Page 67 of The Professor
“Emma, are you almost ready?” Aubrey yells through my door.
Coming out, I meet her with a smile. “Ready.”
We are all going out to dinner tonight instead of eating in. Bexley and Makena included, as well as my dad. I’m a little nervous he’s going to say something, but more so for Drake. I’m pretty much done here, he’s the one that would be losing everything. Everything, but me.
Walking into the living room, it’s bitter sweet. It’s going to be one of our last Sunday dinners. I’m going to miss these girls so much. They all still have time here, so they’ll be getting a new roommate. I kind of hate the idea that someone else will be in the room I’ve called mine for the last four years, but it’s part of letting go.
“You guys ready?” I ask, grabbing my phone.
“Hang on,” Bexley says. We all turn to her and she take a breath. “It’s been the four of us for two years now and I just want to say that I’m going to miss you, Emma. I know we are all completely opposite, but it worked. It’s not going to be the same without you.”
Blinking back tears, I hug her. “Don’t make me cry. I’m not leaving just yet.”
“Exactly, let’s make it a happy memory not a sad one,” Makena says.
“Alright enough. Come on let’s go let Emma’s dad keep us laughing at her expense,” Aubrey says, laughing.
The next few hours are the absolute best. We met my dad at the diner and we had so much fun. Aubrey was right, we all laughed at my expense, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Makena was surprisingly talkative and even a little flirty with my dad. Aubrey, Bexley, and I kept looking at each other and laughing, but hey maybe that’s her thing, she likes older guys. Can’t say I blame her.
It’s back to normal now though. Makena is in her room studying and Bexley is locked away with the football prick. Aubrey and I are sitting on the couch watching tv and well, I’m texting Drake. He can make me squirm just through a damn text.
“Oh shit, Em, I forgot to give you the mail yesterday,” Aubrey says, jumping up.
“How could you forget,” I say, glancing down at Drake’s dirty words.
“Hey, give me a break. You’re hardly here anymore and I just stuck it aside. The only reason I remembered is you got something that looks important.” She drops the envelope on my lap and I suck in a breath.
Snapping my eyes to hers, she is smiling like an asshole. “You know what this is?”
“Of course I do,” she say, rolling her eyes.
My heart is slamming in my chest as I look down at the return address. It’s the most prestigious psychology office on the East Coast. The huge letters of New York Psychologist, taunts me, daring me to open it.
I’m so nervous my hands are shaking as I lift up the envelope. “I’m too scared,” I say, looking up at Aubrey.
“Just do it. Look how thick that thing is, you’re in,” she excitedly says.
With sweaty, shaky hands and my heart nearly beating out of my chest, I slide my finger against the flap to open it. Slowly pulling out the letter, I swallow a few times to keep myself from getting sick. This is where I’ve dreamed of being, this will either make me or break me. So, when I open the letter, I close my eyes briefly, blowing out a breath.
Opening them, I read the first line.
“Congratulations, Emma Bower. We would like to formally invite you to do your internship here at New York Psychologist Center.”
Jumping up, I scream. “Holy shit, I’m in.”
“I knew it,” Aubrey says, hugging me tight. “I’m so proud of you, Emma. You’re going to be living your dream and I’m only a little jealous you’re leaving me behind.”
My smile drops and I sink down on the couch. Fuck. If I leave, I’m leaving everyone behind, including Drake. What am I supposed to do? Give up my dream for love or give up love for my dream. I won’t make that choice, I can’t.
Chapter 28
Drake
I’m surprisedwhen Emma calls me and says she’s on her way over. I could tell in her voice she was upset about something, so I’m impatiently standing out front smoking a cigarette waiting. I wanted her to tell me over the phone, but she said she wanted to do it face to face. Part of me wonders if maybe she’s had enough, but then I quickly push that aside when I think of how much she loves me.
She pulls into the driveway and I’m at her door before she even opens it. She gets out and I grab her shoulders looking her over to make sure she’s alright.
“What’s up?” I ask, searching her honey eyes.
