Steve threw a verbal punch right back. “So you’re telling me some chick walks into your life and dating her would literally cost you the bar, everything you’ve ever worked for, you wouldn’t have any second thoughts.”
I thought about it, really thought about it. “Of course I would.”
“Then why would you expect that of her? Why would you be upset because she can’t?”
God, I was an asshole. “So that’s it. I’m out an amazing woman because of a stupid fucking rule.”
Steve set his beer on the table. “If it’s that stupid of a rule, shouldn’t be that hard to get it changed.”
I looked down at my beer. Was that something I could even do?
“I’ve got to get to work. My boss is a hard-ass.” He stood up. “Finish that food. If she’s as special as you say she is, you better get your ass to work too.”
33
BIRDIE
Confession: I don’t follow all the rules.
Monday morning, I walked into my office and dropped my keys on my desk. The chairs around the table were shoved to the side, and I put them back, my heart skittering and my stomach aching. Kissing Cohen had been even better than I’d imagined, which was somehow worse than if I’d never kissed him at all.
Now I really knew what I had to sacrifice in order to keep my career.
Cohen had been a perfect gentleman afterward, adjusting himself and walking with me to the parking lot. He even smiled at me as he said goodbye, dropping me off outside of Mara’s house. He didn’t walk me to the door, which all things considered, was probably a good idea.
I still felt guilty. Sad. So many things. Because I knew what I wanted, and I also knew there was no way it could happen.
Maybe in a couple years, when Ollie graduated, Cohen and I could reconnect. If he was even available then.
The thought of him with someone else, of me missing my chance, made my throat constrict, and I began pulling the tray of wood shavings from the bottom of Ralphie’s cage.
Ralphie tilted his head as if questioning me.
“I don’t even want to think about it.” I let out a sigh and emptied the shavings into my wastebasket, then used unscented baby wipes to wash the tray. “We can’t be together. He’s a parent. That’s all there is to it.”
Ralphie cooed sadly.
“I know.” I blinked back tears. “But on the bright side, I got a promising lead on an apartment yesterday. The manager said they own another building closer to Emerson and they might have a vacancy if the tenant doesn’t continue their lease next month. That means you can finally come home with me at night.”
He chirped.
“And I didn’t even tell you about the aviary...” That was a subject I could get lost in for hours, no matter how closely it was intertwined with Cohen. I told Ralphie about going to the aviary and all the amazing things I’d seen there as I got my schedule ready for the day.
During first hour, I had a couple of college planning appointments. One with a girl I’d seen with deep circles under her eyes lately. She needed my support, and I needed to be at my best for her.
Coffee was definitely called for.
I walked down the fairly empty hall, waving to my co-workers on the way, and went into the teachers’ lounge. I used the sink to wash my hands, and as I reached for a paper towel, someone cleared their throat behind me.
I covered my heart with my hand and turned to see Headmaster Bradford shutting the door. “Oh, you scared me,” I said nervously. Although, to be fair, I’d probably be a little scared even if I’d seen him coming.
Not only was Headmaster Bradford my boss, he also came from old money, old academia. He could just as easily recite Shakespeare as end my career at Emerson Academy.
He didn’t chuckle at my fright or apologize. Instead, his lips pressed into a line, and his chest rose with a deep breath. “Ms. Melrose, I’ve gotten several calls from Mrs. Alexander the last few weeks.”
I closed my eyes, thinking of Pam and her threats. I’d hoped they were empty, but judging by the look on the headmaster’s face, I wasn’t so sure. “And?”
“You’re aware she and her husband are our largest donors, aside from the Rush family?”