by Melissa Jane
“I just need to put this in the drop box and I’ll be right out.”
“Take your time,” Leo assured as the tinted glass door slid closed, separating us. It was late, dark outside and dimly lit in the main office. It was always open to students dropping off assessments but was generally empty of staff. Making a quick step down the hall to the main reception I by-passed offices belonging to the various professors. Eyeing the metal of the square drop box on the wall, I came to an abrupt stop.
My body froze and my ears pricked. Less than a few meters away, in a room with a door ajar, filtered out a chorus of moans.
“Hot shit!” The words tumbled out as a mumble. Edging half a step closer to the incriminating room, I could see shadows on the wall through the gap in the door. They were moving together, bodies gyrating causing the excessive moaning. Eyeing the title on the door, I saw it was Professor Jolly. Which only meant one thing. That was Laney on the inside with him. Laney the student. Laney the bitch who humiliated Marge. And Professor Jolly. Professor Jolly who clearly was happy to break the University Code of Conduct.
It was then I was faced with a moral decision I never thought I would see myself ever having to make. Pulling out my phone from my shoulder bag, I edged closer to the door.
The good and bad of my conscious were debating in my head. Ultimately the bad won and I would deal with any guilt and remorse later.
The floor was carpeted so my approach was silenced, not that they would hear me above their panting anyway. From the gap, I could make out enough for my picture to identify them. Holding up my phone I snapped the image I needed. Laney was sitting on Professor Jolly’s lap. He was on the edge of the desk, his face partially buried in her breasts. They didn’t even notice, but that almost changed as I backed away. Unlike my stealth approach, my exit was less than stellar. Forgetting about my essay that I had pinned under my arm to free both hands, I used my left hand on the door frame to balance my backward step. As a consequence, my essay slipped free and fluttered its way to the floor. Frantic, I scrambled to snatch it before it made any more noise. The sounds filtering from the office quietened, the rustle of a renegade ten-page assignment enough to pique their curiosity.
Shit!
Knowing I had to forgo early submission, I ran the length of the hall clutching my essay and my phone before Professor Jolly and Laney had time to detach themselves and inspect the noise. Taking a sharp right, I pressed the after hours exit button and the door slid open to the sounds of Leo and the security guard having a good laugh. Taking one look at my face, the banter came to an abrupt stop, instead replaced with a look of concern.
“We should go,” I encouraged, masking my urgency.
Briefly farewelling the security guard, I took Leo’s hand in mine before propelling us both back down the fly bridge.
“What’s the rush, Bella?” Leo sounded amused, his eyes searching me for an answer.
“Um,” I swallowed as I pressed the elevator button. Peeking back around to where we just came from, I saw the sliding door open to reveal a confused Laney speaking to the security guard. I was certain she was asking who had just walked through. He wouldn’t have caught my name, but if he was paying attention he could describe my appearance. With my heart pounding in my chest, I heard the elevator doors slide open and only managed a steadying breath once inside. Leo was now looking at me as if I was losing my mind, but would he think less of me if I told him what I had done? Should I be thinking less of myself?
“Josie! What happened? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
This time, I giggled in disbelief at myself. “I um…I saw something I shouldn’t have…”
“And?”
“A class tutor who also just happens to be a student has been threatening Marge and humiliating her in front of others. It’s almost like she thrives on it.”
“Okay…” Leo shook his head slightly not yet connecting the dots.
The elevator dinged signifying our arrival on the ground floor.
“I just walked in on her having sex with one of the professors who teaches her.”
Now realisation dawned but he remained silent awaiting further elaboration.
“It’s against university policy and crosses ethical boundaries and so on. So instead of just walking away like I should have—and trust me, I’m not proud of what I’ve just done— I took a photo. I’m not even sure what I will do with it, but at the time it felt like I had to get evidence.”
Leo eyed me, seemingly unconvinced.
“You know, in case she decides to try anything on Marge again in her final year. I will just point out, Marge’s work does not warrant a fail. It’s not a high distinction, but certainly is not a fail.” Taking a deep breath, I rounded on Leo. “Do you hate me?”
There was a moment of silence and my stomach churned with anxiety.
Then, much to my relief, a broad smile spread across his face followed by a light laugh. “No, I don’t hate you. And if I were to be perfectly honest, I would have done the same thing.”
“Really?” I asked a rush of relief flooding through me.
“Absolutely! Not many people would defend their friends like you have just done, Josie. I do suggest you be mindful of how you use it, so it doesn’t jeopardise your own life.”
Pulling out my phone, I entered the key code to see the incriminating photo. “I should just delete it.” Hovering my finger over the bin icon, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Good and bad waged their war and again, bad won.
Sometimes to stay ahead of the assholes in the world, you had to join them at their own game.
CHAPTER 24
Nicole’s eyebrows wiggled at me in what she thought was an effective method of subtle communication.
“What are you saying?” I mouthed like a professional ventriloquist. Jase and Leo remained engrossed in conversation unaware of our lame attempts. We were on a double date and everything so far had gone like a dream. It was obvious both Jase and Nicole doted on each other in such a short span of time and she seemed smitten in a way I had never witnessed.
