Page 115 of Loved

“Well that’s good to hear. Just so you know, I really didn’t want to pull her away from school. I know how much you mean to her. And I know how well you know her. Speaking of which, are you with her right now?”

"Yeah, she's right next to me."

“Could you maybe step out of the room? I need to ask you something privately. It’s important.”

"Yeah, I guess. Hold on one sec." There were some mumbled voices and I assumed she had her hand over the speaker. A few seconds later she said, “Okay I’m alone.”

“I need your help with something.”

“Alright.” She sounded very apprehensive. “But before you say anything, I don’t know if moving really is the best option here. If one of Penny’s professors is harassing her, can’t you and Penny just go talk to the dean…”

“That won’t be necessary. Her professor won’t be doing that again.”

There was a long pause.

“And why is that? Did you already talk to the dean?”

“No. But I took care of it.”

“As in…”

“I punched him in the face. Several times.”

Rob laughed beside me. Because we both knew it was a lot more than that. And we hadn’t heard a peep from McCarty since. The combination of my threat to come back and Rob’s threat to bang his daughter had seemed to work.

I was surprised when Melissa laughed too. “Good,” she said. “That asshole deserved it.”

He really did.

“So the move isn’t really about that?” she asked.

“Partially about that. But more so that Penny and I need a fresh start. Where no one is judging us for being a professor and his student.”

“That’s exactly what she said.”

I smiled. “I know it’s all fast. But our whole relationship has been because I’m head over heels for her. Which is why I’m calling. I’m going to propose to her tomorrow. And I don’t know her ring size.”

“I’m sorry…did you just say you were going to propose to her?”

“She’s the love of my life, Melissa. And I know I’ve fucked up. Several times. But I promise I will always have Penny’s back. I will always put her first. And I…”

“I believe you,” she said. “I do. I’m really bummed that you’re stealing her away from me. But I want what’s best for her. And that’s you.”

“Thanks, Melissa.”

“She wears a five.”

“Are you sure?” I was annoyed that Brendan was right about Penny’s ring size.

“Positive,” Melissa said.

“I picked out something pretty simple. But it’s really beautiful. Can I send you a picture to see if you think she’ll like it?”

Melissa laughed. “Yes, but there’s really no need. From the sound of it, you nailed it.”

I shot her a picture anyway.

“Oh my God. She’s going to love it.”

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