Love Like Crazy

by Crystal B. Bright

  “Yes, sir?” She sat up tall to feign interest.

  “Bayes’ Theorem.”

  Avery blinked. Like Pavlov’s dog, the mention of that theory had her heart racing and her thoughts going directly to Laz and his naked body. “Yes, sir?”

  “Will you remind the class of that first-level statistics theorem?” He stood in front of the class with his hands clasped behind his back, which made his rounded belly protrude even more.

  “Yes, sir. I can.” She cleared her throat in hopes to buy her some time so that she could recall that concept. “I could, but wouldn’t it be better if we all read about that theory again on our own, like during the break? I know I would gain a better appreciation for it.”

  Klein regarded her for a long stretch before he glanced at his watch. His disappointment couldn’t be hidden. Avery managed to do it again. She let down someone she respected.

  “You all have your assignments for the spring break holiday.” He gathered his belongings and started stuffing them in his briefcase. “Although at least one of you will have an additional project to do over the week-long break.”

  Hoping she hadn’t been the intended target for this additional assignment, Avery grabbed her bag and tried making a speedy retreat to the door.

  “I know you didn’t think I wasn’t talking about you, right?” Klein sighed.

  The heavy exhale alone halted her in her spot and got her to walk back to him. “I was kind of hoping.”

  “Even after giving you sufficient warning, you still did not do well on your last quiz.” He rested his hand on top of his case.

  “I got a high C.” She didn’t mean to sound indignant, but she had to prove that she had paid some attention in class.

  “You think corporations are interested in hiring C-level students? You have to do better. You know this.” He picked up his case and stared at her. This time, disappointment didn’t fill his eyes. He had a questioning expression. “What’s going on with you?”

  She blinked. “What are you talking about?”

  “A couple of weeks ago, you could barely keep your eyes open in my class. Not very flattering to an instructor, but I get it.” He put his hand to his chest. “I was a student once. But now, all this week you’ve been acting like your soul has been pulled from you. I feel like I’m only talking to the shell of you.”

  “I told you before. I’m tired.” Avery hiked her backpack on her shoulder. “I have a lot going on in my personal life right now.”

  Avery would spare her favorite professor all her issues. Now that Laz had been eliminated, her problems lessened. She could get back to reality.

  “Care to talk about it?” He gazed down at her and gave her that fatherly expression she sometimes hoped her father would give her.

  “It’s nothing. I’ll get it together. I promise.” She even held up her hand like a Boy Scout. “I’ve got free time on my hands now. I’ve cut out a couple of distractions, and I’m on the hunt for a new part-time job.”

  Klein tilted his head and exhaled. “Okay. If that’s all that it is. And so that you keep that focus, I want you to do a paper on Bayes’ Theorem, apply it to something going on right now, and have it to me by the first week of May before exams.”

  Avery’s shoulders slumped, and she wanted to kick herself for her juvenile reaction. In real life, she would be hit with extra work and curveballs all the time. School should be no different.

  “Yes, sir.”

  He gave her the details of her assignment before he patted her shoulder. “If I were you, I would get this assignment knocked out sooner rather than later. That way you can enjoy your break and not get overwhelmed with other work. You should take as much time as you can to recharge your batteries.”

  Avery smiled. Since Laz had given her that lame excuse and ran from her, she had made an effort to stay away from everything that reminded her of him, including the coffee shop where she sang a couple of songs. That meant the waitressing job she had talked to Dot about wouldn’t be hers. How could Avery go back to that place, see the stage where she sang her heart out, and not think of Laz Kyson?

  The extra time on her hands allowed her to concentrate on school. That didn’t mean she didn’t think about anything else. Thoughts of her life as a professional singer and songwriter, along with being a college graduate, and being with Laz interrupted her concentration and dreams on a minute-by-minute basis.

  The lack of calls from Laz didn’t help. He truly did hit it and quit it, or rather her. She wanted to at least hear his voice so that the tickling feeling in her belly that she liked would return. The man had no idea of the power he possessed.

  After class, Avery went back to her apartment. She did what she had done each day since Laz exited. She pulled his phone number up on her phone. She hovered her thumb over the Send button, and then she stopped herself. Despite the openness she had felt to ask him anything, and his willingness to respond to all queries, she couldn’t handle it if she asked him if he thought having sex with her had been a mistake. Deep down, she knew he would have said yes.

  Laz had looked conflicted before they even started. He said over and over again that he didn’t have intimate relationships with his clients. Why would she be any different? What made her think she would be special?

  Avery went back to her contact list and called someone who she needed to call anyway.

  “A little late, aren’t you?” The sassy tone in Graciela’s voice couldn’t be hidden.

  “At least I’m calling you.” Avery sat on her couch and kicked off her shoes. “So how are you doing? How’s everything at the diner?”

  A pause lingered on the line before Graciela spoke. “Are you kidding me with this right now? You go out with Mr. Hotness and you want to talk about me and the diner? Oh, no.”

  Avery could almost imagine Graciela wagging her finger at her.

  “You are going to spill it. I haven’t seen or talked to you in a week after you forcefully pushed me out of your apartment.”

