Bad Teacher

“Of course. Someone’s gotta set the right example,” she jokes, and I roll my eyes.

“Right, Les … bye!” I grab my suitcase and turn around.

She slaps my ass so hard it makes me jolt. “Go get ‘em, bitch.”

“Yeah, yeah! You’ll be hearing from me. Don’t worry. My name will be everywhere, just you wait.”

“Good, I’ll check the newspaper every day.”

“You’d better,” I shout as I walk through the hallway.

“See ya!” she yells.

“Love ya!”

And as I take my final glance, I can’t help but brush my cheeks. Fucking stray tears messing with my epic escape from college.

But I’m gonna miss that girl … no doubt about it.

All the more reason to see her soon. And from the sound of her shouting, she’ll be checking up on me every day of the week, so I don’t think we’ll be separated for long.

* * *

I’ve been staying at my mom’s house for a few days, at least, until I find my own place. She doesn’t mind because now she gets to squash me with love every five minutes. Plus, I’m paying rent now that I’ve finally gotten a proper job.

Well, ‘job’ … I’m washing glasses and cleaning floors after closing time for a club near the campus. It’s not ideal, but it pays nice, and this way, I get to build up some experience in the field I wanna work in. It’s also very close to Lesley, which she finds very convenient. She keeps face-planting the window in the middle of the night to scare the living crap out of me, and it works every single damn time.

Damn her.

Not that I mind.

I kinda like this newfound freedom. Going out into the world. Not giving a shit what anyone thinks. Just living my life.

That, and lounging on the couch while scrolling through my Facebook timeline to see what everyone is up to, like I’m doing now. It’s nice to watch them do what they love. And to finally feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be too.

Suddenly, my phone buzzes and a message pops up from a familiar guy.

Thomas: How’s the free life going?

Hailey: Good, very good, actually. How did you know?

Thomas: I asked Lesley when you weren’t at your dorm room.

Hailey: Stalker. :P

Thomas: I never give up.

Hailey: I know you don’t.

Thomas: Unless you want me to, of course.

I pause and think about it for a second, but all I can do is grin like a teenage girl.

Hailey: Don’t ever stop.

Thomas: Oh, I won’t. I’ll be here, lurking in the shadows, waiting until you’re ready. I know you needed a break. I’ll wait. I’ll wait as long as I have to, even if it’s forever.

I suck on my bottom lip and smile.

Hailey: Creeper. :P

Thomas: Sorry. I can get a bit overenthusiastic when it comes to the things I want to keep.

Hailey: Keep? As if you ever had me.

Thomas: Not yet … but I will. Someday. And you know, I think that day’s coming pretty soon.

Hailey: Oh, really? When?

Thomas: How about Saturday at eight? You know where.

Hailey: Hmm … You mean that place you said you’d never visit again?

Thomas: Just like that mistake I’d never make again.

Hailey: You sure do like things wrong, don’t you?

Thomas: Shaken, not stirred. You?

Hailey: We’ll see …

Thomas: Yes, we will.

God, he’s such an arrogant prick.

But I love him for it.

I can honestly say I do.

Well, not in a get-a-fucking-ring-and-stand-in-front-of-the-altar way, but just the part where I’d say I could give it a shot.

Thomas: You know I’ll wait forever. Even if you don’t show up. I’ll be there the next Saturday too. And the one after that. I’m an eternal party animal. #PartyHard

Hailey: As long as the party is for two.

Thomas: I don’t share. You know that.

Hailey: I don’t either.

Thomas: So fiery. … I like that. Just like your hair color.

Hailey: Maybe I’ll dye it blue.

It takes him a while to respond.

Thomas: Blue … almost the hottest part of a flame. #Chemistry

Hailey: You really don’t give up, do you?

Thomas: Not when it comes to you. And you know why? Because the more time I spend away from you, the more I realize that I don’t want to be anywhere other than right next to you. In whatever way possible. Because nothing’s going to change the fact that I’m madly in love with you, Hailey Walters. So … would you go out on a real date with me?

I’m smiling from ear to ear.

Hailey: I thought you’d never ask …

Epilogue

Thomas

As I walk through the club, I know exactly where to go.

It’s familiar ground, and this isn’t my first rodeo.

But it may be my last.

When I spot her across the room, my heart practically bounces out of my chest. Crazy, huh? How within a few weeks, a man can go from his dick bursting out of his pants to this. A weak pile of mush at the sight of her.