Page 29 of Whispers of Wisteria

“I’ll go.” I touched my lips and moved to leave. “Thanks.”

“You can do it!” Ms. McKinnen called after me in a low-voiced shout. “Don’t be afraid.”

“Thanks,” I said, glancing back. “I’ll do my best.”

Breakingmy engagement with Damen was more difficult than expected. It’d been such a good morning—outside of Brayden getting upset by our presumed flirting—and I’d been looking forward to seeing him again.

Apparently, he felt the same.

Damen

Why can’t you meet with me?

Me

I told you, I have to talk to Ms. Protean about something.

Damen

T_T

I paused outside the Criminal Justice building, my breath catching despite the nonsensical nature of this discussion. Because, really, was he crying? Forsomereason, I’d thought he’d be more mature than that.

Where had he learned to be so dramatic? It was such a mystery.

I could visualize that exact expression on Damen’s face. He’d been so sensitive lately, and I hated the idea of hurting his feelings.

Maybe Ishouldmeet with him—

Damen

Gregory says to come. We’re more fun than Gloria anyway.

My wavering resolve solidified, even though Ihighlydoubted that the older professor said it that way, and I punched at my phone with more force than necessary with my reply.

Me

No.

My phone rang—an unknown number—and I hesitated a moment before answering. “H-hello?”

“Bianca Dubois, you will come to my office this instant,” Uncle Gregory’s stern voice greeted me.

My palms sweat, but my reply was instantaneous. “No.”

“Bianca!”

Wow, this wassomuch easier when I didn’t have to look at him.

“If you have a problem with it, you and Damen can come and get me. I’ll be in the Criminal Justice building.” I said this—but if my theory was correct, there was no way he’d be talking to Ms. Protean any time soon. “Youcan explain to Ms. Protean that you don’t want me with her.”

Uncle Gregory began to curse under his breath but then spoke louder. “I can’t do that. She’ll murder me.”

“Well, I guess I’ll be studying with your ex-girlfriend then.” I felt like sticking out my tongue but caught myself at the last second. My chest swelled as he didnotcorrect my assumption.

Which meant that I’d been right the whole time—they were once a couple.

“What in the world has gotten into you?” he asked instead, sounding as shocked as I ever heard him.