“This is not that. I’m going to marry Londyn.”
Angela’s eyes open wide. “You know that so soon?”
“Well remember, I’ve known her for months and trust me when I say this is different than anything I’ve ever felt before. I know she is the right one for me. In fact, I’m going to ask her father for her hand very soon.”
“Well, this is a surprise. Does she know you want to marry her?”
“She does.”
“Luca, this is amazing. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you.” I bow my head. “Londyn is not my student so I don’t think anything inappropriate is happening. Still, there is a concern about handling her performance ratings and things going forward.”
“True. I think you should just tell the dean that you and your assistant are in a relationship and leave it at that. Then it’s not a rumor that gets misrepresented.”
“I was thinking to handle it that way. It’s upsetting that there is already a rumor about her out there. This might make it worse.”
“I asked Ella if she’s heard any rumors and she said none at all.”
“Really?” I wonder if I should tell Angela what I know.
“Yes. What did Londyn hear?”
“That she kept her position by supplying me with blow jobs.”
“That’s awful!”
“Yes and quite untrue. Regardless of my feelings for her, her work is very admirable.”
“Who told her?”
I shift in my seat.
“Luca? I assure you I am worthy of your trust.”
“I’m sure of that.”
“Then tell me.” She leans across the desk. “It was Ella, wasn’t it?”
I nod my head. “I’m afraid so.”
Angela slaps her hands together. “I knew she wasn’t being truthful. I can tell. She wouldn’t make eye contact with me. I wonder why.”
“I didn’t want to say anything. I know you both get along well and I didn’t want you pulled into this.”
“Is there more?”
I sigh. “Why don’t we go grab a bite and I’ll tell you all about it.”
OPENING THE DOOR TO MY flat, I call out for Madeleine. She comes bouncing out of her room and practically jumps in my arms, hugging me tight.
“Well, hello,” I say, laughing.
“I’ve missed you! I thought I was never going to see you again.”
“That’s a bit overdramatic, isn’t it? I still live here.”
“Do you?” she asks, popping out her bottom lip.
“Don’t be silly. Of course I do.” I take off my coat and hang it on the nearby hook. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” Madeleine skips past me and plops down on the sofa. “I’m actually quite well. Shall we order in a take away and chat?”
“Yes, I would like that.”
“What is Luca doing tonight?”
“Having dinner with Angela.”
“Who is Angela?”
“Oh, sorry. She’s a professor.”
“Ooh, are you jelly?”
I roll my eyes. “Heavens, no. They are friends and he gets advice from her sometimes. She’s married and must be thirty years older than he is.”
“Ah, okay then. Advice about what?”
“Us.”
“Do tell?”
“Okay. I promise to tell you all about it, but we need to eat first.”
“Right. Go change. I’ll order.”
I head back to my bedroom and strip out of my work clothes. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I pick up my cell phone and type a quick text to Luca.
Me: I miss you already.
Several minutes go by before my phone buzzes.
Luca: I count the minutes until I see your face again.
I smile and put my pajamas on before heading back to hang with Maddie.
Maddie has set out our meal of fish and chips from the shop down the road on the coffee table. It smells so good and I’m thankful they are always fast.
My friend shoves three chips in her mouth and sits cross-legged on the couch. “I’m dying to know the latest developments. Are you in love?”
I sit down next to her. “I am. I told you that.”
“I can’t believe it. I just can’t. How did all of this happen?”
I proceed to tell her everything that up to now, I’ve only told my boodle and Luca. As I talk, my heart flutters in my chest. Luca is mine. I hardly believe it myself.
“There’s something else,” I say, lowering my voice.
“What more could there be?”
“He says he’s going to marry me.”
“No! Really?” Maddie falls into a fit of giggles. “You’re going to marry a professor! It’s so perfect.” She eats another fry. “Are you scared?”
“Yes and no. What do I know about being a wife?”
“What does anyone know? All you need is love. You’ll figure out the rest.”
“I suppose.”
“So, you’ll say yes when he asks?”
“Yes. He wants me to meet his family, too. For Christmas.”
“Is he nice? Is he loving and warm and everything you deserve?”
“He is and more. He was made from my dreams.”
Madeleine lies back against the couch and places her arm across her forehead. “Swoon. Absolute swoon.”
I laugh. “Yes, definitely swoon.”
“Does he have any bad traits at all? He was so mean to you that one time.”
I ponder her question. “He had reasons for being so guarded and intense. He can be still at times, but around me he is relaxed and very kind. When he opens up, he is magnificent. I’m sure he has some bad habits, but I don’t know what they are yet.”
“Eek! I’m so very happy for you,” Maddie squeals as she squeezes my hand.
“Thank you. So what of you? What have you been up to?”
“The usual, really. I’ve gone out a few times. I have something to tell you also.”
“What’s that?”
“I called Devon and asked if he’d like to have dinner with me.”
“You did! When?”
