Thomas’s face fell. “Let’s get out of here,” he said darkly. “There’s a coffee place around the corner. Come with me and I’ll tell you everything.”
--
Ten minutes later, Thomas and I were sitting side by side, sipping cappuccino.
“I’m so sorry about Marlene,” Thomas said, after I’d told him the whole bloody story. “She’s angry with me right now, and she’s taking it out on you.”
I licked my lips and shivered. “She threatened to have me fired,” I said, trembling. “She sounded serious, too.”
“She won’t do that,” Thomas said firmly. “And if she does, you bet your ass I’m going to your boss and telling him that she’s full of shit. Marlene likes to throw her weight around to get her away. She’s not going to win this time, June. I won’t let that happen.”
“Why is she so angry?” I turned to look at Thomas, to stare at his gorgeous face and hair streaked grey and silver.
“Fuck if I know,” Thomas said bitterly. “She’s the one who cheated on me.”
My jaw dropped.
“Oh, yeah,” Thomas said casually. “She was thrilled when we first split up, she said it meant she could finally get everything she wanted.”
I took a long sip of my coffee. It was both creamy and bitter, just the way I liked it.
“What a horrible woman,” I said softly. “Sorry,” I added quickly. “I know you were married to her and everything.”
Thomas shrugged. “I had no idea what she was capable of when we first got together,” he said. “Trust me – if I’d known, I’m not sure I would’ve gone through with it.”
I shivered. “She’s really gunning for me,” I said. “She’s doing everything she can to make me doubt myself.”
Thomas nodded. “I swear it won’t happen again.”
“Oh god,” I said. I could feel my cheeks growing pale. “Please, please don’t say anything! It’ll look like I went and tattled to you!”
Thomas chuckled. I blushed – the sound of his voice was so melodious, so deep that I couldn’t stay afraid for long.
“June,” Thomas said heavily. “You’re an adult. You’re not a little kid. What the hell do I care if you ‘tattle’ or not? My ex is being a nasty bitch, and she’s not going to get away with it.”
I slumped down against the seat. “I really am trying,” I said softly. “But Brett keeps acting out, and I can’t take time away from the rest of the class in order to discipline him.”
“I know.” Thomas sighed. “This is all really hard on him. I’m sure he blames me – hell, he might even blame himself.”
We lapsed into silence. “Thanks,” I said quietly. “I just don’t want you to think that I’m ignoring your son, or anything like that.”
Thomas smirked. “You’re a good teacher, June,” he said. “I know you wouldn’t do something like that.”
I shivered. “Thanks,” I said softly.
Thomas got to his feet and sighed. “I hate to rush off,” he said. “But I need to pick Brett up. You want a ride home?”
I shook my head, too embarrassed for Mr. March to see where I lived.
“No thanks,” I said softly.
Thomas grinned. “Okay, June,” he said.
I blushed. The way he said my name always made me shiver with happiness. He had such a beautiful voice. My body always responded to him. At least he didn’t ask you for a drink, I thought. Then you really would’ve made a fool of yourself.
“See you, June,” Thomas said. He winked at me and I blushed.
“Bye,” I stammered.