Page 64 of Jain

“There’s only one school with a vacancy. Holton High.”

I froze, realising that was why she was ignoring me.

“You’re coming to teach at our school?” I breathed, unable to hide my elation.

She smiled thinly before answering.

“I will be helping the children with special needs. Not teaching a class as such,” Jain said quickly, her dark lashes framing her exquisite hazel eyes. Her lips briefly parted before she was interrupted by Vada.

“Well, I think it’s very accommodating of them to allow you to work there considering there’s no real vacancy. It must be because you’re an ex-student,” Vada said haughtily, throwing me a dirty look.

“Or maybe she’s qualified and damn good at her job?” I spoke quietly, but I may as well have shouted from the rooftops.

There was a stunned silence before Julian spoke. “Teachers’ pet, were you Jain?” He chuckled and swiftly changed the subject by asking his mother about her church group.

I turned to look at Jain, who had visibly paled.

I tried to speak to Jain throughout the evening, but she completely shut me down. After that, I didn’t bother her again, and somehow, I managed it until she went to the toilet, followed closely by Vada.

“So,” Julian said, leaning forward to make eye contactwith me as I groaned internally. “I take it you know about the wedding?”

I stared at him as he smirked at me almost knowingly.

“You’re coming, right?”

“I’m afraid not. I’m swamped that week.”

“Which week? What are we on about?” Aunt Loretta coughed, butting into our conversation. Julian lifted his eyebrows in my direction before speaking softly.

“Evan isn’t coming to our wedding. Such a shame. Especially being Jain’s old teacher, surely you’d love to see her get married?”

“Not particularly. I’m not a wedding sort of person. I prefer funerals.” I smiled, draining my wine glass. “Excuse me.”

I stood up, pushing my way past a surprised Vada as I walked into the men’s toilets. I stared at my reflection, wondering what the fuck I was doing here.

I rinsed my face with cold water before walking back out into the hallway.

“Why?”

I stopped, hearing Julian speaking in a quiet voice.

“I just don’t feel well; I’m tired...”

“I’ll take you home. You’ve drunk too much to go home alone.” Julian sighed, and I had an idea.

It’s perfect.

I rubbed my stomach before walking in their view.

“I’m feeling a bit off. I’m going to grab a taxi. I’m sorry to leave early.”

Jain’s eyes widened, and Julian frowned.

“You’re feeling unwell? Jain was just saying she felt off. So I’m going to take her home.”

“I can drop her on the way if it’s any easier. Pointless you missing the remainder of the evening.” I offered.

Julian looked back at Jain before she smiled.