Molly was really trying not to hyperventilate. He was staring at her, right at her, and rather intently.
What is he thinking? What is he doing? Oh God, please just walk to your desk and commence ignoring me, she kept thinking over and over, hoping to psychically place the idea into his head.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work. The reprieve came from the most unwelcome place she could think of. A hand gently landed on her shoulder, and it didn’t belong to the gorgeous teacher in front of her. She slowly turned around toward the mystery hand to see who it belonged to.
As soon as she looked up, her stomach plummeted to the floor.
Seth.
Her ex-boyfriend she had been spending the past two months avoiding since their very strained break up.
“Hey, Molly, how are you?”
“Um, hi, Seth. What are you doing in this class?”
He laughed slightly, although the annoyance was clear on his face. “I am in this class now. I got in right before the cut off. How was your spring break?”
“But why? I mean this course isn’t an elective, it’s an essential in the program.” The panic was beginning to come through in her voice.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would think you weren’t happy to see me, Molly. I mean I know we broke up, but I was hoping we could at least be friends.”
Before Molly could say anything, Professor Scott, who had witnessed this awkward encounter and could plainly read Molly’s discomfort, spoke up. “Actually, we are about to start Mr…”
“Davis.”
“Mr. Davis. So if you don’t mind, take your seat so that class may begin. Since you have missed the first two weeks of class before spring break, you have a lot of catching up to do in a short amount of time.”
Molly slumped slightly in her chair with relief that Professor Scott had inadvertently saved her ass.
What in the hell does he think he’s doing? Before she could fully process her thoughts, Seth sat in the desk beside her and smiled at her.
“Look Seth, I know you want to be friends and all, but after everything that happened, I’m not really into it. Can you please sit somewhere else?”
Seth straightened his back. “You know, Molly, I always knew you were kind of cold, but you don’t have to be a bitch. I took this class to be near you. So no. I won’t sit somewhere else.”
Molly’s jaw dropped slightly. Unable to come up with a retort to what he had just said, she just turned forward and began arranging her notes again.
“Listen, Molly, I am sorry. That was mean of me and I was out of line. I jus—“
“Stop, Seth. I don’t care and I don’t want to hear what you have to say. You’ve said plenty between breaking up with me and just now. I’m good on what you have to say. I don’t care anymore, just leave me alone.”
“But I—“
“Mr. Davis, first day in my classroom and you are already proving to not only be a nuisance, but a distraction. A loud one. Find another seat, or find another class. I don’t have the time or patience to watch and listen to your childish drama unfold. Ms. Stone asked you to move, and now I’m telling you. Don’t push your luck and try my patience further. Move. Now.”
Seth sat there stunned for a few seconds, waiting on his body and mind to make the connection again to get up. Finally it did, and he gathered his bag and stood up. “This isn’t over, Molly. We are going to talk.” He moved to the back of the room and sat in an end chair.
Molly looked around and realized that the class was fully tuned in and watching and listening to the situation unfold.
Shit how embarrassing. I can’t believe that just happened. Damn it.
She slid down in her chair and tried to make herself as small as possible.
*****
The rest of the class proved to move by slowly and uneventfully. Thank God. Colin ended his lecture and released the class, but before Molly could make her great escape, he asked her to meet him in his office.
Great. Just great. This is exactly what I need. I’m in trouble because of dipshit. I swear if he makes me drop this class because of Seth…
She slowly grabbed her bag while the rest of the students filed out of the room and followed Colin out of the classroom, dreading what was about to happen. He unlocked his door and opened it, waiting for Molly to enter in front of him. Once they were in his office, he flicked on the lights and sat down, motioning for her to do the same.
Molly swung her bag around for it to sit on the floor next to her chair but before it made it there, it clipped the side of the pen holder that was sitting on his desk. Pens and pencils went flying all over his desk and the floor. She stood in place, staring at the mess she had just created in his otherwise very neat and tidy office space. She quickly scrambled for the pens on the desk to put them back and as she stepped forward, a very distinctive crack echoed through the room; the sound of a broken pen.
Molly’s eyes grew large. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and get her massive blush under control. “Professor Scott, I am so sorry. I am not normally such a klutz. I’m not sure what is bringing this out in me. Thank you for saving my ass back there, I know that it isn’t your job to deal with stupid drama and I’m sorry you had to see that. I swear it won’t happen again.”
