Page 41 of Pull
“What a minute,” Ryan bursts into the conversation, after pretending to be invisible this whole time. “Professor Morrison?”
Both Ben’s and my faces spring in Ryan’s direction to find him gaping at Oliver like he recognizes him. Then we turn to Oliver, who looks like he’s preparing to get up and run away at any moment.
Instead he lets out a strained puff of air. “Right. So you recognize me, then.”
“I took your class freshman year,” Ryan actually grins, like he’s excited to see an old professor. Until he realizes Ben’s glaring at him and forces the smile off his face.
Hailey takes a deep breath. “Look, I was going to tell you guys about this when it was more serious…”
“You mean, more serious than making out in a public park?” Ben hisses and Ryan places a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him down.
Hailey ignores her father. “But yes, Oliver is… my teacher. He’s a sociology professor at UNM.”
My blinking suddenly becomes rapid. I don’t really know what to think, feel or say in this situation. On the one hand, I can’t be a hypocrite. I can’t tell my daughter what to do, especially when she’s an adult and fully capable of making her own decisions. But then… I’m also her mother. And she’s dating her professor, which isn’t my favorite. Not when we’re paying thirty-thousand dollars a year for that school.
“I loved your class, by the way,” Ryan mutters.
“Alright, that’s enough,” Ben seethes. “Hailey, how could you be dating your teacher? How old is he, anyway??”
I want to cover my face with my hands. This is too painful to watch.
Hailey folds her arms over her chest. “He’s thirty-six. You got a problem with that, Dad?”
Ben opens his mouth, but then snaps it shut. He has not a single leg to stand on in this argument. Because that’s almostexactlythe same age difference between us and Ryan. And at least Oliver isn’t Hailey’s daughter’s ex…
“No… no problem with the age.” Ben swallows visibly, tightening his fist over and over at his side.
It’s actually kind of funny to watch. He’s being forced to heel, which is something Ben hates. I find it amusing. And sexy.
“The control freak is about to lose it,” Ryan whispers in my ear and we both giggle.
Ben glares at us. “This isn’t funny, you two. She’s dating her professor. That’s messed up!”
“Worse than marrying her ex…?” Oliver mumbles.
“Whoa, cheap shot,” Ryan says, holding Ben’s shirt to keep him in place, as he’s clearly preparing to lunge. “Professor, we just want to know that you’re not taking advantage of Hailey. She’s a wonderful girl, and we’d hate to see her get hurt.”
“Really, Ryan?” Hailey gives him a fiery look.
Ryan holds his hands up. “Okay, I’ll see myself out.”
“You guys, I’m fine,” Hailey hisses then rolls her eyes. “I know what I’m doing, and you all need to stop treating me like a kid. Oliver and I are dating. We have been for a couple months, and the only thing you need to know is that I’m safe and happy.”
Now it’s Ben’s and my turn to share a look. She’s right, though. We’ve always been a bit overprotective of Hailey. But maybe it took everything that happened with Ryan for us to finally cut the damn cord, so to speak.
“We’re happy you’re happy, Hailey bug,” I tell her, leaning in to give her a kiss on the head. “And we’re even happier to see you. I think that’s why your dad is wound up. It didn’t feel right coming to ABQ and not meeting up.”
Hailey lets a smile out, peeking up at Ben. “I know. It’s great to see you guys, too. I really want to hear all about your day yesterday.”
Ben sighs and reaches out to take Hailey’s hand in his. “I can’t wait to tell you about it, baby girl. Why don’t you come home this weekend? We can have dinner… We miss you.”
Hailey looks between me and her father. We’re both sort of pouting, which makes her laugh. It’s only been three weeks since she last came home, but still. Finding out she’s dating someone… her professor, no less… I think she owes us another visit.
“Alright, that sounds fun,” she sighs. “I’ll come down Saturday.”
“Yay,” Ryan cheers quietly and Hailey laughs.
“Yea, I mean, how can I miss the big one-year anniversary, right?” Her head tilts. “Are you guys having a party?”
