Page 37 of The Teacher of Nothing
I grimace at being called Darren’s little girl. “No. This has nothing to do with me and everything to do with him.”
“It’s not a crime to be friends with someone.”
Callum’s stare hasn’t left me. I can feel it cutting into me like a hot knife. I want to look back at him, but I also don’t want to be obvious. My cheeks heat knowing I’m the object of his attention. Dempsey is rambling, but I can’t focus on him.
It’s not until Callum steps into his classroom that I finally manage to suck air back into my lungs. I quickly catch up to what Dempsey is saying, something about how wasted they’re going to get on Friday, and nod as though I never missed a word. He walks me to my first hour, gives me a mock salute, and then saunters away.
By the time I’ve settled into my seat and checked my phone, I notice a missed text.
Callum: Should I be worried my family is going to steal you away from me?
He adds in an eye roll emoji that has me smiling. Despite his joking, I think he’s jealous or at the very least feeling insecure. My chest tightens, knowing he’s just as vulnerable as I am. Thisthing between us has the potential to go sideways or blow up in our faces.
Yet, we’re both here for it.
Me: They invited me to a party Friday night. Even offered to sneak me out of the house.
Callum: And?
Me: It’s kind of nice to have friends. That’s what friends do, right?
I’m eagerly awaiting his reply, but he doesn’t respond. As my teacher starts the lecture, I remain focused on my phone. Finally, it buzzes.
Callum: I just gave everyone a pop quiz so I could get back to this conversation.
Me: You’re so evil.
Callum: You have no idea. And, yeah, that’s what friends do.
Me: So you don’t care if I go?
Callum: Are you asking my permission?
A thrill shoots through me.
Me: Yes.
Callum: Good girl. Let me think on it. Now pay attention in class. I wouldn’t want to have to give you detention for texting in class.
Since I want to please him, I dutifully put my phone away and get busy taking notes. Sure, detention would be fun, especially with him, but obeying him is better.
I don’t want to be the teacher’s pet.
I want to be the teacher’s good girl.
His sweetheart.
Callum
I’ve never done this before.
Certainly not with a student.
But this whole flirting gig is new to me. Maybe, when I was in high school, I flirted like every other guy. After Jamie and my dad did me dirty, it skewed the way I see dating and relationships. Since then, I’ve gone out with women, but usually only as a means to an end.
Sex.
It’s not like I’m a total asshole who fucks and runs, but I certainly don’t stay. If I need to get laid, I go out or meet up with some friends, and then find someone to share a night with. By morning, I’m not keen on the hopeful look in their eyes.
