Page 76 of After Hours Lectures

“Well.” I hesitated for a moment and then said, “They offered me a job.”

“Seriously? That’s amazing. What will you be doing?”

I explained what the band wanted, and he seemed genuinely happy for me, but then he asked the question that I feared would put an end to his excitement. “So, you’ll be gone for six months?”

I swallowed. “Yeah.”

His face fell. “I see.”

Our server brought out our food, halting our conversation for a minute.

“I haven’t said yes,” I muttered after Nick walked away.

Hayden swallowed a bite of his chicken. “Why not?”

I shrugged. “I think you know why.”

“Tyler, it’s a great opportunity.” His lips formed a tight smile. While he tried to convince me, I could tell by the look on his face it was as though I’d stabbed him in the heart with the knife I was using to cut my steak.

“I know. I asked for some time to think about it.” I picked at the food on my plate.

He placed his hand over mine that rested on the table. “Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”

That made me feel a bit better. “I appreciate that, and I’m sorry for bringing down the mood. We can talk more about this later.”

He nodded. “Okay.”

Thankfully, our conversation moved on to more lighthearted topics, and I finally tasted the tender cut of beef.

“I think that was the best meal and cheesecake I’ve ever had,” I admitted as Hayden handed over his credit card before I had the chance to offer to pay the bill. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. But don’t forget you promised to put out if I bought you dinner.” He winked, and I was relieved to know I hadn’t completely ruined the evening.

Nick returned with the receipt for Hayden to sign, and I excused myself to the men’s room.

As I stood at the sink, washing my hands, the door pushed open. Glancing in the mirror, I watched as the last person I expected to see stepped inside.

I spun around. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m having dinner with my parents. Was that Professor Foster I saw you with?” Ford hooked his thumb in the direction of where Hayden was still sitting.

I didn’t think Ford knew who Hayden was, but then it dawned on me that he would have seen him at the softball game, and we had thanked him by name during our closing announcements.

Hayden and I had been so careful, and now one word from my ex could ruin it all. My heart pounded as I tried to think of any excuse for why I was at a restaurant in the city with my teacher. I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

Ford’s eyes widened, and I could tell he was putting the pieces together. “Oh my god, that’s who you’ve been seeing, isn’t it?”

“Ford—” I held up my hand.

“I can’t believe you’re fucking your professor.”

I saw red as I seethed, “Anything having to do with me is no longer your business.” Before he could say anything else, I stormed out of the restroom. “We need to go,” I barked as soon as I returned to the table.

Hayden flinched. “What? Why?”

“I’ll explain in the car, but we need to go now.”

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