Page 116 of Tomorrow Belongs to Us
“He's got a one-to-one tutorial.”
“A one-to-one tutorial?” I echo.
“It'll be finished in ten minutes.”
“I'd rather not wait.”
Lesley smiles at me. I wonder if she thinks we're still together, but surely, she must know what's happened to Vivian? In any case, she doesn't say anything. Her gentle smile, her air of being wise and all knowing, puts me on defense.
“No?”
I shake my head, fighting the urge to rush over to her and sob my heart out. To tell her everything that's wrong and wish that she can fix it.
“No, I was packing, and I found this and I just want to return it before ...”
“Before?”
“Before I move away.”
“Ah, yes.” She nods. “He told me.”
I'm curious to know what he told her. Whether she knows of our history, and our breakup. She says everything and nothing and I am none the wiser.
“Are you okay?” she asks when I've still said nothing.
I waver between wanting to rush off, and staying here and asking her a million questions.
“Is it true? The rumors about the student he saved? About her boyfriend being jealous.”
She takes a long, deep breath in. “What do you think?”
“I don't know.”
“You must have an idea about it.”
I scowl, hating her riddles, and hating her for making this such hard work. For not giving me an answer.
“Did you know that Lance and I met while I was in high school when he was my teacher?”
“I know.”
I almost fold into myself. The weight of her knowing eases the guard that’s been keeping me upright. Lesley's face is still soft and welcoming. Friendly.
She doesn't look at me with disdain.
“He told you everything?”
“Lance doesn't tell people everything. It took him a while, but yes, he told me about high school, and how you both recently connected.”
My heart starts to thump as hope laces with fear. “Is it true? About the student?”
“He's not a serial cheater.” Using his words tells me she knows about the last conversation between us. “I've always told him that his face and his body aren't made for teaching. Lance is gallant, to use an old-fashioned word. He's noble. He did the right thing by that young woman. She was always hounding him. She was always in here, knocking on his door. It’s why he always keeps it open. She's not the first student who's come to him asking for help, claiming she hasn't understood what he's explained in a lecture. I doubt she'll be the last. His looks have landed him in trouble with some students; these young women and their desire to catch his eye. But, as you probably know, Lance isn’t like that. He's not a player. He's no Casanova, even though he has the face and body of one. My daughters have always had a crush on him, so I know too well the effect that man has on the opposite sex. But Cassie is the apple of his eye.”
I nod. “She is. She’s his life,” I say softly.
“Vivian has been a thorn in his side for as long as I've known him.” Lesley looks away and lets out another sigh, pressing her lips together as if she's trying to keep her words about Vivian to herself. “But, he's been a lot happier these last few months, after the shooting.” She gives me a pointed stare. “At first, I didn't understand, but then I met you on the drinks evening, and it all made sense.”
I look at her trying to figure it out, what he's been telling her, what she's telling me.
