Page 55 of Unsupervised
Walking into the meeting, I realize I’m more worried about having to admit I was involved with a student and face the disdain of the faculty than I am about the actual consequences. I don’t want to be seen as some creep or predator, but actually losing my job doesn’t cause me much anxiety.
Which is a good thing, because that’s exactly what happens. I don’t know who told or how they found out, but the meeting is short and brutal. The moment I confess that there was a relationship between us, it’s over and I’m officially unemployed.
There’s an equal amount of relief and sadness when I clean out my office and classroom. It’s after hours so at least the campus is empty, and I don’t have to answer any questions from students as I’m loading my truck.
My teaching days are over.
When I get home, I’m at a loss of what to do. I’ll have a couple of weeks before the consulting work will begin, although there’s always research I can do toward it. I’m in no mood to work. Midnight lays his head on my lap when I flop onto the couch with a beer in my hand, and I scratch his head. This is how I’ve spent most nights since I last saw Kelly, and I know I need to pull myself out of it. Forget about her and move on, but not a trace of me wants to. She was smiling, happy. I need to remember that.
My gaze falls on the keyboard. I’ll need to return that to the music department soon, considering I no longer work there. Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment because it only reminds me of her more, but I set up the keyboard and start practicing the new song she was teaching me for the concert at the retirement home, my part of the duet. I have no idea whether she’ll still do that now, but either way, I’m sure she won’t want to play with me.
Midnight whines and retreats to my bedroom at the first few chords. “Everyone’s a critic,” I grumble to myself, and try again.
Chapter Sixteen
Kelly
It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen Layton. My friends keep telling me things will get easier but so far, I’m miserable. The only time I drag myself out of bed is to go to work and music class. I know my teachers and boss can tell my heart isn’t in anything right now, but they don’t push me to explain why I’m plodding through. Maybe they know. Heartbreak isn’t exactly rare.
The first few days I felt so angry, and maybe that helped because after the anger at his reaction started to fade, sadness took over. It’s a strange, empty feeling I’ve never had to face before but I’m trying to keep going.
I can’t help but wonder what he’s doing, if he’s thinking about me at all. I’m most torn about volunteering at the retirement home, and the whole concert I put together for my music project. Part of me wants to run from it all, but I can’t.
The residents at the retirement home have become my friends too, and I won’t disappoint them or let down the other students who are counting on the concert to fulfill the requirements for their project. My hope is that he won’t come, especially since he’s finally stopped texting and calling.
Zara warned me that it’s not smart to make big life decisions when you’re hurting, but I’m confident in the conclusions I’ve come to over the past few days. Serena’s words have helped me put some things in perspective and for the first time, I’m making changes based on what I want, instead of what others think is best.
Months ago, when I left home, it was because I didn’t want to be controlled by a man, whether it was my fiancé or my father. I won’t be controlled by my feelings for one either. I’m getting my life together in the way that I want.
My first step is a talk with Jesse Cooper. We sit down after my last piano lesson of the evening and he lays out the job offer, which frankly is better than I thought it would be. Full time with a salary that will let me pay my bills while saving a bit, and full health benefits. It’ll be a lot of work, but this job has been one of the best things to come out of all this, along with my new friends.
Jesse studies me for a moment. “Are you sure you can make this work around your school?”
“I’m quitting school, well, all except my music class that I want to finish. College just isn’t for me, at least not right now. Music is what I love. Teaching the kids here and chatting with the customers who come in. This is where I want to be.”
He beams and nods. “I’m glad to hear it, and Dad will be too. He’s ready to retire as soon as you can start.”
We go over my schedule that still needs to account for my music class twice a week and the concert eventually, but it works out. As of tomorrow, I’ll be full time. Now, I have two more things to do today to get my shit straightened out, one I’m dreading more than the other.
My next stop is the administrative office at school to drop my classes. It’s late in the year, which means I only get half the money back, but it’s a start. I half expected the counselor to try to talk me out of it, but I guess they have too many students to take that kind of personal interest. After signing a form, I’m handed a check for the tuition reimbursement and I’m on my way.
Now, it’s time to face Trey. He answers quickly when I text him.
Me: Are you busy? I need to talk to you.
Him: Do you need bail money? Are you wearing clothes?
Call for a rescue one time and now I’m the naked criminal. Asshole.
Me: Very funny.
Him: Come on over. Just come in, don’t knock. Sasha and Rowan are napping.
Me: On my way.
I’m not sure what reaction to expect from Trey. It’s not like he insisted I had to go to school and he hasn’t tried to tell me what to do, but he’s helped me so much, even bought me that scooter, and I don’t want to seem ungrateful.
Trey’s house is beautiful, but it’s not what you’d expect from someone who came into millions overnight. His mobile game went viral and was bought by a developer. It changed his life in an instant, but he didn’t buy a mansion or start flashing money around. We grew up with money. It’s not new to us, and as much as our parents hate it, we both chose freedom over cash.