kept quiet, but he was tired of the gossip and nosiness.
When he returned to his office, he found two students waiting for him. “Can I help you?” He tried to remember that these were the people he was here for and forced himself to calm down.
The young man and woman each carried books. He knew Jane and Roger from his second-year economics class. “Was the man who left right after the police your boyfriend?” Jane asked. “There was a rumor that you were seeing someone.”
Willy hesitated.
“I just wanted to say ‘way to go,’ if he was.”
Willy found himself laughing. There were no secrets in this place, and there never would be. Expecting anything else was a pipe dream. “Yes. He and I have been seeing each other.”
“Cool. You deserve someone nice,” she said. “Have a good night.” The two of them went down the hall, and Willy wondered why his social life was so fascinating to so many people.
He headed out to the parking lot and was about to get in his car when the dean came out of the building. Willy thought about getting in his car and driving away, pretending he hadn’t seen him, but before he could, the dean said, “Willy, you were correct.”
“And I apologize for being snappy. I asked the officers to meet me at my office because it was the only time I had today. I should have found time to meet them at my house, but they said it was important.” In the future he would keep anything personal as far away from the college as possible.
“Is everything all right? Do you or your family need anything?” the dean asked.
“No. The kids and I are doing our best to rebuild our lives. It’s taking time, but we’re managing. Evelyn helped make sure the kids had some of the things they needed.” Willy wasn’t surewhat the dean wanted or if this was a show of contrition. “It’s just taking time to put our lives back together.”
“Are there financial issues at this point?”
“Some, but the insurance company has approved my claim. They said it will take a few more days for the payment to process. Once that happens, then everything should loosen up. But thank you for asking.”
He nodded. “Don’t hesitate to let me know if there is anything the department or the college can to do to help.”
“Thank you.” Willy regretted being sharp with him. It wasn’t the dean’s fault. He was busy trying to keep all of the academic wheels in motion, and that was one heck of a task. “I appreciate that.” He got into his car and drove to the daycare, where he went to April’s room first.
“How was school?” he asked April, who seemed subdued.
The teacher hurried over. “She had a little accident today. We got her cleaned up and everything.” There was always an extra outfit in her school bag just in case. “She’s been upset about it.”
“I a big girl,” she said softly as Willy picked her up.
“You’re daddy’s big girl, and things like that happen.”
“They call me Stinky,” April moaned before burying her head against Willy’s shoulder. He patted her back and thanked the teacher before carrying her down to Grant’s room. He was ready and excited to get home, talking the entire time to the car and then on the drive home.
His chatter continued into the house but stopped abruptly. “He’s asleep,” Grant stage-whispered.
“Not for long if you keep talking like that.” Willy took Grant’s hand and led him into the kitchen, carrying April, who was still quiet. He got them both a snack, and April finally began to open up as they ate.
A few minutes later, Kevin came in. “You’re home?” He stretched, his shirt riding up to show some of his belly. Willy couldn’t resist running his fingers along the exposed skin.
“Yeah. It was a weird day, as you can imagine. Everyone asked me about why the police were at my office. I should have thought more about that meeting. Next time they can come here. At least I won’t have half the faculty and students wondering if I’m in trouble.” He shook his head. “How about you? How are you feeling?”
“A lot better. I haven’t been coughing much at all. I spoke to the chief, and we agreed that I should return in a week. So that’s pretty good.”
Willy nodded. “Ummm. Have you given any thought to when you’d go back to your house?” He hadn’t wanted to ask the question because he didn’t want Kevin to think that he wanted him to leave. It was comfortable having Kevin here with them, and he didn’t want to push him out—more like he wanted a chance to prepare himself for being alone again.
Chapter 14
