Page 53 of Kismet

He swallows harshly, my gaze zeroing in on his Adam’s apple as it bobs, and I hate myself for it.

“Well, uh, how have you been?”

“You know, can wenotwith the pathetic small talk? If there is something you need to go over with meprofessionally, by all means, please do. But as for the small talk, I’d rather not.”

Clearing his throat, he nods his head curtly once. “No, of course. I understand. I assume Janet has already given you the tour and showed you where your class will be?”

“She did.”

“And you filled out all the paperwork with her already?”

“Yes, sir.” Immediately, I regret the ‘sir.’ The memory of me calling him that while on my knees seems to dawn on him at the exact moment as it does me. His eyes quickly avert my gaze.

“Alright. Well, that’s all I would’ve needed to go over with you today, anyway. So, you’re excused. Classes begin next Monday, but feel free to use this time to get your room ready, or whatever you need to do to prepare. I’m here if there’re any issues… or Janet, if you’d prefer.”

“Thank you, Dean Philips.” Standing, I make my way to the door, but before I can reach for the handle, he clears his throat.

“Oh, and uh, Cash?”

Without turning to face him, I respond. “Yes?”

“Congratulations on the job. Janet’s right… we’re happy to have you.”

I mumble a “thanks” before hightailing it out of his office. Speed walking to the closest restroom, I barrel through the door, locking myself in the nearest stall. Loosening my tie, I place both hands on my knees, head hanging between my shoulders, as I inhale and exhale deeply.

I can’t believe this is happening.

After I seem to regulate my breathing, I pull my phone out of my pocket and send off a text to Weston.

Me: The dean is Stone.

After Stone disappeared seemingly into thin air, I broke down and told Weston about the affair. I apparently did a great job hiding the entire thing, because he was shocked. He couldn’t believe I kept something like that from him and he was pissed for me at Stone leaving.

Weston: You’re fucking joking!

Me: Bro, why the fuck would I joke about that? Stone is my new fucking boss.

Weston: And you had no idea?

Me: NO! He’s been really busy, according to the woman I’d been corresponding with. Plus, he just came back from vacation… probably with his fucking wife. This was the very first time we’d met.

Weston: Did he know, do you think?

Me: No, dude. He looked as shocked as I felt. He had no idea.

Weston: Shiiiit. What now?

Me: I don’t fucking know. I avoid him as much as possible.

Weston: You’re not going to leave?

Me: LEAVE?! I just fucking got here. Do you know how expensive it was to move my entire life across the country? I’m not fucking leaving. The bastard can learn to deal with it.

Weston: Damn. Sorry, bro. This is shitty. Call me after work if you want. We can talk more about it. I’m walking into a client meeting.

This is just fucking perfect. I finally get my dream job and can leave the town that reminded me day in and day out of what I lost, only to come here and be haunted with my fucking past instead.

The universe has a perverse sense of fucking humor.

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