The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

Abby

I kick the tire of my car and hurl insults at the piece of crap metal. Of course, it would choose tonight to fail me. It’s only right for my miserable day to be topped off with car trouble. Granted, the car has been hurling warning signs at me all week, which I ignored. So, this is all my fault. Still, I take my anger out on the vehicle, giving the tire another kick. I miss the rubber part and hit the rim instead. My howl of pain echoes in the night as I hop around on one foot.

“Son of a bitch!”

Bending to rub my toes through my sneakers, I burst into laughter.

“This is just awesome.”

My laughter is bordering on hysterical at this point...okay, it is hysterical. I can’t stop. Soon, I feel the warm trail of tears streaming down my face. I haven’t had a good cry for a while. This was bound to happen. All of my anger and pain since Mom died bombards me because I didn’t deal with it properly when it happened. I’d played it tough, even as a kid. Then I think about Dad and how his crazy decisions have affected mine and Lucy’s lives. If that isn’t enough, I think about Bryce and how he’s apparently already moved on. He and that blonde looked pretty cozy today.

“I’m so stupid.”

I sniff and slide to the ground. Leaning against the car, I just sit there and allow the tears to flow. Surely, I’ll feel better afterwards. It’s freezing and snowing but I don’t care. I’ve got a few minutes to wallow in self-pity before I turn into a popsicle. There’s no one else in the diner’s lot so I have privacy.

Despite my heavy despair, I think about Lucy. She’ll be worried sick. Grabbing my phone from my coat pocket, I shoot her a text.

A: Car trouble. Going to Charlie’s for the night.

L: Ok. I told you to get the car checked out.

Yeah. She did. But that would mean dipping into the money Jake gave us, so I didn’t. I’m still insistent on not using Dad’s dirty money. But it seems I have no choice now.

A: Well, I’ll have to now. Don’t wait up. Love you.

L: Are you okay?

A: Yes...Mom.

L: (middle finger emoji) Night. Love you.

With that taken care of, I carry on with my tears and misery. I don’t even bother to call Charlie. She won’t hesitate to come and get me, neither will her father but I don’t want to see anyone at the moment. I’m not sure how many minutes tick by with me sitting in the snow on my ass crying. All I know is, certain body parts are getting numb.

A headlights shine in my direction and I sigh. My privacy has been interrupted by a late night diner. The vehicle with the bright ass lights draws closer, and I lift my hand to block the beams from my eyes. Footsteps approach rapidly, and I move to get up. Whoever it is doesn’t sound like they’re headed for the diner.

Before I can scramble to my feet, I hear, “Abby? Are you okay?” It’s Bryce’s voice ringing with alarm.

Hanging my head, I stifle a groan. This is just what I need, for Bryce, of all people to witness my breakdown. Dashing away my tears, I lie, “I’m fine.”

He drops to one knee beside me, and I try to hide my face. “What the hell are you doing down here? Are you hurt?”

“I said, I’m fine. What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you. Your shift ends at twelve, so I figured I

’d catch you. I saw your car...” He squints and leans closer. “You’re crying.”

“No…” With his headlights shining in this direction, there’s no hiding.

“Abby, what’s wrong? If you’re hurt, I need you to tell me?”

“I’m not hurt.” Not physically, anyway. I sniff and nod to the car. “The stupid thing won’t start.”

He’s gazing at me with confusion, as if he wants to ask if I’m on the ground bawling just because the car won’t start. Eyes moving over my face, he finally asks, “Are you sure that’s all?”

Feeling my lower lip quiver, I pull it between my teeth. “I’m cold.” I expect him to laugh at me. Being cold isn’t cause for tears. But I can’t tell him why I’m really crying. I’m already embarrassed enough.

Bryce released a slow breath. “Let’s get you warmed up.”