Page 41 of Pretty Vile

I pause for a moment to consider why that is. Why this means so much to me. The dawning of realization comes out of nowhere—because I want to stay here. I want to make Ridgeway my home. I can envision a life here—one where I spend my days lecturing and watching my students grow and learn, and my nights curled up with Hawk in front of the TV, laughing over a glass of wine with Kai while we prepare dinner, and being tortured to death by Wilder between the sheets at night.

Although I've been contemplating a career in teaching for some time, and I know I told Wilder I was staying, saying it and actually envisioning it are two different things. I know I'm finally on the right track because I can now vividly imagine that future in my mind rather than the hazy fog I always saw when I visualized a future with Richard. I’m where I was always meant to be, doing what I was meant to do.

Still daydreaming about what my life here could look like, I exit the bathroom and make my way toward The Globe. On my way, I check the group chat for the guys’ responses. I know Hawk and Kai won’t be thrilled—and who knows what Wilder’s reaction will be. Nevertheless, we all know that in Mel’s eyes, this will demonstrate that I’m heeding her warning. Besides, it’s not like I’m going to be left alone. Plus, Mel has been careful to keep her distance from me physically since the storm. Whatever she has planned, it’s greater than lurking in wait for me to lower my guard.

Kai:I’ve sent someone to keep an eye on you. Be on your guard, but try and have some fun.

Hawk:Message every hour so we know you’re okay.

Unsurprisingly,there’s no response from Wilder, and satisfied that the guys aren’t on their way to haul my ass home, I tuck my phone back in my pocket as I reach the bar.

Heat envelops me as soon as I step inside, my eyes drinking in the dark wooden tables and bar top, the comfy-looking brown leather armchairs and booths, and checkered tweed cushions. It’s precisely how I’d imagine a bar called The Globe would look —olde-worlde, rustic, and cozy, like how I picture a typical small English pub.

An open fire burns in the grate, chasing away the cold winter weather and immediately inviting you further into the room.

“Hey, Emilia,” Carrie calls out, spotting me in the doorway. A crowd of five people are packed into a booth beside the fire, and I give Carrie a small wave as I maneuver around the tables toward her. Except for the bartender, no one else is here. Although, I guess it’s still too early for most students to be out drinking. Plus, I can absolutely understand why Carrie said most students don’t bother coming here.

It’s an acquired taste, not one most college students who just want to get wasted and party would be interested in. In any case, it’s absolutely my kind of vibe. I can picture myself here with a glass of red wine, reading a book by the fire, or grading papers at one of the tables.

“Hey,” I say when I’ve made it to their table, giving everyone an awkward wave.

“Emilia, this is Daniel, Isaac, Alice, and Louis,” Carrie introduces, working her way around the table. “Everyone, this is Emilia. She’s filling in for Francis this year.”

“Nice to finally meet you, Emilia,” Daniel says as I take the empty seat beside him. “Tell us about yourself.”

“Oh, uhh.”Crap, why didn’t I anticipate this?“I only moved to Ridgeway at the beginning of the academic year. I worked in publishing before.”

“Oh, wow,” Louis, who is sitting opposite me, says. “I’m sure that was completely different from teaching.”

I wasn’t in publishing for all that long, and I was a grunt at the bottom of the food chain, working all hours of the day, but since it would probably look suspicious for someone straight out of college with zero experience to get a job teaching here, I lie through my teeth. “Oh, yeah. Vastly different.”

“And how are you settling in? Are you finding the course load manageable?” Alice asks. “I know I felt in over my head when I first started. It can take a while to get into the swing of things.”

“I’m definitely a little out of my depth,” I say self-deprecatingly.

She gives me a knowing smile. “Well, if you ever need any pointers or want to run a lesson plan past me, my door is always open.”

“Right, that’s enough work talk,” Louis states loudly, raising chuckles from us all. “Emilia, you need a drink. What can I get you?”

I ask for a glass of wine, and the six of us fall into easy chatter. Everyone in the department seems close, and they soon fill me in on the details of their personal lives so I never feel left out. I laugh and chat with them, not noticing the time until the bartender walks over to tell us it’s last call.

We all bundle into our coats, and I call a taxi before we head out into the cold night.

“It was nice to meet you,” Isaac—an older, polite gentleman—says.

“Yeah, we’ll grab coffee next week,” Alice tells me, the others saying their goodbyes before everyone breaks off and heads toward their cars.

I notice Louis hanging back, and when I turn to look at him, he says, “I’ll wait with you.”

“Oh no, you don’t have to do that. I’m sure the taxi will be here any minute.”

“It’s not a problem,” he says easily as we amble toward where I’m supposed to meet the cab.

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy working here,” he says casually. He—everyone—has been nothing but pleasant all evening. “It’s a great place, and the department has a great team.”

“Everyone seems so nice,” I agree.

He laughs. “You should see us on our monthly quiz night. Alice is ultra-competitive. She’ll rip your head off if you get an answer wrong.”

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