The man arched his eyebrow, waited what felt like an eternity, and then reached for the papers. “Okay, Mr. Honeycutt, let’s say I’m willing to do what you’ve asked. Let’s say I’m willing to overlook your less than becoming behavior towards one of our instructors and look over your work. What then?”
“That’s up to you, sir, but I hope you’ll allow Miss Freeman to keep her job and spare her any more trouble.”
Mr. Catling tapped his fingers on the papers. “And, what happens to you?”
Bailey let out a nervous laugh, “Well, I hope you’ll allow me to finish the semester and remain in your program, but again that’s up to you.”
The clock on one of the many bookshelves ticked, one minute, two, three. Bailey did his best to keep his face blank, but when Mr. Catling began reading through his work, he couldn’t stop the trickle of sweat from rolling down his back.
The clock continued to tick; five minutes passed, then ten, until Bailey feared he would go crazy.
“Mr. Honeycutt,” Mr. Catling flipped his papers over and leveled his eyes at him, “I have to say I’m impressed. The work you’ve done is exceptional.”
Bailey continued to hold his breath, though a part of him beamed at the high praise. He couldn’t relax until he learned Brie’s fate. “Thank you, sir.”
“What if we come to some sort of an arrangement?”
Bailey leaned forward ready to do whatever was asked of him.
“For the next three weeks here’s what you’re going to do. You are going to stop attending Miss Freeman’s class. I will personally make sure you get the remaining notes and power point presentations. Secondly, you will not speak to her on or off campus until this semester is completed. If I so much as see the two of you exchange a glance in the hallway, this will end very differently.” Mr. Catling tapped his finger against the desk. “Finally, and most importantly, you will turn your final paper in to me. From this point on Miss Freeman is no longer your instructor, I am. Do I make myself clear, Mr. Honeycutt?”
“Yes, sir, perfectly, but what’s going to happen to Miss Freeman?”
Mr. Catling pursed his lips. “She will remain on staff as long as you keep your word.”
Bailey’s breath rushed out in relief. “Yes, sir, and again, I’m very sorry for the trouble I’ve caused.”
Bailey stood to leave, accepted his papers back from Mr. Catling and made for the door. He didn’t want to give the man a chance to change his mind.
“Mr. Honeycutt.”
Bailey froze with his hand on the handle.
“Miss Freeman is a remarkable young woman. It’s easy to understand why you feel the way you do.”
“No, sir it isn’t like that.” Bailey turned, ready to convince him some more, but Mr. Catling cut him off with a raised hand.
“After you complete the semester.”
They held gazes a moment and then Bailey nodded once.
“Thank you, sir.” With relief coursing through him, Bailey tugged open the door and froze for the second time.
Brie met his eyes, worry etched deep in her face. He dropped his gaze, determined to keep his word. “I’m sorry for the trouble.”
He didn’t say anything more. Instead, he hurried past her and out of the building.
Chapter 15
Brie sipped her tea, unable to make her mind stay on her work for more than a few seconds at a time. It had been this way since she’d seen Bailey leaving Mr. Catling’s office.
“Hey,” Jess shouted from the first floor. The door banged closed and then footsteps could be heard on the stairs. “How’s it coming?”
Brie shook her head and spun around in her chair until her desk was to her back. “It’s not. I can’t focus.”
Jessica unwound her scarf and offered her a pitying stare. “No word then, I take it?”
“Nothing, and not only was he not in class, his name has changed in the roster where I can’t click on it to see his marks. It’s like he’s still part of the class, but removed.”
“Do you think he’s been tossed out?”
Brie groaned and buried her face in her hands. “Lord, I hope not. Can you imagine? And, it would be all my fault.”
“You know what, never mind about that.” Jessica patted her knee. “He hasn’t been tossed out. If he’d been, Cohen would’ve said something.”
“Have the guys mentioned Bailey at all or seen him around?”
“No, nothing new to report. I asked Cohen about Bailey this morning, but he said they’d barely seen him this week. Said he’s been out most days and getting in late.”
Brie slumped back against her desk. It didn’t make any sense. None of it. One minute, she’d been sure she was going to be sacked and then next thing she knew Mr. Catling had been reassuring her. And now, Bailey was nowhere to be found. Not in class on campus or at Splash Pad. He’d disappeared like he’d never been in her life, which should’ve made her happy. His departure certainly made everything less complicated, but his absence was driving her mad.
“Tell me again what the Head of School said.” Jessica pulled her out of her thoughts. “Maybe we missed something.”
“I told you. He didn’t say much of anything. He said he was sorry I’d had to deal with an over-eager student and let me know everything was taken care of. And,” she let out a crazed laugh, “he told me not to worry.”
“Men are such idiots. Don’t they know you can’t tell a woman not to worry and then actually expect her not to worry? It’s like telling us to relax when we clearly need to yell about something. Morons, the lot of them.”
Brie laughed and felt some of the tension of the week drain away.
Jessica returned her smile. “Maybe you could ring him, you know, to make sure he’s all right.”
