Page 89 of Student Seduction

I needed closure so I could let him go and move on. For real this time.

I needed to calm the fuck down first.

I put my phone on the edge of the sink and splashed some cold water on my face. Pretty much destroyed that evening’s attempt at make-up but oh well.

Feeling slightly more in control of myself, I took several deep breaths and picked up my phone once more.

I could do this.

I typed out my message in my notes app so I could edit the wording without risking my shaky hands sending the damn thing by accident. It took three tries and Drew texted during to make sure I was okay. I assured him I would be out momentarily, then I read my message one final time.

Hey, Aiden. I know it’s been awhile. I’m not sure if you have my number but it’s Emersyn Tyler and I just heard about your engagement. Congratulations! I’m in New York also. I have a piece showing in an exhibit at The Met tomorrow night. If you and your fiancée are still in town, I hope you’ll stop by. I’d love to see you and congratulate you both in person. I’m so glad to hear you’re doing well. All the best!

I stared at it another minute wondering if I should remove my last name and if I’d overdone it on the exclamation points.

“Like it freaking matters how you come across now, Em. He’s getting married, you moron,” I muttered to myself.

A lady exited a stall and side-eyed me as she washed her hands.

Trying to get closure on the affair I had with my high school history teacher, lady. Move along.

Nothing to see here.

I rubbed my sweaty palms on my cocktail dress and took a deep breath.

I hit send and a wave of nausea-inducing panic washed over me. I should’ve taken out ‘all the best’ and every single one of the stupid ass exclamation points. I looked like an over zealous idiot.

When the phone buzzed in my hand, I nearly dropped it on the floor.

Please be a could not deliver message notification.

Nope.

He’d responded.

It’s good to hear from you. You’re sure it’s okay for us to crash your party?

Oh God.

My fingers texted back without consulting my brain.Of course. The more the merrier.And a smiley face. A fucking smiley face. My stomach rolled violently. I was going to be sick.

Another buzz. Another message that might shatter me into a million pieces.

Great. Put us down for three if that’s okay. Axel’s in town.

Of course he was. His brother was getting married, to someone he didn’t have to worry would get him arrested. Axel was probably so thrilled Aiden hadn’t ended up with me.

My stomach rolled violently, threatening to empty its contents as I texted back:Consider it done. See you tomorrow night!

The biggest night of my life was now going to include the only man I’d ever loved and his future wife.

What had I done?