  “A gentle nudge was more like it.” Avery chewed on her lower lip. “Besides, my life is boring. You’re the one who’s always going out and doing things. I work and go to school.”

  “And see Mr. Hotness. Where is he anyway? Is he sleeping, trying to get his electrolytes back that you depleted?” Graciela laughed.

  “You are so inappropriate. No, he’s in New York on business.”

  Another pause lingered on the phone.

  “Did you two have sex?” Graciela’s question came out of left field and made Avery wonder what she said that made her ask that.

  Maybe it had to do with the tone in Avery’s voice. Did she sound sad or too forlorn? She did miss Laz. Pride and fear kept her from dialing his number. What if she called him and he didn’t answer? What if she called him and he did?

  “That’s not an appropriate question to ask.” Avery smoothed her hand over the plush arm of the couch.

  “You just said I’m inappropriate. And because you didn’t answer, I’m taking that to mean you did.” Graciela sighed. “I told you to watch out for him.”

  Avery squeezed her eyes closed. She had a feeling an I-told-you-so speech would be coming. It didn’t hurt less hearing it from Graciela than her parents.

  “Anything I did was what I wanted. I have no regrets.” She sat up taller.

  “And yet you sound like you’ve lost your best friend.” Graciela tsked.

  “I do not. I’m talking to you.” What Avery wanted to say, she couldn’t utter over the phone. Soul baring should be done face-to-face. “You want to do dinner tonight before I have to go to work?”

  “I wish I could. Jessie and I are going to Songbirds.” She gasped. “You should come with us. It’ll get you out of the funk you’re in and get your mind on something else. Besides, aren’t you officially on spring break now?”

  Avery nod
ded. “I am, but I’m not in the singing mood.”

  She definitely didn’t want to go back to the place where she first saw Laz. What if she went there and saw him searching for other talent?

  “And are you and Jessie dating?” Avery made a lewd cooing sound.

  “Of course not.” Graciela snickered. “I mean, sure, we’re fuck buddies, but we’re not dating.”

  That admission made Avery blink. “What?”

  “I thought you knew. If I’m not seeing anyone and Jessie is available, we meet for a little something-something. It’s not serious.”

  Before Avery could say something about Graciela’s cavalier manner regarding sex and ask why she couldn’t give Avery a break for sleeping with Laz, Graciela continued.

  “We both know the deal with our relationship. We talked about it before anything went down so that there would be no hard feelings. That’s how grownups do it.”

  Avery rubbed her eyes. “Sounds like that works for you.” She looked at the clock in the room. “I’m going to get some sleep before I go to work tonight. Have fun at Songbirds. Tell Jessie I said hi.”

  “I will. If you change your mind about coming out—”

  “I won’t. But thanks for the offer.” Avery disconnected the call.

  Avery’s mind raced with so many ideas. Maybe Graciela had been right. She should stop avoiding Laz’s calls. She needed to put on her big-girl panties and talk to Laz. Whether he wanted to be with her or not, or whether he changed his mind about representing her, she had to get her feelings out. Keeping them bottled up affected her life.

  After barely touching her dinner and trying to take a nap before work that night, Avery arrived at the Charisma Music building ready to do her job. Cleaning toilets held no glamour or prestige, but at least it paid the bills. Barely. She definitely needed that second job.

  Since her father hadn’t said anything to her about seeing Laz in her place, she chalked up her week at work as a success. The last thing she needed would be an argument with Clinton Shields over nothing. Avery wouldn’t be leaving her current duties or career path to follow a crazy dream.

  “I can do the bathrooms this time.” Clinton pushed his cart toward the men’s bathroom.

  When Avery looked at the door, she flashed back to when she first met Laz. “You’ve let me do the bathrooms all week. Why change now?”

  She dragged her cart over to the same location.

  “I thought you might need a break. I’m a good boss.” Clinton smiled before adjusting his glasses on his thick nose.

  “And I’m an excellent employee who will not stand by and watch the man who not only pays me but the same one who gave me life scrub a toilet.” She turned his cart around. “You do the offices like normal. I have this.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Avery’s gut twisted seeing the worry in her father’s eyes. “I’m fine. I’ll check the entire bathroom first, and I’ll make sure to leave it all spotless.” She reached into her back pocket and pulled out her phone. “If anything happens, I have my phone. I’ll call you or the police.”

  At the word police, Clinton’s eyes widened.

  “But nothing will happen. It’s an office building. It’s quiet. I’m good.” To assure him, she gave him a nod. “Now I’m going to get going so that we can leave here on time for once.”

  Avery ducked into the bathroom and used her cart to prop the door open. “Hello.”

  She waited a beat before moving. Instead of doing what she did the last time Laz surprised her in this same room, Avery ventured in deep, checking each stall until satisfied that she occupied the space alone. Only knowing that didn’t please her.

  Although she had been avoiding Laz, she wanted to see him again. He had given her something no one had in a long time, and it had nothing to do with the incredible sex. The man had given her hope. Now she had to get back to reality. These toilets wouldn’t clean themselves.

  By the time the sun rose the next morning, Avery and her father had finished their work.