Colin looked at her intently, with seething anger simmering in his eyes. Seeing the obvious stress and embarrassment written all over her face, he was silent for several minutes making Molly squirm with even more discomfort and insecurity. “I’m happy to hear that, because quite honestly, I’m not sure I have the stomach to deal with your childish drama, Ms. Stone. You are incredibly clumsy. I’ve seen toddlers with better motor skills that you. You have wrecked my office in a matter of two minutes. I’m pretty sure that has to be a new world record… even for you.”
Molly stared at Colin for a few moments, dumbfounded and bewildered by what he had just said to her. Tears started to well up in her big green eyes.
“Oh for Pete’s sake, don’t cry, Ms. Stone. I’m pretty sure I might just lose my lunch if you do. Look, keep your boyfriend spectacle out of my classroom. If there are any further outbursts I’ll drop you from the class. Oh, and try not to disrupt my office any further on your way out.”
*****
“Ellie, can you open the door please? My arms are killing me… I almost feel bad for that punching bag, almost. I can only imagine how it is feeling if I am feeling like this. Please shoot me.”
Smiling, Ellie rooted through her gym bag and finally pulled out the house key and opened the door. “I know. I’ve never seen you go HAM like that before. It was like you were channeling Floyd Mayweather or something. What has gotten into you? Are you still mad at Scott for totally being a douche bag to you last week? I mean, the man is drop dead, but his attitude kills it for me. I’m not sure why you put up with it to be honest.”
“Well, he is the professor of one of my core classes. I don’t really have much of a choice. If I don’t take the class and pass, I can kiss my scholarship and my degree good bye.” Molly shrugged her shoulders and grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge. “I am just going to blend in, do the work, avoid him and Seth at all costs, and move on. It isn’t worth the worry and stress.”
Molly placed the bottle back on the counter and went into her room to get ready for her shower.
“I don’t know, what is it?”
“It’s a piece of mail from the dean’s office. Oh God, what is this?”
“I don’t know, last I checked my crystal ball is out of commission. Why don’t you open it up and find out? That seems like the logical thing to do.”
“Okay, smart ass. Oh. My. Geez. It’s an invitation to a gala ball at the dean’s house on Saturday. It says only the top 5% of the Art History Department’s students were invited. Invitation only. Formal dress is required.”
“Holy cow, what are you going to wear? Shit, what am I going to wear?”
“Wait, what are you talking about Ellie? Why are you worried about what you’re gonna wear?”
“Well, it says you can RSVP +1. Who else would you invite to this fancy parrtay? So do the math.. I am your date. You’re welcome.”
*****
The room was bathed in soft lighting while a quiet selection of jazz music played in the background. It was a beautiful night, not a cloud in the sky, and the night air was crisp in his lungs and felt comfortable against his skin. Colin had arrived early in hopes of getting in and getting out as quickly as possible, but it seemed fate had other ideas.
He was standing on the patio talking to the Dean of the Art Department when he saw her. She was standing there in a long lacy navy blue dress that was low cut enough to show off some of her spectacular cleavage, but not so low that it was inappropriate, and it was slit to mid-thigh. Her gold stilettos did amazing things for her legs.
He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He was mesmerized by her beauty and he hated himself for feeling that way. He felt a magnetic pull to her that he just couldn’t ignore, and tonight with her looking so beautiful, he wasn’t sure he wanted to.
“Colin? Did you just hear what I said? Hello, earth to Colin?”
“I’m sorry Dean McKnight, I didn’t hear your question. What was it again?”
“I asked how you are finding your new classes this semester. Looking over the roster, it looked like you had quite a few students that were just starting on their art classes. That can be trying at times. Would it be beneficial to have a TA assigned to you to help with the work load?”
“Classes are going well; I haven’t had any issues so far. I will be sure to let you know if that changes though and I need the extra set of hands. I’m sorry, please excuse me. I see someone that I must talk to before either of us leave.”
*****
As soon as she walked in, her eyes landed square on Colin. He looked so handsome. His suit looked like it was created just to rest on his shoulders. Flawless. His squared jaw had the slightest amount of stubble, just enough to make her think about what it would feel like against her soft skin… on her cheek, on her neck, on her flat stomach, on her inner thigh…
Stop! You do not want to fall down that rabbit hole, Molly. It’s a terrible idea, get rid of that crazy thought right now. “Ells I’m not sure this was a great idea. Professor Scott is here and lord knows how well it went the last time we spoke. Besides him, you’re the only person I know here.”
