I close the door and get back to work. It’s not my business, and I have to remember that I work here and regardless of what is going on, Simon and I aren’t together. At this point, we may never be. He can do whatever he pleases.
I barely sit back in the chair and start typing when the door slams open. “Would you stop fucking doing that,” I snap at Simon. He’s breathing heavily, staring at me like a crazed, panicked man. “Are you okay?”
“Am I okay? You’re the one who’s upset at me again.”
I put my hand up. “Are you taking your medication?”
“I’m not fucking crazy, Vivian. We didn’t miss your expression.”
“I don’t care what you didn’t miss. I also didn’t miss that your limp is more intense since this morning.”
“Did you come to babysit me? Is that why you’re here?” he snaps.
“Don’t fucking turn this shit around on me. I’m just concerned, asshole. I won’t give a shit, then. Limp, be in pain, and then go fuck your stupid slutty professor, okay?” He’s on me in a heartbeat. My body is up and out of the chair. His hands are in my hair.
“You are such a damn brat. I’m not fucking anyone. I’ve never fucked anyone. I only want to be inside you, and one daysoon, I will be. Trust me. I am tempted, and I think everyone is trying to push me over the edge. I’d love to bend you over this desk and fuck you so damn hard you’d understand that no one else matters.”
“Then what the hell was that shit down there? If you want me, what is she?”
“A professor who just crossed the line. She had no reason to come here today. My final math class is online. There is no reason for her to show up, so I’m not understanding it either, but as soon as I saw her dressed like that, I knew damn well what her game was. I politely told her that I’m engaged to be married and not interested in anything except math.”
“Why—did she think she had a chance?”
“She wanted to use my time off against me. What a bitch. I hadn’t thought she’d come here or anything. It’s all recorded, and she’s a fool because she’s married with kids.” He shakes his head. I wonder how he knows so much about the teacher since he’s not in school.
“It’s in the school bio in the online course,” he says, answering my unspoken question.
“Are you going to report her?”
“No. I’m not interested in causing any drama. I just want to graduate.”
“That’s wise.”
“You have nothing to worry about, Vivian.”
I nod. “We’re friends, Simon.”
“We’re more than that, and you know it.”
“Why the change? Do you even know why you suddenly stopped pushing me away?”
“I almost died.” I nod, biting down on the edge of my bottom lip. He doesn’t know that he let his jealousy give in and he showed me more of himself before pushing me away.
“I know. I can’t forget it.”
“Hey, what am I missing? What did I do?”
“I need to finish this paperwork.”
Mr. West taps his hand on the door frame as he ducks his head inside the office. “Hey, you two. We’ve given you both enough time to talk today. It’s time for you to head home, Vivian,” he says. He looks knowingly at Simon. “Same to you, Son. You need to eat and get some rest. Don’t even dare argue, either. I’m going to drop Vivian off, and you’re going home.”
“What about the work?”
“It will be there for Monday. My wife and I will be here on Monday morning to handle it, and whatever we don’t finish, you’ll work on it when you come in.”
“Okay.” I smile at him and walk around his body to avoid going near Simon.
****