“Excuse us,” Nicole announced, wiping her mouth with her napkin before placing it on the table. Both men moved to stand out of courtesy, but I was already being dragged between the maze of tables toward the ladies room too quickly to appreciate the gentlemanly gesture.
“Sooo?” she asked as the swinging door fell back into place.
“You two are perfect together.”
“Does it look like he’s into me? Like, you know,” a frown marred her perfectly made face, “he really enjoys my company?”
“I may be jumping to conclusions, but I’m almost certain Jase and you were made for each other.”
“Okay,” she heaved a sigh of relief. “I saw Mimi today and spent some time with her. She’s such a beautiful girl, isn’t she?”
“Mimi is incredible and it’s awesome to hear she has taken to you.”
“She’s an old soul you know.”
“Leo says exactly the same thing.” She’s more switched on than most adults.
“Holly is looking after her tonight.”
I froze at the mention of her name. “Leo helped her move yesterday.”
This time, her perfect brows creased together. “That was Leo?”
“What do you mean, that was Leo.” Her eyes widened slightly, a sign she was hiding something from me. “Nicole?”
“She said something when she arrived to look after Mimi. It didn’t mean anything to me then, but it does now.”
“Nicole, just please spill it.”
“I asked her how her day was, not knowing she’d spent it moving house, and she replied with ‘How can I complain when I had a gorgeous half-naked man waiting on me all day.’”
“She said that?”
“Yes! At first I was happy for her. But now that I know it was Leo helping, I feel like I’ve been manipulated because she knew it would get back to you.”
I was in shock at her audacity. “I d
on’t have any words.”
“I have one. Skank!”
“No, this can’t be an issue. You and her have to get along if you are to be in Jase and Mimi’s future.”
“Ah hello, best friend! Are you in there? I may have to tolerate her, but my allegiance is with you.” Her expression softened. “What are you going to do?”
“Nothing.”
“Huh? She’s made it perfectly clear—”
“I can’t do or say anything because I already have…yesterday. If I bring it up again, I’ll look overboard jealous and I’m not going to let her win like that.
CHAPTER 25
I was letting her win.
Her words were festering away in my mind and I couldn’t find a cure. Sunday night I was lying in bed and it was still early hours, but finding the strength to do anything at all was near impossible.
Leo’s handsome face sprung to mind and a single tear slid down my temple. I could either hide away dwelling on how I was going to handle my emotions when the time came to say goodbye, or I could tackle the bull head on and enjoy the time I had left.
Deciding to be proactive, I changed into a simple dress and applied some lip gloss. I lived only twenty minutes away from the restaurant, but it felt like hours before I got there. Leo would be working, but I’d hoped he would be able to spare a minute. Perhaps I could help in some way, make myself of use.
As I walked through the door, I was greeted by a stunning Natasha, who wore an elegant red dress, makeup done to perfection. She truly was a knockout and the most modest woman I’d ever met.
“Josie.” She kissed me once on the each cheek, and I felt a genuine warmth for her. She’d always been kind and even better, supportive of my relationship with Leo. “How are you?”
“I’m great, thank you. And you?”
“Couldn’t be better, babe,” she smiled ear to ear, “he’s out back.”
Leaving her to welcome and seat arriving diners, I weaved through the tables and out to the kitchen. It was their prime time with a full restaurant, but the chefs seemed to have everything working like clockwork. The staff moved quickly and efficiently and it was easy to see why the business did so well. Leo was a strong leader and he held their respect.
Seeing that he was busy, I went to buy some time at the bar. Ben greeted me with a wink and a complimentary glass of wine. Taking a seat, I watched as he prepared drinks for table orders.
“How are you, babe?” he asked in typical Ben fashion. He was a flirt but a harmless one. He had Leo’s back, and that alone made me respect him all the more.
“I’m good. Busy tonight?”
“This place? Always busy. Word has it we make the best cocktails in town.”
“Is that so?” I took the bait with a giggle.
“Ladies flock here purely for that reason.”
Snorting my wine, he eyed me with mock surprise. “You’re here aren’t you?”
Right on cue, my good mood plummeted into the soggy depth of an algae-covered pond. Holly sauntered in, being led by Natasha to a table for two. She was with a girlfriend, both dressed to impress and both looking incredibly flawless. Following my gaze, Ben looked between me and my target.
“Who? Holly?” he asked almost in disbelief.
“Who?” I feigned indifference, knowing that getting catty was an incredibly unattractive feature.
“Don’t play coy with me young lady. You two got beef?”
“No.”
“Liar!”
He glanced again and this time he looked back at me like he was a kid caught with his finger in the cookie jar. “She certainly has a beef with you judging by the way she’s staring you down.”
Taking a sip of my wine, I threw a cautious glance over the rim. She was looking, eyes locked on mine as she spoke with her friend.
“She has her eye on Leo,” I finally conceded.
