“Okay, I don’t want to distract you, though, if you’ve got something you need to be working on.” Anton walked into the kitchen and I handed him a beer before I started chopping up the vegetables.
“No, I’m in a good spot with school for once.” I smiled and kept sliding the knife through the vegetables.
It wasn’t the complete truth, but it wasn’t a lie. I was in a good spot and while there were things I could have done, I would have plenty of time to take of it on Saturday. I would stay up all night on Sunday if it meant I got more time with Anton. I cooked our meal while he sat the table and watched me, making small talk as I worked the wok like a professional. It was rare for me to actually cook on my own, but I loved being able to make a meal for him. Once it was done, I was amazed that it was actually as good as it was. Anton devoured his first helping and immediately went for a second—apparently he was telling the truth about needing some calories. When the meal was done, we went back upstairs and immediately fell into bed together. I was definitely ready for dessert.
Chapter 21: Anton
My heart felt heavy when I woke up the next morning and realized my time with Bethany was coming to a close. My exhausted body had finally been forced to get some real sleep, and I felt like I had wasted so much time that we could have spent together—or I could have spent just admiring her beauty while she slept. It had been the best weekend of my life and I wished it could go on forever. I hoped there would be a time when we could permanently be together so they wouldn’t hurt so bad when they came to an end. The sex was amazing, but just being close to her was an incredible feeling. I got some water and crawled back into bed, pulling her back into my arms the instant my head hit the pillow. I was still tired and her eyes never opened so I felt sleep pulling me in again. Her breathing was like music to my ears and the closeness of our bodies made me feel like everything in the world was absolutely perfect.
“I WISH I COULD STAY longer.” I held Bethany in my arms as I waited for my cab to
appear.
“Me too, but you need to see your brother. He’s willing to talk, so that’s the most important thing in the world right now.” She rubbed her hand along my forearm.
“You’re the most important thing in the world.” I squeezed her tighter. “You’re all that really matters. I love my brother, but I don’t care if it is just you and me against the world—you are everything to me.”
“I’ll feel better knowing that things are right with your brother.” Her hand clasped on mine. “The taxi’s here.”
“Just a couple more minutes. They’ll wait.” I pulled her close and kissed her for what I knew would be the last time that weekend.
It felt like torture when I broke from her embrace. I walked out of her house and she kept the door open until I was in the cab. I put my hand to the glass and stared at her until the cab took me so far away that I couldn’t see her any longer. It was time to face my brother, grovel at his feet, and hopefully find a way to fix things.
As nice as it would be to have a spot on his couch, I would settle for forgiveness. I had done so many terrible things to him and while the current situation wasn’t nearly as bad as the things I had done in the past, I did understand his frustration. I hoped a week apart had given him time to settle his anger and see that I had good intentions. I didn’t mean to fall for Bethany and it was more lust than love when I first took her into my arms, but things had quickly changed. There was no way I was letting her go, and I would sleep in a gutter before I would ever call it a mistake.
“COME ON IN.” SLOANE opened the door and immediately walked over to his chair.
“Bethany said you wanted to see me.” I stepped into the house and closed the door.
“Yes, we have some business to discuss.” He picked up a piece of paper and held it out to me. “According to this, you work for Grantham University?”
“Shit...” I took the paper and sat down on the couch. “Yeah, I did add myself to the payroll. I needed the money and I had to have a job or they would have thrown me back in prison.”
“Well consider yourself unemployed. Do you realize how much shit I would have gotten if anyone found out about this? You’re a felon. You can’t work in a school! Not legally at least...” His words were tense and he grunted with frustration.
“Just call it another bad decision and add it to my tab.” I sighed and crumbled up the paper.
“That tab is getting pretty damn big and I don’t see you ever being able to pay it.” He grunted and and shook his head.
“I know.” I nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“Well anyway, that wasn’t the only reason I wanted to see you.” He sighed and closed his eyes. “It is hard for me to admit this, but you were right—you were doing a good job at Grantham. Despite your flaws, your fucked up logic, and your libido, you were doing a better job than I ever could have.”
“I really was trying. That was never a lie. I wanted to clean up the school so it wouldn’t be such a pain in the ass for you.” I felt a bit of hope rising up inside me—he wasn’t yelling. That was a good sign.
“I had an interesting visit from Mr. Matthews earlier this week. Just how many people knew you were pretending to be me?” His eyes opened slowly and he looked at me.
“Bethany and Mr. Matthews. That was it. Mr. Matthews saw me with Bethany and I decided to tell him the truth. I think he needed to hear it.” I shrugged. “What did he say?”
“Well, he basically pledged his undying loyalty to me. It was like—Game of Thrones level shit.” Sloane chuckled. “I didn’t know what to make of it at first, but I realized that he thought he was talking to you.”
“Game of Thrones?” I raised my eyebrows.
“Right, you probably didn’t get HBO in prison. Sorry, it was like he was bowing before his king.” Sloane chuckled again and shook his head.
“I was worried about his decision. I’m glad he made the right one.” I smiled and nodded.
“Then of course I got a visit from the school board—and Braden Steele’s father.” His mood darkened a bit.