Page 76 of Brighter Shades of Light
He didn’t return my call. Texting him didn’t even work.
The snow melted by the next day, and Thanksgiving was sunny and beautiful. I spent most of the day in my study, though, distracting my mind with reading and research. Where being alone used to be peaceful, it wasn’t any longer.
It was the loneliest I’d ever been. Maybe because I had someone I actually wanted to spend time with now.
The clock on my desk chimed early Monday morning, and I lifted my head to see sunlight shining through the window. I had fallen asleep again in my study. Standing up, I stretched and winced at the crick in my neck. Just when I thought I was getting better, I reverted to my old ways, overworking and not taking care of myself.
It was the first day back to class after Thanksgiving break, and I experienced an unexpected bout of nerves as I showered and dressed for the day. I would see Cody this morning. He could ignore my phone calls, but he would have to see me one way or another.
When I arrived on campus, I headed for my office as I usually did.
“Sebby!”
I inhaled deeply before turning around to Vance. He wore a heavy coat and a bowler hat. Old-fashioned, though it looked a tad silly on him. Like when a child wore his father’s oversized clothing to seem more grownup, but the effect was ruined by a goofy grin.
“Good morning,” I said.
“Hey, so I saw Emily Saturday night.” He removed his hat and swept a hand through the small amount of hair on his head. “I went out with some buddies and bumped into her at the bar. Pretty little thing, she is. I haven’t seen her so dolled-up before. Green dress and red lips. Hope you don’t mind me saying that. We talked for a long while.”
“Oh?” My insides coiled, despite my cool tone.
Vance knew nearly every professor at the university. Claudia and several of the other women he chatted up constantly were acquaintances of Emily, so it made sense for him to speak with her as well. If she told him about me and Cody, it was only a matter of time before the news spread throughout the entire campus.
“She asked me if I had any single friends,” he said, chuckling. “Can you believe that? I was sure the girl was still hung up over you, but I guess I was wrong. Kinda disappointed she didn’t askmeout. But I reckon she has a thing for the silent types like you. No offense meant, buddy.”
“None taken.” Relief flooded my chest. “Well, I hope she finds someone suitable to her needs. She deserves to be happy.”
“Suitable to her needs?” Vance snickered. “You make it sound like she’s buying a car.”
“I need to prep for my first class.” I offered a thin smile. “Excuse me.”
Once I was in my office with the door closed, I released a shaky breath. Emily had kept my secret. I liked to think she only behaved that way last week because of shock and heartache, not because she was deliberately wicked.
Ten minutes before class started, I walked to the lecture hall and unpacked my things. My notes were placed on the podium, and I set up the PowerPoint. Students entered the room, and each time the door opened, I found myself glancing up to see if it was Cody.
He’s not coming, I thought, as the clock hit nine.
But then the door swung open and he hurried inside, taking a seat in the back row. Just like the first day of class all over again. The hood was pulled up on his jacket, and he lowered it before ruffling his dark hair. I would bet anything that he had finished PT, showered, and fallen back asleep. He didn’t look at me, and I realized I was looking athima bit too much.
I cleared my throat before starting class.
“I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving,” I said and clicked to the first slide on the presentation. “We have a lot to cover today, so I’ll jump into it unless there are questions.”
When no one raised their hand, I started the lesson. By the end of the class period, I realized Cody hadn’t participated whatsoever. He didn’t ask questions or engage in discussion. He only took notes and stared at his textbook.
My watch buzzed, and I ended class on time.
“Mr. Miller? Can I see you a moment?”
Brandon glared at Cody before grabbing his bag and storming out. His rivalry with Cody was almost comical. I suspected he had grown up with older siblings and had developed a need to outshine everyone, but that was only a theory.
Cody stared at the floor as he walked over.
“Yes, Dr. Vale?”
“Will you look at me?” I whispered, refraining from reaching out and tilting his chin up. I wanted to touch him but knew I couldn’t.
Slowly, his blue-gray eyes met mine. Tears shone in them.