Ben looked confused. “That isn’t a surprise. Honey, she’s always had her eye on him. Ever since I’ve been working here, I have seen her trying to get to first base. But let me tell ya something,” throwing his towel on the service counter, he leaned forward on his elbows, “Leo’s no fool. He may be this town’s most eligible bachelor, but he certainly does not encourage attention. Not in this place. There are a lot of fake women with equally fake bits to match and that isn’t Leo. You don’t need to look hard in the mirror to see why he’s so taken with you.”
“He is?”
“You haven’t noticed?”
“Yes, I mean…he has given me no reason to doubt.”
“Then don’t.”
“She’s just so…persistent.” I heaved a heavy sigh.
“Let her be. It only makes herself look bad. You keep being the angel you are.”
Just as I was thinking how amazingly sweet Ben the bartender was, a man approached. He was darker in skin, the same size but wore thick-rimmed black glasses.
“Am I interrupting anything?” he asked, looking between us with a coy smile.
Before I could respond, Ben beat me to it.
“Always have time for your interruptions, babe.” I watched, intrigued at what was unfolding. The two men leaned over the counter and kissed on the lips, their love for each other more than apparent.
Turning back to me, Ben took in my bemused expression and winked.
“See, honey. Not everything is always what it seems.”
***
That night as Leo made love to me, I no longer doubted the bond we had between us. As his lips traveled down my cheek and ravaged my neck, I didn’t spare a thought for the woman I knew was planning her attack. When he moved inside of me taking my orgasm to the brink of no return, I blocked all thoughts of saying goodbye and drowned the fears of spending two years away from the man I loved.
All I had was him.
All I breathed was Leo Santiago.
The only woman I knew he had eyes for was me.
***
The next few weeks passed in spectacular fashion.
During the day, I was absorbed in my artwork, determined to finish my collection before the college exhibition. During my studio hours, I fielded the questionable comments and sarcastic remarks from Professor Lindsay like a professional footballer. I knew the School of Lafayette also worked by recommendation which meant that despite the show of hostility she had actually written a letter singing my praise.
My nights were spent with Leo either at the restaurant dining, in his class, private lessons for Bachata or my most favorite place…his bed.
The more time we spent together, the more we craved. I knew it had something to do with the fact that I was leaving and we were making the most of every second, but he worshiped me like I was his goddess. And me? I saw Leo as my alpha, my best friend, and lover.
I was smitten and so was he.
It was dangerous and we both knew it.
We were in for a world of hurt, yet we couldn’t stop the motion.
CHAPTER 26
“Drink woman and don’t stop until you get to the bottom,” Nicole instructed in the most authoritative voice she could muster.
“I can’t, I feel sick.”
“Josie Marks, don’t pretend like I don’t know you have a bottomless pit of a stomach when it comes to drinking. Swallow that wine.”
Half bent over the basin, I inhaled and exhaled deeply, my nerves waving and laughing at me from their safe spot. Tonight was exhibition night and two days away from saying goodbye to Leo. Everything felt out of my control like I was vulnerable to the elements.
“Babe, you have nothing to be worried about. So stop letting that seed of doubt creep its way into that pretty head of yours. Drink your wine and finish getting ready.
“Okay,” I whispered, feeling light-headed.
“That’s my girl.” Handing me my glass, she stood with her hands on her hips like a mother watching her child take its medicine. “Bottoms up!”
***
The night was in full swing but as I hid out of sight
behind a partition, I swallowed the rest of my champagne willing the nerves to abandon their stations. Leo still hadn’t arrived and the crowds of art lovers, students, Professors and critics alike had already filled the gallery space, their banter lost in white noise.
“Josie,” Marge’s anxious voice interrupted my thoughts. “Everyone is looking for you. Why are you hiding?”
“I’m not,” I lied. “Just trying to catch my breath.”
“Well, catch it later. They want to see who the lucky student from the college is that got accepted into Lafayette.”
That thought alone churned my stomach and as I reached for Marge’s champagne glass, I heard Professor Lindsay’s voice boom my name.
“Josie Marks!” she looked at me in dismay. “Please remove yourself from the dark corner and socialise.” When I didn’t move, she continued, “Do you know who is here to see your work? Honestly, you seem to take all of these opportunities for granted.”
“I’m coming,” I reassured doing my best to ignore the knot in my gut.
Huffing, she turned on her heel and left.
“She seems extra stressed tonight,” Marge noted looking shaken by the whole thing.
“Let’s go,” I conceded, putting my arm through hers. Rounding the corner, I noticed the room was now full. People of sorts of shapes and sizes, dressed in both formal and artistic interpretations of clothing. The massive sixth floor which had been our studio home for the last three years had been transformed. With high ceilings and white walls, it was an ideal location. Temporary walls had been set up to house the student body of work. Mine had been hung center stage, and no doubt had every critical eye in the room assessing everything from subject matter, technique, and composition. There would be some who didn’t agree with me being selected, but I knew I had to develop a thick skin.
“Ms. Marks.” Professor Lindsay approached from behind, her hand wrapping around my bare arm, nails digging into my skin. Turning, I saw she was standing with a pompous looking man who seemed to be trying extra hard to be alternative, his thick-rimmed glasses looking to be for appearances only.