Mark Garrett closed the screen on his IPAD. “Here is the written assignment for
next week,” he said as Mary handed out papers. “Today we’re going to have a
discussion. Which American novelist had the greatest impact on American
literature during their lifetime? I want your opinions. And back them up with
examples of the writer’s work and your analysis, please. Who wants to start?”
After his announcement, he selected a student, sat back with arms crossed, and listened, congratulating himself on finding a way out of being totally unprepared for class because he couldn't think of anything except Charlotte.
The discussion was lively. When the minute hand reached twelve, the students stood up and filed slowly out of the classroom.
Mary Rhodes appeared in the doorway.
“Great class today,” she
said, smiling too broadly.
“Thanks,” Mark said, paying her no mind as he gathered his books and notes together.
He had a light day and couldn’t wait to get back to Charlotte.
Mary didn’t budge.
“Something you want, Mary?” Mark asked, impatient to get
going.
“No, no. Nothing.” Again she smiled the smile he found so
irritating. He figured she thought she was flirting, but all it did was make
her unattractive and obvious as hell.
“Okay,
then. I’ve got to be going,” he tucked his books under his arm and stopped at
the doorway. “Please move back and let me by,” he said.
“Oh, sure,” she said, moving a tiny bit.
As he went out, she
accidentally on purpose brushed against him. Damn, she gave him the creeps. Was
she up to something? While he hated to be suspicious of people, after all his
years as a professor he’d learned to expect anything from female students. By
the way, that included teaching assistants, too.
He swallowed and strode
quickly to the parking lot. The sooner he got home and contacted Charlotte the
better he'd feel. When he walked into his house, his feeling of unease didn’t
evaporate. It continued to beat slowly but steadily in his brain. He looked out
the front window. Nope. No one there. Had he dissolved into paranoia? He picked
up his phone.
“Charlotte? Good to hear
your voice. Yes, tonight. Let’s go to Pine Grove for dinner.”
He paused.
“Why? Because I simply feel the need to leave town for a few hours. New scenery. And to be with you. Can you do it?”
That's all, folks. I'll let you know when the whole story is written and published. Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment.
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