“I thought about it, but I have no idea what to say to him. The mere thought makes my insides twist into knots.” She tossed the pen she’d been twirling to the side. “I mean, whatever has happened between Bailey and the school is my fault and contrary to what I thought of him at the beginning of the semester, he deserves to be here. He has some of the most interesting ideas about art and life.”
“Brie,” Jessica’s tone pleaded, “it’s not your fault. There’s no way you could’ve known what would happen with Theo. He’s a total con artist.”
“But, how did I not see it? Sure, he was attractive, but—”
“He was also an artist, which appealed to your interests. And, come on, you were young. It was your first time outside your small town and away from your family. You’re supposed to screw up and date the wrong people.”
Brie let her head fall back against her chair and sighed. “I sure got that one right, didn’t I?”
Jessica’s eyes went wide and she dove for the computer on Brie’s desk. As Brie was about to ask what was wrong, a familiar picture filled the screen, the one of she and Bailey from the studio.
“Oh, good Lord, what now?”
“Shh,” Jessica waved at her and then they both leaned in closer to the screen.
“It seems Bailey Honeycutt’s latest love interest is more than just a pretty face. Rumors are swirling that nude pictures of the instructor exist and could popup online at any time. I guess we’ll all get a chance to see if she’s worth singing about.”
“Of course you are,” Jessica interrupted. “You’re hot.”
“Shh. Defend me later.”
“Right.”
“But, more on music’s hottest new pair when we return. Be sure to join us tomorrow for all your latest PopC News.”
“No. No. No. No. No. This can’t be happening.” Brie rested her hands on the top of her head to stop herself from throwing her laptop across the room. “Now, he’s really not going to talk to me. And, I’m still going to lose my job.”
“Don’t panic. It’s just rumors.”
Brie dropped her arms and spun around toward Jessica. “Be serious. Who do you think started that rumor? You see this, this is what I’ve been waiting for. Theo’s probably neck deep in negotiations with the highest bidder right now.”
“It’s a shame you aren’t getting a cut of the money.”
“Who cares about the money? My naked ass is going to be everywhere. And, my mom and Bailey and . . .” Brie’s legs gave out and she dropped onto the bed. “I thought this was bad before, but now that Bailey’s name is tied to mine . . .”
“And, you didn’t even get to sleep with him.”
“I think you’re missing the point.” She fell backward against the pillow and stared at the ceiling. The water spot staring down at her seemed to be growing alongside her mounting dread. Although, she hated to admit, Jessica wasn’t completely on the wrong track. Hadn’t she spent the better part of the last month lusting after Bailey? And for a while, she’d hoped they’d have a chance, but what was he going to think of her now?
~ ~ ~
Bailey accepted his coffee from the barista and took a seat across from Jessica who looked like she was about to bolt. Other than one other couple they were the only ones inside Tick Tock, a coffee shop located well off campus, but the way Jessica was acting made it seem more like they were on the lam.
She glanced over her shoulder for the third time since they’d arrived and eyed the door.
“Relax, we aren’t doing anything wrong here.” Not that he wanted Brie, or Cohen for that matter, to walk in and see them. If either of them did, there would be a lot of explaining to do. Assuming of course that Jessica explained to him what the hell they were doing there. He was still in the dark about what this super-secret meeting was about. Jessica had called him, said she needed to meet regarding Brie, and that it was important. She hadn’t exactly been forthcoming with the details and he hadn’t asked a lot of questions. Jessica cared about Brie and that was enough for him. If she said it was important, it was.
“Speak for yourself, Honeycutt. I’m pretty sure I’m about to break the best friend code in about a hundred different ways. And, while I know this is to help her, she wouldn’t see it that way.”
“Okay, so let’s not sit here any longer than we have to. What’s going on? Why are you so worried about Brie? Is it about her job?”
“No, nothing like that, well, not yet anyway.” Jessica sighed and turned her mug in a circle on the table, the heart shaped foam turning upside down. “Right, okay. This is going to be awkward.”
She let go of the mug and met his eyes, her mouth in a determined line. “You know how those pictures of the two of you went viral?” She shook her head. “Of course, you do, well, I think we know who leaked them to the press and as it turns out there’s more.”
Bailey narrowed his eyes. “Okay, but I don’t see how. I’ve made it a point not to cross paths with Brie.”
Jessica winced, and he could see her courage wavering.
“Just tell me. It can’t be as bad as all that.”
Jessica closed her eyes for a second before continuing. “It is actually, but in some ways I’m glad to be talking to someone. This whole situation is out of control.”
Foot tapping under the table, Bailey’s usually dormant temper was beginning to stir. “What situation?”
“Okay, so there’s this guy, Theo. He used to date Brie, like a really long time ago, way before you showed up, but while they were together,” she paused to swallow. “God, I can’t believe I’m about to tell you this. You of all people.”
Bailey reached over and laid a gentle hand on Jessica’s arm. “I care about Brie. Whatever this Theo guy did, I can help.”
