CHAPTER28
Lucy
If I thought losingCody the first time hurt, then I was clueless just how bad it could be. I didn’t stop crying the rest of the day, and I got no sleep last night. My chest aches as if my heart has literally been ripped out.
Cody has texted, called, he’s even stopped by, begging me to let him in. Ignoring him was the hardest thing. But when I told my dad I called it off and that he needs to leave Cody alone, he agreed. I knew then I’d done the right thing. For Cody.
It’s Monday. I’ve gotten through all my classes for the day and have decided to contact Liz to let her know I have some free time. If she needs more help covering the 101 course—I can use the distraction. But before I can reach for my phone, there’s a knock on my office door.
I freeze in panic, certain that Cody is on the other side. I can’t face him. I’m not strong enough to keep saying no to us.
“Lucy? Are you in there?”
I breathe a sigh of relief.Ted.I can handle Ted.
I unlock and open the door. Ted stands in the doorway, beaming.
“Hey, I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” he says.
“No, it’s fine.”
“Why was your door locked?”
I frown. He tried to walk in?
His smile falls. “I just meant that you often have your door open for your students.”
“Oh. Yeah, not today. I broke things off with Cody and I don’t want to face him.”
“Really?” Ted grins.
I turn away and grab my coat. "Look, I’m not in a good mood so it’s probably best I talk to you some other time.”
“Sorry. I don’t mean to be insensitive, but I won’t lie, I’m glad to hear that’s over. You can do better.”
I don’t respond. I don’t want to discuss this, especially not with Ted.
“Let me take you to that dinner we missed,” he suggests. “We can either talk about it or not.”
Yeah, ‘or not’.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
Ted nods. “It looks like you need a friend. And maybe a night out will take your mind off of everything.”
Talking and thinking about something else would be good. If I go home, I’ll replay everything over and over again.
I arch a brow. “You’re willing to try dinner again after what happened last week?”
I still feel bad, and I’ve apologized several times. He seemed distant for a few days, but then everything went back to normal for us.
He leans against the doorframe. “I’m willing. So, what do you say?”
Since I hid in my locked office during office hours, I already have tomorrow’s lessons ready to go.
“Sure. I’d like that.” I reach over and shut off my office lights. “Walk me to my car?” When I finally glance back to him, he’s still beaming. He was beaming before I told him about Cody. “You look radiant. What has you so happy?”
He holds the door open as I pass through. “Oh, nothing really. The sun was out when I woke up, and that was all I needed.”
