Page 152 of Crystal Iris
“Your students seem to really enjoy your… classes,” Hoyt says as he watches James walk away.
“He meant the museum. I showed him around.”
“You did?”
“Yeah, he’s taking a couple of my classes. I was there, and we were talking—next thing I know, I was…”
“Giving him a private tour?”
“Are you… jealous?”
“Of him?” He brushes it off, but I notice the signs. I know the tells.
“James is… interested. He’s doing research. History nerd, like me.”
“Okay.”
Hoyt is quiet on our way to Aaron’s office. I hope it’s only because of the meeting.
“I’ll be at the coffee shop across the street. Meet me there when you’re done?”I ask him.
“If I get my money back, coffee’s on me.” He gives me a lazy smirk.
“Good luck.” I hope Aaron follows through with his words.
I’m lost in my book when Hoyt comes back.
“And?” I ask apprehensively.
“Looks like Aaron finally grew some balls.”
“You got your money back?”
“Yes.”
“All of it?”
“And some. The prick actually turned me a profit.”
“I can’t believe it. That’s amazing.”
“Can we go?” Hoyt asks, his tone sharper now. He’s mad about something.
“Were you not going to tell me that you went to him?” he asks before I even close the door.
“Hoyt, it was only dinner.”
“Right.”
“You don’t believe me?”
“Of course I believe you. I trust you. Look, I’m not a jealous person. I just… need…”
“Honesty?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m sorry. I feel like it was yesterday when I was the one asking for that.”