Jessica smiled and nodded once. “I know you do, believe me. That’s the only reason I’m here and because I don’t know what else to do.”
Bailey pushed his coffee to the side and placed his elbows on the table. “Start at the beginning.”
He remained quiet while Jessica outlined the details of Brie’s past relationship with the picture guy, Theo. Who he now understood was the same guy he’d seen leaving the morning Brie’d gotten so mad at him. At least now, he had a name to go with the face he desperately wanted to punch.
“So, this all boils down to some pictures?” His hand balled into a fist. He hated that some guy hadn’t respected Brie enough to keep private photos private, almost as much as he hated the thought of another man touching her. Maybe if the guy loved her or bothered to be a decent person. He drummed his fingers on the table. No, not even then.
Jessica fell back against the seat. “Yep. Over the last few years those little pictures have coast her thousands not to mention more than a few sleepless nights. Now me, I’d tell him to sod off, but I’m not the one who would lose my place in the program. I mean, look at me,” she motioned a hand down her body. “I’m not ashamed. Hell, this is the best I’ll ever look, so look on, but Brie needs the job to pay for school. And, she can’t get another loan because old Theo has already run that tap dry. He’s taken everything from her and she’s busted her ass working two, sometimes even three jobs to keep him from taking away the one thing she can’t get back, her job and the recommendation she needs from the Head of the School.”
Bailey stared down at his lukewarm coffee. He could try to buy the guy off and keep him from releasing the photos, but it wouldn’t fix her problem. Theo would keep coming back like the asshole he was. No, this was going to take outside help.
“And, you said the networks are already hinting at a release?”
“Yeah, we saw something last night on PopC.”
He wrapped his knuckles on the table and stood. “I’ve got to go make some calls.”
“Wait,” Jessica clutched his hand, “what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know exactly, but something to get rid of Theo. Preferably for good.”
Jessica slid out of the booth, dragging her messenger bag along with her. “You aren’t going to like, pay someone to,” she glanced around with wide eyes and then slid her finger along her throat, “off him, are you?”
He couldn’t suppress a grin. “No, nothing quite so messy, as tempting as it sounds.”
Jessica’s expression held a mix of relief and disappointment, and he decided he liked her even more. He started for the door, one hand already reaching for his phone.
“Hey,” she put a hand on his arm to stop him, “you know you can’t tell Brie about any of this, right? I mean, I love her, but she would never accept your help. My girl is far too proud sometimes.”
“I kind of gathered that about her.” He sighed. He didn’t want to lie to Brie albeit by omission or any other kind, but if she wouldn’t save herself, he was going to step in. Even if they never worked out, she deserved better.
When they parted ways outside, he waved as Jessica boarded the bus and then he dialed his brother. “Hey, Oliver. I need some help.”
Chapter 16
Brie slammed the door of the lift and stepped up onto the curb beside Jessica amongst a crowd of passersby. London, as per the norm, was buzzing with tourists and eager shoppers. Christmas decorations shown from store fronts and red and green lights reflected on the wet sidewalk. A gust of wind swirled around them and lifted Jessica’s rainbow-colored scarf into Brie’s face. She batted it away, her mood lacking her usual abundance of Christmas spirt. Any other time she would’ve enjoyed the sights and feel of her favorite season, but her thoughts remained scattered with worry.
“Come on, Brie.” Jess looped an arm through hers and pulled her toward a row of shops. “A little retail therapy is just the thing to set you right.”
“Except that I can’t afford anything.”
Jessica stopped in the middle of the sidewalk forcing several disgruntled
Londoners to walk around them. “Listen, this is supposed to be fun, got me? You haven’t heard from Theo, the entertainment reporters haven’t mentioned you in over a week, which might as well be a year in entertainment gossip, and the semester is almost over. Relax. Have a little fun, you know, fun? That thing you used to dabble with every now and again.”
Brie rolled her eyes, but smirked. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” They started down the sidewalk again. Brie linked her arm through Jessica’s and exhaled as they strolled. “Let’s go have some . . . wait, what was that word you used again?”
“Cute, Brie.” She tugged her arm. “Now, move it. I have to find the perfect something for Cohen.”
Brie pasted a smile on her face and did her best to be in the moment. After all, everything Jess said was true. Theo hadn’t so much as texted and there hadn’t been mention of her or Bailey in the news for over week. She’d spent enough of her time combing through the headlines checking, Lord knew. A habit she’d need to kick to get her own project completed on time. Not to mention all the grading she’d be doing over the next week. Final papers were due in the following day and then the clock would be ticking to post final grades. She blew out a breath to steady herself.
When they passed a music store, her thoughts drifted back to Bailey, concern creeping back to the forefront of her mind. What had their little flirtation cost him? As far as she knew he was still enrolled in the university, but beyond that, she knew nothing. Was he sitting at home right now writing a song about how much some girl had screwed up his life?
“Brie, are you listening to me?”
She blinked, trying to refocus on Jess’s face. “Sorry, what did you say?”
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