“Just today. I was watching the telly and this man was on who looked so much like him that I just said oh sod it and decided to do it. I do adore him so.”
“I know you do. What did you say?”
“I told him that I’d be honored if he would dine with me. Just the two of us. His reaction surprised me.”
“I’m dying. Tell me!”
“He said he would love to. He thinks it would be lovely to get to know me independent of you.”
“Whoa!”
“I know! So we are going out Saturday night.” She takes my hand. “You’re really okay with it, aren’t you? You’re not just saying that?”
“I’m really, truly okay with it. If there is something there then I am completely supportive of it. I want nothing more than sheer happiness for both of you.”
Madeleine embraces me and kisses my cheek. “Your blessing means everything to me. I don’t know if it will become anything, but I want to try.”
“I think it’s brave and wonderful.”
“I think you are those things too. When will you see Luca again?”
“Tomorrow night. I told him I wanted to come home tonight to see you.”
“This is a bit sad, really.”
“Why?”
“We’re growing up. You’re in love and will leave here soon. You’ll move in with Luca. If I’m half as lucky, I’ll find love soon and we’ll be proper married women.”
“It’s not sad. No matter what, we’ll always have each other. We’ve always been inseparable and we always will be. Our kids will have play dates.”
“Can you imagine? Our children playing together.”
“Yes, I can imagine it.”
We finish eating and watch a bit of telly together. Before long, I say goodnight and excuse myself to my bedroom. I want to hear his voice. I dial his number.
&
nbsp; “Hello, angel,” his smooth voice comes over the phone.
“Hello.”
“I missed you very much.”
“And I you. How was dinner with Angela?”
“Good. She saw us kiss, Londyn.”
“Oh no!”
“It’s okay. I wanted to tell her everything anyway. She’s on our side. I have a plan now. Tomorrow, I’m going to stop by the dean’s office and share my intentions with him. There’s something else.”
“Yes?”
“Ella lied to you. The rumor she told you about isn’t really a rumor. At least, I don’t think so. I think she just told you that.”
“Why would she do that?”
“Only Ella knows that. Angela shared some concerns she’s had with Ella lately. Her behavior has been erratic and she’s not as reliable as she was. From what Angela told me, now I’m positive we cannot trust her. I have no idea what her motive is yet, but she is not your friend.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Neither do I, my love, but let’s not concern ourselves with her. I just want you to be careful with her and keep your guard up.”
“I will.”
“I’ll come pick you up after work tomorrow and we’ll go to dinner.”
“I’ll look forward to that.”
“Someday, perhaps, we can have dinner with Madeleine, too. I want her approval.”
“You have it, but she would enjoy that.”
We are silent for a moment and I can tell he wants to say something else.
“What is it, Luca?”
“I just hope you know what you’ve done for me. How much you mean to me and what I am willing to do to ensure your happiness.”
“I do. I don’t know how I was so lucky to win your love, but I am truly grateful.”
“It is me who is grateful. I love you.”
“And I love you.”
“Sleep well, my sweet angel.”
“Good night.”
I hang up and lie back in bed as tears of joy stream down my face. I pick up my boodle and write until my hand cramps and my eyes blur. It isn’t possible that I could be any happier than I am right now. My final sentence warms my heart.
Note to self: Real life is much better than dreaming.
CROSSING THE COURTYARD, I run through the words I prepared last night before I went to sleep. I’m just going to be honest and tell the dean what has transpired between Londyn and I and wait for his reaction. In my heart, I know it’s going to be just fine.
Once inside the administration building, I walk down the hall and tap softly on his office door, knowing he’s expecting me.
“Come in,” says the voice behind the door.
“Hello, Dean Williamson.”
“Luca. How are you?”
“Very well, thank you.”
“Good. Have a seat.” He motions to a chair. “What did you need to see me about today?”
“Well, I have a situation I wanted to make you aware of.”
“I’m listening.”
“I guess I’ll start with the end.” I rub my hands together. “I’ve started a relationship with my assistant.”
Dean Williamson looks momentarily surprised then smiles. “Well, this is interesting.”
I begin to tell him the story of how our relationship developed and my future intentions. He listens quietly, nodding now and then. When I’m finished, I look up and wait for his response.
“Well, I’m happy for you. I see no impropriety here.”
“I’d like her to continue working here. Even prior to my feelings for her coming to light, I knew she was very accomplished and perfect for this position.”
“I see no issue with that either. Perhaps we’ll have someone in my office work with you on assessing her performance to ensure objectivity. How do you plan to tell others?”
“I could use some advice with that. I’ve never been in this situation before. As you know, I kept a safe distance from students and faculty over the years.”
“Yes.” He folds his hands. “I’d say you don’t really have to tell anyone if you don’t want to, or you can choose to make it public. Either way, it will slowly spread after that. These things always do.”
“Very true.” I move to stand. “I just wanted to talk with you about it so you didn’t hear about it another way.”
“I appreciate it.”
