Page 51 of The Professor
“Drake, you’re alright it was just a dream,” I say.
His eyes lock onto mine and he swallows a few times. “Shit,” he mumbles.
Sitting up, nearly knocking me over, he gets out of bed and paces, running his hand through his hair.
“Hey, you want to talk about it?” I ask, now very curious what the hell he was dreaming.
Stopping he crosses his arms. “Nothing to talk about, I don’t even remember it. I didn’t mean to fall asleep, come on I’ll walk you out to your car,” he says, grabbing a shirt and leaving the room.
Well, I guess I’m dismissed. It’s hurtful, I’ll admit it, but it’s not the end. I know whatever that nightmare was about has to do with whatever it is he doesn’t want to talk about. It has to do with that article he wrote. Tossing on my clothes, I look around. He’s going to tell me what he’s trying to keep buried. It’s not healthy and he knows it.
Grinning, I nod my head. I’ll peel away his layers, exactly the way he’s taught me.
Chapter 22
Drake
It’s beenseveral hours since Emma left, since I all but told her to get out. I just couldn’t deal with her right then. When she woke me up, like always, it took me a minute to remember that dream is in the past. It’s not something I want to share with her and I was too worked up to try hiding it.
Smashing out my smoke, I look up at the stars trying to find peace. I don’t know why I bother, if I haven’t found peace by now, I never will.
* * *
The week has goneby dreadfully slow, but it’s finally Friday. My interaction with Emma has been minimal at best and I’m sure she knows why. She’s a smart girl, a psychologist and that makes me worry. Unlike anyone else, when I try to avoid talking about things with her, she’ll know. She’ll know exactly what I’m doing, hell I’ve taught her to do it.
My phone rings and I grab it when I see it’s Liam.
“Hey, what if I was in the middle of a class?” I ask with a laugh.
“I’m sure your students would love me for interrupting,” he says.
Pushing the papers I’m grading to the side, I rest my arm on my desk. “What’s up?”
“You have a full functioning kitchen and the painters have started. Plus, my guys are replacing any hardwood that needs it and we’ll get those refinished when the paint is done,” he says, sounding proud.
He should because he’s done an amazing job. My friend is definitely good at what he does and I’ve made sure to tell him several times. I’m happy as hell the inside is coming along as well as the outside and that I have a functioning kitchen. No more plywood splinters.
“Damn, that’s great, thanks man.”
“You can thank me by going out tonight and buying the first round,” he says.
I think that’s exactly what I need.
“Sounds good, you wanna meet at my place?” I ask, checking my watch.
“Yeah that works. Hey what’s going on with you and that student of yours?” he asks, letting out a small laugh.
“Shut the fuck up. I need to go my study group is walking through the door. I’ll see you tonight,” I say, lying about the students walking through the door.
“Great, I’d much rather hear about you and her while we’re drinking anyway. Later.”
He hangs up and I roll my eyes. He’s such a fucking idiot, but I know damn well he’s not going to let this one go. Although I would have ended up telling him everything anyway. He’s the only person in my life that knows the past and the present.
Before my head goes in that direction, the door opens and study group has begun. Watching Emma walk in, damn it gets my heart racing. Not in a sexual way, in almost an excited way. Christ, I’m happy to see her.
She gives me a shy smile and I can’t help but grin right back. Looking around at the rest of the class, I clear my throat. “Alright, who’s got questions?”
We begin a discussion of nature vs nurture. It is really one of those tough ones because even with all my research it’s hard for me not to believe that nurture doesn’t play a bigger role. It sure as hell has for me. I don’t tell them what I believe though, I want them to be informed about it all.
