Page 35 of Bad Teacher

She swallowed. “Yes,” she asked. Why deny it now? If he asked, he must have proof.

Heat flooded across her cheeks and neck, but she lifted her chin, unwilling to show shame. Maybe not the most ethical thing, but she didn’t feel ashamed for having an affair with Theo.

“Wow. One of the parents was in Vegas last weekend for a conference, and she said she saw you and him together at some wedding.”

“That’s right.” She crossed her legs and rested her hands on her lap. “Neither of us wanted to break the rules on purpose, but it sort of happened. However, we are no longer together. We never officially were.”

He drummed his fingers on the desk, his gaze darting around the room. “I understand. You put me in a difficult situation, Violet. It’s against our policies for parents and teachers to date.”

“I understand.”

“And someone knows about it. So it’s hard to sweep that under the rug.”

She removed her hands from her lap and clenched the chair arms. Acid spilled into her stomach, spreading through the rest of her. This was it. He’d fire her ass, and she’d have to look for another job while pregnant and without a good recommendation. I guess I couldn’t be further from making the right decisions if I tried, she thought ironically. “Can’t you tell this person who saw us that we are no longer together?”

“Doesn’t work that way. Moms talk, and I doubt I’m the only one who knows by now.”

Great. “What will you do about it?”

“You know, Violet, it’s not easy to find fluent French teachers in Tulip. Though this was a mistake, you have impressed us all with your professionalism, and how you’ve engaged your students.”

She bit the inside of her cheek. Compliments in a tense situation like this weren’t good. The worst is about to come. Apprehension trickled down her spine like a tap with a bad leaking problem. “Thank you. I love working here.” Even though the principal is spineless.

“Therefore, I’d like for you to stay with us. I’ll give you a one month’s suspension without pay, a slap on the wrist.”

Relief loosened her muscles. “Thank you.”

“And I’ll also have a chat with Mr. Theo Brodeur. Given the circumstances, it’ll be better for everyone if he takes his daughter to a different school after the school year is over.”

She raised up, the relief turning into a bigger concern than before. Her blood pounded at the base of her throat. No, no. He couldn’t do that. “That’s not necessary, and it would be unfair to Marcelle. It’s not her fault. I assure you she’s grown a lot in the past few weeks and is on track to meet the expectations.”

“Yes, and I’m sure your influence was paramount to making that happen. But, once you’re out of his life, will Marcelle’s new attitude last? I can’t have a trouble student. I have to show my staff and the parents that I’m the leader.”

“And you have, by showing compassion.” She waved her hands, nervous. “Clark, Marcelle has gotten better at school and with grades. I’ll always be available to help her.”

He rocked his chair back, watching her with intent. A flicker of regret touched his eyes. “Which doesn’t help given you and her father share a past. See how it goes back to a circle?”

“No. This is silly. I can’t let you kick her out—”

“I’m afraid you don’t make that call.”

She squared her shoulders, her spine locked into place. “Then fire me.”

* * *

“Haveyou read what Arthur posted on his website? I can’t wait to get the newspaper,” Alan said, strolling inside Theo’s office after the usual three short knocks.

Theo barely swiveled the chair to acknowledge his presence. “Not yet.”

“What are you waiting for? Changing the menu was the right call,” Alan said, with a self-congratulatory grin, before he pulled out his cell phone and began quoting the critic’s piece about his food experience at Celine.

Theo managed slow nods, but the words went right over his head. He glanced at the wall, his vision blurring at times. For the past week, ever since he’d accompanied her to the doctor, Theo exchanged a few text messages with Violet. He checked in on her, asked if she needed anything and she always gave him quick, non-committal replies.

She’d come to his home twice to tutor Marcelle, but he’d made himself scarce.

A painful void took over his heart, and he had a hard time falling asleep. Or even getting out of bed, for that matter. He’d told her how he felt, and she not only had not reciprocated his feelings, but she confronted him. She didn’t trust him.

Fuck.

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