“Here is a glass of bubbly. Just try to relax, it’s gonna be okay babes. Besides, we just got here. It would look terrible if we walked right back out. Every important person and teacher in your department is here, let’s just try to mingle and see what happens. Deal?”
“Okay. Just don’t let me drink too much of this champagne. I’m afraid my nerves will get the worst of me and I’ll live to regret it.”
Molly took a sip from the flute in her hand and instantly felt the bubbles rush to her head. She was just starting to relax slightly when Colin appeared at her side. God, he looks and smells delicious. I wonder what kind of body wash and cologne he wears…. Wait! What am I thinking? This man was a butthead to me last time we were face to face… put down the champagne flute Molly… Oh wow, when did it become empty? Uh oh this isn’t good… Just keep it zipped and try to make a quick getaway.
“What are you doing here, Ms. Stone? This party is by invitation only.”
“Professor Scott. I’m here for the same reasons as you I assume. I received an invitation and decided that it was in my best interest to attend. Oh, and ‘Hello’ to you too.” Whoops that was slightly mouthy, but what the hell. He wants to be an ass to me, I’ll dish it back.
“Just how much of that champagne have you had? Do you think it is a good idea to get tipsy at a school function and then get smart with one of your teachers? I thought you were smarter than that, Ms. Stone.”
“Was that a thinly veiled attempt at a complement? If so, it needs some work. I’m not tipsy; I’ve only had one glass, Dad.”
“Good. I’m going to ignore that Dad dig and assume that you’re still coordinated enough to not step on my feet?”
“What are you talking about? I’m a good two feet away from you, and I’m nowhere near your feet.”
“I see that. That was my thinly veiled attempt at asking you to dance with me. It appears that my subtleties are failing me tonight.” A small smile played across Colin’s beautiful mouth.
He was making a joke. Holy Christ on a crutch, has hell frozen over? She had never heard him joke, much less smile, and what a shame that was. He had the most mesmerizing smile she had ever seen.
“I’m not so good with subtleties; I’m more of a black and white kinda person.”
“Okay, that’s valuable information. With this new information, I ask again plainly. Will you dance with me, Ms. Stone?
“Only if you can tell me why I should after the way that you treated me in your office.”
“That’s simple. I want to apologize for my behavior, but I’m not fond of standing still while apologizing.”
Molly let a slight giggle out, and Colin’s smile became more pronounced. “Is that giggle a ‘yes’?”
“Yes, I suppose so, Professor Scott.”
Colin offered Molly his arm and she easily slipped her arm within his to intertwine them. He moved them to center of the ball room and skillfully slipped his left arm around her waist and took her left hand in his right. He pulled her closer to him, but not inappropriately so.
She was incredibly stiff and structured. Colin started quickly trying to think of something to make her feel more at ease with him. He took a deep breath and let her perfume invade his nose and guide his mind as to where to go next.
“So, I owe you an apology. I was rude and harsh in my office last week and I am sorry for that. I was having a rough morning, but that is no excuse. I am sorry Molly.”
“Wow.”
“What? Was my apology that piss poor to incite that reaction?”
“No, not at all, Professor Scott. Apology accepted. It’s just the first time that you have actually used my first name in all three years of me taking your classes. That’s all.”
“Well, I typically don’t get to know my students well enough to call them by their first names, but then again I don’t typically dance with my students either. So I guess I’m breaking two of my rules tonight.”
“I’m not sur—“ Molly was interrupted with a slight beep and a small vibration in her purse.
**SRRY MOL, DNT B MAD. I HAD EMERGENCY COME UP W CALEB. HAD 2 LEAVE. MAKE IT UP 2 U**
“Ugh, great. I can’t believe my luck.”
“What’s wrong Molly?”
“I was here with my roommate Ellie but she evidentially had to leave. Now I’m not sure how I’m going to get home. I left all my cash and cards at home.”
“Well, that sucks. I can help you out.”
“I could never ask you to pay for my cab ride. I’m not that type of girl. Maybe I could get som—“
“No. Molly when I said I can help you out, I didn’t mean with cab fare. I can take you home myself.”
