“I said I’m sorry,” he says, looking me in the eye. “I’m not going to hassle you anymore. I mean it.”
I nod, and breathe out. “Okay.”
I don’t attend the last class of the day. Instead, I’m determined to see Eli. Today has been a hell of a day, and we both need to debrief. I just hope this hasn’t scared him back into his shell. I decide on a place way over on the other side of town, where I’m sure nobody will discover us.
Me: Meet me at Mr. Sushi by Brenton Station in half an hour. We need to talk
Eli: Good idea. See you then.
Studying the menu, I order a green tea and miso soup. I’m not hungry, but considering I haven’t eaten a proper meal in days I figure I’d better get something. I’m in the middle of playing Angry Birds on my phone when Eli slumps into the chair next to mine.
“Hey.” His face moves closer to mine to kiss my cheek.
I have missed his touch. I crave it. Deciding the kiss isn’t enough, I turn to face him, pressing my lips against his. His hands caress the side of my neck as he pulls his mouth away, pressing his forehead against mine.
“God, I’ve missed you,” Eli whispers. His warm breath floats against my lips.
“I’ve missed you too.” I grin.
He reaches over and takes my hand, entangling his fingers in mine.
“So, what did you want to talk about?”
“I thought we should talk after today.”
“Me first,” he says, putting his hand up. “Today confirmed that I need to man up and do the right thing. I need to choose between my career and a relationship with you. What we’re doing isn’t fair on either of us.”
He’s going to choose his job.
“Jill, I’m going to resign from my position. I would rather lose my job than ever lose you. Losing you would equate to losing my life.”
He chose me.
I’m going to marry this man. Jumping from my seat, I throw myself into his arms, unable to hide my happiness.
“Eli, there are six more weeks left of school until I graduate. Six weeks. We can do this. How about we don’t see each other until then? I’ve heard phone sex can be really good fun,” I add with a smirk.
Why is six weeks okay now when it wasn’t before?
I can’t answer that. Maybe I feel more secure now in our relationship after all we’ve been though. Maybe I’ve matured over the last few months, I don’t know. What I do know is I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to make things easier for him.
“You’re such a little minx,” he teases, smacking me on the ass. “Are you sure? Because I want you to know, you come first. The minute this is too much for you, tell me and I’m out of here.”
“We can do this. It’s a few weeks, and with any luck you can pick up another contract in a college.”
“Just not yours,” he says with a smile.
“Right.” I laugh. “I’ve had enough of sleeping with my teacher. I don’t want to be sneaking around with my professor too.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Eli
After I leave Jill, I meet my sisters at the legal firm for the reading of Dad’s will. My sisters are already waiting in reception. I smile and hug them.
“Take a seat and Bill will be with you soon,” the receptionist says.
I glance around the sterile white space. The only color is from the framed contemporary paintings lining the walls and the black and silver funky sofas.