“No test.”
“Okay.”
The class goes by quickly, but all I can focus on is how much Lorenzo is touching Nova, or how they’re whispering and having a deep conversation at the end of class.
By the time class is almost over, my body is tense with unease and I feel conflicted about whatever this thing between me and Nova is.
I’m not typically a jealous person. I’ve never felt insecure about myself or what I have to offer. But having to pretend I don’t think of Nova as more than a student is hard, especially when I have to watch her interact with another guy in front of me. I don’t blame Lorenzo for what he’s doing, because it’s not like he knows what’s going on between us. He’s just being a guy. He’s working his way in. I see what’s happening and I can’t do anything about it.
After I dismiss the class, the two of them stand up and continue whatever conversation they were having. Lorenzo rests his arm on one of her shoulders, looking down at her with a smile. Her eyes dart to mine briefly, aware that I’m watching.
“I’ll meet up with you later,” she tells him. “I need to ask about the work I missed.”
He nods and quietly says something to her before leaving the classroom.
Everything feels better once it’s just her and I.
“Hey,” she says softly.
“Hey.”
She hands me a folded piece of paper. “It’s my number.” I pocket it without looking it over. “I wanted to get in touch with you but wasn’t sure I should email you. I don’t know who’s reading those,” she says with a nervous giggle. “Anyway, just know I’m not freaking out about our weekend.” Nova glances over her shoulder to make sure nobody’s coming in. “Are you still okay with things?”
“I’m fine, but are you okay?”
She shrugs and gives me a forced smile. It’s not her usual megawatt one, and I can tell something’s weighing on her. “Yeah. All good. Um, maybe we can talk later?”
I nod. “Of course. I have your number now, so I’ll be in touch,” I say with a smile.
Her grin comes back and feels genuine this time. “Good. Okay.” She starts walking backwards, still looking at me. “Yeah, text me. Or call. Whatever.”
I chuckle. “Okay.”
Once she’s gone, I walk to the door and close it, shutting out the noise while I focus on some work before my next class. Before I can take a couple steps back to my desk, the door opens and in walks Lorraine.
“Elijah,” she greets, stepping close to me. “I feel like I never see you anymore. I have to track you down just to say hello.” She tugs on my tie with one hand while resting the other on my chest, giving me her best pout.
I take her hand in mine, ready to step away from her touch. “Lorraine, this isn’t…” before I can finish my sentence, Nova’s voice reaches my ears.
“Oh, and I…” she trails off, her lips parting in surprise as her eyes land on Lorraine’s hand in mine.
Lorraine and I both step away from each other, no doubt looking guilty.
“Sorry,” Nova says before rushing off.
“Goddammit, Lorraine. Like I was about to say, this isn’t appropriate. We’re at work.”
“It’s not like it’s forbidden, Elijah. We’re both adults.”
“We’re not together, Lorraine. You know that, right?”
She jerks back like I just slapped her. I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings, but considering what Nova just walked in on and is probably thinking, I’m feeling angry and anxious to talk to her to clear things up.
“Oh, I know, Elijah. You make it perfectly clear by ignoring me at every turn and treating me like a bed warmer. No romance for you, huh? No feelings, no emotions, nothing. I thought we could have something special.”
I take a deep breath and blow it out. “Lorraine, I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, but I told you before we started anything that it wasn’t going to be serious. I thought I made myself clear.”
“Oh, right. Because you were also sleeping with Paula. You think people don’t talk in this place?” she snaps.
I cross my arms over my chest. “I told you and Paula both that I wasn’t looking for a relationship. And it’s not like I was with you one night and with Paula or anyone else the next. There had been quite some time between me and Paula and me and you.”
“Oh, so you only sleep with us a handful of times before tossing us out for the next new body?”
She’s pretty accurate, but the way she says it sounds horrible and makes me feel like shit. “I’m sorry, Lorraine. I haven’t been interested in a relationship in a long time. I have my own personal reasons for that, and I hope you can understand. I thought I was doing everyone a favor by being upfront about what to expect and what not to expect. You were the only one who seemed to want to take things to the next level, but I was never interested in that, and you were aware of that fact.”
She steps back and folds her arms low around her stomach. “I just thought I could get you to change your mind. I hoped you’d see more in me.”
“Lorraine, you’re a beautiful and intelligent woman.” She peers up at me with sad eyes. “I know you deserve to be more than a lay, and I’m sorry things between us couldn’t develop. It’s just…”
“You’re not into me the same way,” she says, like she’s just realizing it.
“I still respect you and hope we can remain civil,” I tell her.
She straightens her back and approaches me. “I don’t know what woman will be able to tie you down, Elijah. But she’ll be damn lucky when she does.” With a final touch on my arm, she says, “I’ll see ya around.”
Once she’s gone, I release a
