Page 108 of The Lessons

“What is it?”

“Did you even hear what I said?”

“Of course I did.Did you?” she spat.

“Yes,I?”

“See, that’s surprising, because last I checked, I thought we had a deal. You scratch my back, and I allow yours to walk up to that podium and receive a diploma.”

I fell silent. She was as cold-hearted as they came, acting like it was her God-given right to be doing this. Yep, she was full-tilt insane—she had to be. I mean, she wasn’t just doing this to me but to Renee, too. It was all kinds of fucked up.

I mentally checked my bank account. If I sold my bike, I could probably just hang on until I started my practice. Hell, I could eat ramen every night. Or maybe I could convince Ainsley we should finally sell the house. Yes, that could work. “I’ll quit.”

“And I’ll tell.”

Fuck. “You really don’t have any moral compass, do you?”

“Ry, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years it’s that in love and war, it’s every man and woman for themselves. And I’m going to do whatever it takes to get my happy ending.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Thursday - Ten days P.R.A.

Natalie

I was still thinking about him.

And Lisa. And him with Lisa.

I toyed with the idea of reporting them both to SFCS, but my pride won. This was just the kind of story that, if anyone found out, would be irresistible to the newspapers. Silence wasn’t merely the best option, it was my only option.

Talking with Josh a few nights ago hadn’t helped, either. All it did was make me more confused. If Ryan was so into me, how could this have happened? How could he have lied to me and been seeing Dr. Lerner all this time?

~

After lunch out with the girls, I stuck my purse under my desk and opened my email. Sitting there at the top of my inbox was something I’d hoped never to see again.

Paulina’s name.

The subject line said, “I owe you an apology.”

I sent it to the trash. I mean, honestly, what could she say? It would all feel fake anyway. I didn’t need to add to my pain by reopening that wound.

Fuck Paulina. Fuck everyone.

Chapter Thirty-six

Ryan

“Kayaking’s off.”

“What?” I asked, rubbing my eyes. I looked down at the time on my phone. 6:45 am. Who calls at 6:45 am on a Sunday? Lisa Lerner. That’s who.

“I said, kayaking is off. For good. And you’re off the hook.”

I waited as my mind caught up with her words. “Lisa, what are you talking about? Why is kayaking off?”

“Because his wife fucking found out, that’s why.”

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