Page 97 of Until We Meet Again

"You?"

"Two years ago, Professor Shaw."

"Shaw, I know that name… Didn’t she get fired?"

"Yeah, for fucking an exchange student in the girls’ bathroom." Tobias’s infectious energy is exactly what I need after what just happened with Zane. "Hey, we’re cool, Tessa. You know me. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you." He reassures me with that damn panty-stealing smile.

"Thank you, Tobias."

"You still look sad, and I don't like it. Do you want me to make you feel better? I promise my dick is big enough to fuck Calloway out of your head."

"Okay, you can stop now. I'm good."

We both laugh, but he doesn't get up and leave despite what I'd expected. Instead, he pulls out a book and starts reading in silence alongside me.

No questions.

No judgment.

Chapter 43

Tessa

Iblink my eyes open and squint at the sunlight streaming through my window. Today is the day I’ve been waiting for—my graduation ceremony—and after years of hard work, I’ve finally made it. The past couple of weeks have been rough, but I refuse to let that bring me down. I will not be dwelling on my brokenness today.

Taking a deep breath and pushing myself out of bed, I put on a brave face for the world. I fling open the bedroom window, listening to the birds and inhaling the sweet spring air as I try to picture this as the start of my next chapter, and I’m ready to embrace it.

My parents are due to arrive today. I haven't seen them in a few months, and as much as I miss them, I don't miss the pressure of having to be the perfect daughter.Tessa, who has her life in order. Tessa, who works hard. Tessa, who doesn't make dumb decisions like falling for her English professor.But it's not only me. I think Jen even feels it, which is why,after a much-needed caffeine fix, she starts running about the house, clearing up any trash. I'm left to find and move all the scattered hair ties and put all our shoes and clothes away, which sometimes seem to find themselves wherever they're removed.

I left hundreds of hair ties at Zane's. Although I prefer how my hair looks when it's down, he used to get off on putting it up for me so he had something to wrap around his fist while I was on my knees.

I’m trying—and failing—not to think about Zane. Every day, I try not to think of him. But knowing I’ll have to see him today has been gnawing away at me, and it’s honestly driving my anxiety through the roof.

He hasn't tried to contact me, which I'm grateful for. I begged him to let me go, and he did. But there's another side—a huge, annoying side—that was holding out hope that he would fight for me and for us. Maybe I've read too many romance books and have unrealistic expectations, but deep down, I hoped he would change his mind and come back to me. I hoped he would realize he loved me back and take a leap of faith, but he didn't. He's not that guy, and I should've paid closer attention when he warned me about it from the start.

"Have you seen my cap anywhere?" I hear Jen shout from the kitchen.

"I have them." I flash them both in my hand when a sudden, forceful knock on the door interrupts us. "That's my dad's knock."

"It's a very manly, powerful knock."

"Don't be gross."

"What? Your dad's hot for an older guy."

I inhale deeply and carefully adjust my royal blue gown, making sure it falls perfectly around my ankles. I swing the door open, and my parents’ faces light up with pride as they take a long look at their well-put-together firstborn.

As soon as they step inside, they take turns embracing me in what feels like the longest hug ever.

"Let me take a look at you." I take a step back, and my dad, a big old bear kind of guy, tightly clutches my arms with a smile so bright it could light up the entire house. "I'm a very proud father right now."

"You look beautiful, darling." My mom embraces me, wraps her arm around my waist, and draws me close. The smell of her perfume, the one that she's worn for as long as I can remember, surrounds me. In that split second, comfort and familiarity wash over me. "Oh, it's so good to see you."

I guide them into the living room, where Jen is already waiting. "Hey, Walshes."

"It's wonderful to see you again, Jen."

Jen warmly hugs my parents, and they all settle down, leaving me to take myself to the kitchen so I can make us all a drink. As I stand stirring their tea—my parents believe drinking tea and not coffee makes them more sophisticated—I take a moment to exhale and relax.

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