“Thank you for your time and support.”
“No need to thank me. You always have my support in all things. In fact, what I’ve been hearing about you is quite pleasing. Several faculty members say you’ve mellowed and become much easier to deal with.”
I laugh. “Yes, well, Londyn has soothed the savage beast within me.”
“I must stop by and meet this magical woman,” he says, grinning.
“You are welcome anytime. Thank you again and enjoy your winter break.”
“You too, Luca. Be well.”
I walk out of his office and back into the crisp air of a Boston morning in December. I feel like a thousand pound weight has been lifted off my chest. I can breathe. I decide to stop by Angela’s office to tell her about my talk with the dean.
Walking down the hall, I’m struck by how much has changed in such a short time. Just a few months ago, I was such a closed off person. I rarely smiled and I was demanding and difficult. I was in eternal pain and suffering from loss. I had no idea what happiness felt like. Now, I almost can’t remember what it felt like to live in such darkness. Londyn pulled back the curtains and let the sun shine into my life. Happy doesn’t begin to describe me.
Angela’s office door is open, but she’s not at her desk. I turn to leave and am startled when Ella is standing right behind me.
“Professor Lance is coming in late today. Train delay again,” she says.
“Ah. Thank you, Ella.”
“Sure. Is Londyn in today?”
“No. I gave her the day off.”
“Wow. On the last day of semester?”
“Yes. She finished her tasks ahead of schedule, as she usually does. She’s worked hard and had to deal with me this semester. I decided she deserved a break.”
“Very kind of you.”
I try to slip past her, but she continues to block the doorway.
“Can I help you with something, Ella?”
“No, not at all.” She moves to the side. “Do you want me to give the professor a message when she gets in?”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll find her later. I just want to give her an update.”
“Okay.”
I start to walk away, but Ella stops me.
“Is there anything I could do for you today? You know, since Londyn is off.”
What an odd question. “No, thank you.”
“Okay. Have a good day.”
“You too.” I walk down the hall and back in my office. Sitting at my desk, I log into my email and start looking to see if anything important is there. I haven’t had to read these for months since Londyn walked into my world. A knock at my door gets my attention.
“Enter.”
“Professor Di Roma?” A young man with a bag and a cup steps into my office.
“Yes. May I help you?”
“I have a delivery for you.”
“Oh? What is it?”
The man grins. “There’s a note inside. Enjoy.” He sets the items on my desk and leaves.
Opening the bag, I pull out a note and smile. “Tea and a biscuit for you. With a bit of honey. Love you like a book nerd loves libraries. Londyn.” I laugh as I read aloud and imagine her sweet, lilting British accent in my mind. I pick up my phone to call her.
“Good morning, Professore,” she answers. “How are you this morning?”
“Missing my sweet angel. I got your delivery. What a pleasant surprise.”
“Well, since I am not there today, I had to make sure you got your tea.”
I say nothing for a moment. I’m afraid when I do, my voice will crack un
der the weight of my emotion for this beautiful woman.
“Are you still there?” she asks.
“Of course. I just…Londyn, you’re amazing.”
“Thank you,” she says, softly. “You deserve it, Luca.”
“Do I?”
“Oh, yes. So much. You deserve every ounce of love I have. You too are amazing.”
“I can’t wait to see you tonight.”
“On that we feel the same. I am craving your lips.”
“I am craving yours too. The ones on your mouth and between your legs.”
Londyn laughs. “Oh, you’re so naughty. I love that, too.”
“I’m glad I am pleasing to you.”
“Beyond pleasing.”
“I spoke to the dean this morning.”
“How did it go?”
“Just fine. He was supportive. We’ll talk more tonight—after I’ve had my fill of you, of course.”
“Sounds delightful.”
“It won’t be. It will be rough and aggressive. I will leave marks on your porcelain skin.” As I speak, my cock twitches in my pants.
“It still sounds delightful,” she says, laughing.
“You are perfect for me.”
“And you for me.”
“I’ll see you around six?”
“You will.”
“Thank you for loving me.”
“Like a library, Luca.”
I hang up and sit back in my chair, staring out into the snow-covered courtyard. I have something else I need to do today. Talk to Londyn’s brother.
At eleven, I begin my walk over to the research building. Dr. Harper is expecting me; for what, I’m sure he doesn’t know. We’ve only exchanged a few words in the years we’ve worked at Harvard, most of them since Londyn has been a part of my life. If I’m going to do this right, I know I need his blessing.
Walking inside, I find his office and knock on the door.
“Enter.”
I step inside and offer a smile. “Dr. Harper.”
“Professor. Please sit.”
I take a seat in the chair in front of his desk.
“To what do I owe this honor?” he asks.
“I’ll just get right to it. It’s about Londyn.”
“I assumed as much. What about her?”
“Well…” I pause. I’m more nervous than I anticipated having this discussion. “I’m in love with her.”
Devon’s expression registers surprise briefly. “Oh?”
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