  “You might see me in church this Sunday.” Avery didn’t mean to sound so defeated, especially when talking about going to service. “No guarantees.”

  “Really?” Clinton lifted his ball cap and scratched the top of his head. “Isn’t this your spring break week?”

  She nodded. “I’ve caught up on my schoolwork.” A lie, but she needed a break. “And it’s not like I’m going to Fort Lauderdale or anything. Besides, I’ll get to spend time with you all.” She patted her father on his back. “That is if you don’t mind me cramping your and Mom’s style.”

  He chuckled. “You know it’s never a problem with you coming over. I think it’s a great idea, actually. Your mom was a little concerned about you after our last visit.” He strolled out of the building toward his car. Clinton unlocked the door but spoke before getting inside. “What was up with that guy anyway?”

  Avery wanted to blurt her true feelings, but instead held off to keep her father calm. “Just a guy. No big deal. We had a couple of dates, but that’s all. He went his way. I’m still here.” Where she would always be, she wanted to add. She kissed her father on his cheek. “I’ll talk to you later.”

  On the drive home, Avery went past Uncle Pig’s restaurant for old time’s sake. She didn’t stop, although she missed working with Graciela and the gang. If she could have bent Graciela’s ear some more, she would have. As soon as Avery spotted her ogre of an ex-boss waddling out of a side door, she turned her head and sped down the road.

  Thanks to Laz, she had to forget about that part of her life. Truly, she had to thank Laz for standing up for her when she knew she couldn’t do it for herself. He had recognized Uncle Pig’s jerk ways in the millisecond he encountered the man.

  Without a job to go to now, Avery would have to go home and relax, a first in a long time. She pulled up to her apartment building and got out. The coveralls she still had on smelled of harsh chemicals. She couldn’t wait to strip out of them and take a much-needed shower, maybe a relaxing bath instead.

  Avery unlocked her front door but stopped when she heard her name being called.

  “Avery.”

  She recognized the voice and so did her body. When she turned and saw Laz standing behind her, she nearly collapsed to her knees.

  Laz approached her. “We need to talk.”

  Chapter 13

  Waiting out in front of Avery’s apartment for several hours would have disappointed Laz’s player father. Laz knew what he wanted. He had to keep his focus on business. He had already slipped up once. Looking at her now, even with her getting off work and looking exhausted, he still found her incredibly sexy, and she hadn’t said anything to him yet.

  “Good. You’re home.” Laz clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Time to get to work.” He stood on the stoop in front of her door while Avery sought refuge in her apartment. “How are you?”

  “Tired.” To illustrate her statement, she leaned against the door that she steadily tried closing on him. “And uninterested in you interrupting my life again.”

  Smile. Keep being charming.

  “You’re going to like this disruption. I want you to come back with me to New York.” He saw her blinking like she had gotten caught in a dust storm.

  “Are you kidding?” She stepped out of her apartment to get in his face. “You get my hopes up. You push me outside of my comfort zone. You”—Avery paused and looked around before continuing her rant—“have sex with me. Then you leave.”

  Laz hated to admit it, but Avery had him pegged. She had gotten too close too fast. He had to control this and set the pace. “I was working for you.”

  Now he understood why she didn’t answer his calls. No way would Laz text her his true feelings. Maybe he could have put off Sanaa Farook an extra day to make sure Avery understood his stance. Avery hadn’t heard the pho
ne call he’d had with Sanaa, since she had been in the shower at the time. He kept her in the dark and wanted her to trust him on blind faith and the basis of good—no—excellent sex. He owed her a lot more.

  Like he hadn’t said anything, she continued. “And now you want me to leave and go with you? For what? What’s in New York for me?”

  Laz smiled and leaned forward, getting his face inches away from hers. “I want you to meet with a record label.” He saw her hardened demeanor soften a bit. While he had her on the hook, he kept on his sales pitch. “Can I talk to you about this inside?” He raised his hands in surrender. “I promise you. I only want to talk business. Nothing funny.”

  “There was nothing funny about the last time you were in my apartment.” Avery looked him over for a moment. “You’re full of it.”

  “If by it you mean hard work and determination, you’re right.” He tried to keep his breathing in check, since it now started to accelerate.

  “You’re not listening to me.” She poked his chest with the tip of her finger. “I don’t trust you. I don’t believe you.”

  He snagged her finger and held it. “Ever since I met you, I have been nothing but honest.” She didn’t have to know he meant that in a business sense.

  Avery laughed. She snatched her finger out of his grasp.

  “I told you why I was in town. I towed your car. I fixed your car. I got you singing in front of an audience. And I showed you my license. You know more about me and what I’m capable of than the last woman I dated.” How much more could Avery want from him? “I even shared one of my fears with you.”

  “Yeah. Just one.” She approached him like she wanted to scream at him. Then she stopped. Her face relaxed and she shook her head. Defeat washed over her whole countenance.

  “What?” His curiosity got the better of him.

  “It’s not your fault.” She put her hand to her chest. “It’s mine. I keep expecting people to rise up to meet my higher standards, and then I get disappointed when that doesn’t happen.”