My Professor(48)

That comment stings more than any of the others. I find myself annoyed with Alexander for inviting me here then leaving me alone to fend for myself. Had I known this would be the case, I would have just skipped tonight altogether.

Waiters start to appear with drinks and food, and Heath corners me for a few minutes, asking me questions and inching closer until Colette pries him away to the other side of the room. Seeing my opportunity for what it is, I make my escape out onto a small balcony. I noticed someone go out there earlier to smoke, but now it’s blessedly empty.

It’s cold—too cold to stay out here for very long—but I appreciate the quiet as I lean against the railing and take another sip of my drink, hating the fact that it’s almost gone.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize someone was out here,” says a polished feminine voice behind me.

I turn, and my heart sinks when I see Miranda standing in the doorway, obviously waiting for me to invite her outside or cast her away. I hadn’t considered the possibility of her being here tonight, though I suppose it makes sense. These people all seem to be connected one way or another.

“It’s fine. I wasn’t going to stay much longer.”

I make a move to go back inside, but she angles her elegant silver cigarette case toward me. I shake my head, declining her offer.

She shrugs as she walks to the far side of the balcony, giving me space. “Just as well. It’s a terrible habit. I only do it every once in a while, and tonight feels like a good night. Talk with me a second, will you? I’ll be bored out here by myself otherwise.”

I contemplate going back inside and ignoring her request, but politeness wins out. I remain in my spot against the railing. How surreal to be sharing a balcony with the very woman who turned my stomach yesterday. I study her as she lights her thin cigarette, inhales, and then deftly exhales the smoke out toward the night sky. She’s wearing a dark green dress that hugs her figure. Her hair is swept up in a loose knot, and her diamond earrings gleam in the low light seeping out from the sitting room.

I’m wondering if Jonathan gave her those earrings as she says, “I saw your photo with Jonathan in the press. That red dress.” She tuts. “You knew what you were doing with that one.” She repeats the ritual with her cigarette and taps off the ash twice before peering over at me. “I didn’t realize Emmett and Alexander had a sister.”

“I keep to myself mostly.”

“Yes, of course, except for when you step out in a come-hither red gown, I suppose.”

Her comment is meant in jest judging by the cheeky smile she’s aiming my way, but even still, I fidget on my feet, trying to hide my embarrassment.

“So you’re the baby of the family, huh? You sure look young. Are you still in college?”

I shake my head. “I work in the city.”

“Where?”

“Banks and Barclay.”

Her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. “Well isn’t that interesting. I suppose your brothers got you the job? Pulled some strings with Jonathan?”

“Professor Barclay didn’t even realize I was applying until after I landed the position,” I say defensively.

She looks utterly taken aback, maybe even amused as she asks, “You call him Professor? Why?”

I contemplate lying, but what does it matter?

“He was my professor at Dartmouth. It stuck, I guess.”

Her eyes widen. “God. You are young.”

I’m beginning to feel like this conversation has absolutely no purpose except to let Miranda scope me out. Rather than flee, I decide to use the opportunity to my advantage as well.

“Did Professor Barclay invite you here tonight?”

“Jonathan…Emmett…Alexander…it was one of them.” She flicks the ash from her cigarette then takes another long drag. “We’re a close-knit bunch. I’ve known them forever.”

“But you’re dating Professor Barclay, aren’t you?”

A devilish smirk overtakes her red lips. “You keep this close of an eye on all your employers?”

I look down at my feet, hating how easily she takes ownership of the conversation.

“I’d say you should ask him, but I don’t think that’d be an appropriate question to ask your boss.”

She thinks that word will deter me, but it goes to show how little she understands the situation she’s found herself in.

“I was confused when I saw the photo of the two of you together,” she continues. “At the start of this conversation, I assumed Jonathan knew you through your brothers. Now, I suppose there’s another possibility. Your cheeks are the prettiest shade of pink. I bet that drives Jonathan wild.”

“Emelia.” We both turn to see Alexander standing at the door, looking relieved to have found me. “I thought you left.”

“No need to worry, Alexander. I was looking after her just fine. Isn’t that right, Emelia?”

I merely nod as she stubs out the last of her cigarette and flicks it over the balcony.

“I’ll give you two some privacy, but I do hope we find another opportunity to chat tonight,” she says, giving me a sugary sweet smile before brushing past Alexander.

His brows furrow as he looks between us. “What was that about?”

I shrug. “How should I know? I only met the woman a few minutes ago.”