Page 5 of The Professor
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The bright sunsneaks its way through the blinds, hitting me right in my eye. Groaning, I roll over, grabbing my phone. A missed call from Liam at four in the morning. Asshole. Noticing it’s almost ten, I decide to just get up.
The old wood floors squeak with every step I take. Being in my childhood home is still taking some getting used to. But I wasn’t willing to let it go, so after losing my dad last year I decided it was time to move back. Not an easy decision. When I left this town I had no plans to ever return. Everywhere I turn there are memories...good and bad.
This house has seen better days. My mom died when I was just a kid, so my brother and I were raised by my dad. He worked his ass off to keep this ranch going. Up early, to bed late. He never had a social life, this ranch was all he had. He never got over losing my mom and his focus became this ranch. Looking at it now is like a time capsule. My dad never changed a thing.
Walking into the kitchen, my eyes roam over to the outdated cabinets that are in desperate need of repair. Same as the gray laminate counters and blue linoleum floor. Everything in this house needs work. I just need to find the time or someone to get it done. I can’t focus on that though because, I have to work on my plans for the week and grade papers. But nothing happens until I have some coffee.
After several cups of coffee and countless papers graded, I grab a cigarette and head outside. Just as I light it, my phone rings.
“Dean Thomas,” I answer.
“Professor Grayson, I’m terribly sorry to bother you on a Sunday, but we’ve got a problem,” he says in his deep authoritative voice.
“What kind of problem?”
“It seems that there are several students who have complained that you aren’t willing to help them outside of class,” he comments.
For Christ’s sake. Most of the students he’s speaking of are chicks who think if they get me alone I’ll make a move. So unfortunately, I have turned down all requests for any extra help.
“I thought it was best they worked it out on their own, especially after Professor Brown being fired for the accusations of him sleeping with students. I’m trying to avoid any rumors,” I explain.
He clears his throat and I can vividly picture him shaking his head as he leans back in his brown leather chair.
“Professor, we pride ourselves on our students getting the best education money can provide. If extra help is needed, you’re going to have to make time for that. I completely understand your concern with the students, but as long as it is in a controlled environment, like your classroom, there will be no rumors. I’m working hard on deciphering the rumors from the reality, and I’ve never considered any of the rumors about you to be true. This just proves I’m right. I’ve talked to Professor Erickson and we’ve put together a study group for you. It will be three times a week after your last class for any student who needs extra help. I’ll be sending out an email to all your students after we hang up. There is no reason to be concerned, I have faith you are not one of those professors.”
Fuck. What choice do I have now? “Well, I guess it’s not a problem anymore,” I dryly comment.
“Professor Grayson, these students count on you to teach and inspire them. I think it’s best you remember that is the main concern, not the rumors. I’ll handle those, you teach your students.”
Taking the last drag of my smoke, I smash it out in the ashtray. “Absolutely sir. Please forward the email to me as well. I’ll be sure to teach and inspire.”
“Excellent. Thank you for your time and understanding. Enjoy the rest of your day,” he says, hanging up before I can even reply.
A study group, awesome. I try to keep my students at arm’s length, but as long as he knows the rumors aren’t true and never would be, I’ll give it a go. If they want me to teach and inspire, that’s exactly what I’ll do.
Chapter 3
Emma
As I finish foldingmy laundry, I hear my phone alert me to an email. Grabbing it off my desk, I open it and see it’s from the Dean. The title is ‘Psychology’. Curious to know what he could be sending an email about that wasn’t sport related or having something to do directly with the university I open it.
Students,
Please be advised that Professor Grayson now has a study group. It is open to any Psychology student who feels they are in need of extra attention. The group will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2pm sharp. Students who wish to sign up will do so in class with Professor Grayson.
Your education is of the highest priority and we at Fox University will do whatever it takes to ensure you succeed.
Sincerely,
Dean Thomas
Scrunching my eyebrows together, I read over the email several times before putting my phone down. A study group? Where is that coming from? Professor Grayson has adamantly turned down all the requests for extra help, never mind a study group. Not to mention the Dean saying ‘in need of extra attention’, that is misleading to all the horny bitches.
“Hey what are you doing?” Aubrey asks, falling onto my bed.
“I just got the strangest email from the Dean saying that Professor Grayson now has a study group,” I say, sitting down on my hard wooden chair.
