He puts his glasses back on. “I’m ready for anything. If you’re sure you want to keep this up, I am, too.”
I’m not sure. I’m not sure I won’t get hurt. But we’re here now, and I want to see where this thing could go.
“I am. One hundred percent.”
Sean smiles at me. “It’ll be fine. Trust me.”
And I do.
I believe in his words, in his faith. I believe in his sincerity, his honesty.
And I do trust him.
I don’t know why, and I don’t know when it happened, but there you go.
It’s a shame I can’t say the same for myself.
17Sean
Professor Smith approaches me in the hallway. “So, Quinn,” he says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Are you bringing anyone along tonight?”
“What’s that, sorry?”
“The opening party for the new library. Did you forget?”
Damn it.
“Of course not. How could I forget such an important event?”
“So you do have a date?” he asks, winking suggestively.
I’ve never hidden my sexuality from anyone, even though I’m quite reserved as a person. And it’s never caused me any problems – especially not as an adult, in my workplace. But I have to admit that lately my single loser status has been attracting a little too much attention from colleagues who are too invested in my love life. They always seem to have a friend, or a distant relative, who would be perfect for me. They keep suggesting these dates to me at regular intervals and I keep politely declining.
I’ve never been lucky with men, and I don’t want that to become public knowledge.
“Actually, I…”
“Are you bringing your sister again?”
I didn’t even ask her, to be honest. I have no idea whether she has plans tonight, or would be able to come at such short notice.
Professor Smith gives me a friendly pat on the shoulder.
“Well, if she’s not available… I have this friend…”
“A f-friend?”
“A friend who likes men.”
“Oh…” I say, embarrassed. “Sure.”
“I could set you up.”
“I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”
“Are you sure? Because he’s a really nice guy…”
“I’m actually seeing someone.”
