“Yes, sure. What can I do for you?”

Forrester closes the door before taking a seat. His face is more serious than usual. I smell trouble.

“I have a delicate matter to discuss with you.”

Ah fuck. Has he somehow found out about Chiara and me? A spike of adrenaline shoots through my veins, but I keep my poker face on.

“I’m listening.”

“I hate to say this without proof, but I caught wind of a rumor that one of the DuBose’s teachers is having an affair with a student.”

I swallow hard but don’t say anything. If Forrester asks point blank if I’m involved with Chiara, I won’t lie.

He laughs nervously. “You know how kids are on social media. Gossip spreads like wildfire.”

“How did you catch wind of this rumor?”

“Through my daughter, Jillian. I overheard a conversation between her and a friend. It was by accident, but it made me extremely concerned. That’s why I’m here speaking with you. I don’t want to accuse Miss Kensington of improper conduct based on mere gossip.”

“Miss Kensington?”

“Yes. Apparently she was caught making out with one of her students at a popular bar downtown. I had my assistant look into it, and there is indeed a picture of someone who looks like her in a passionate embrace with a guy. Here, I had Marianne print this out for me.”

Forrester pulls a folded piece of paper from his jacket and slides it over to me. Frowning, I pick up the photo and grind my teeth as I stare at a very dark and grainy picture.

“This could be anyone, Forrester.”

“I know. But what if the rumors are true? You know what they say, ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire.’”

“Are you here seeking my advice?”

“In a way, yes.”

“Don’t do anything. Pretend you’ve never heard about the rumors. If you bring Miss Kensington in to ask questions without solid proof, you might lose a very good teacher and possibly get your ass sued as well.”

Forrester doesn’t balk at my crude remark. We’ve known each other for a very long time. He flattens his lips and stares at my desk.

“Yes, you’re right. Besides, I don’t want to sound sexist, but the reality is that a relationship between a female teacher and a male student wouldn’t do as much damage to DuBose’s reputation as if it had been the other way around. Provided the student is of age, naturally.”

His careless comment has me clenching my jaw so hard I’m afraid I’m going to break a tooth.

“Well, I’d better get going.” He stands up. “You must have plenty of things to do. I still remember how chaotic it gets when classes start. Thanks for your help, Alistair.”

“Any time.”

I’m still reeling minutes after Forrester’s departure. Fuck. If this conversation wasn’t a clear sign that I have to get my shit together, I don’t know what is.

I need to get out of here, but I still have stuff to do. In my inbox, there’s a brand-new message from a coworker with the subject line “Huge favor.” Curious, I click on it. Vivian never really asks for favors unless she’s in dire need.

Scanning the message quickly, I realize that’s the case. Her mother suffered a heart attack this morning, and Vivian flew to Houston to see her. She’s wondering if I can cover her biweekly class and help with the project she’s leading, the Annual Film Festival. I’ve always been involved in the past, this year being the only time I didn’t volunteer thanks to my messy personal life.

The email came with an attachment, a list of all the students who volunteered to help. Vivian isn’t expecting me to say no.

I shake my head. This is what I get for always being the dependable guy.

Naturally, I’m going to say yes, but a sliver of apprehension takes hold of me. I open the document she sent, quickly scan through it, and then curse under my breath.

Chiara is on the list.

22

Chiara

Last week I signed up to help with the Annual Film Festival organized by the school. Every year they focus on a specific country, and this year is Italy’s turn. I couldn’t pass it up. My film history teacher, Mrs. Weiland, is spearheading the project.

I’m excited as I head to the kickoff meeting. But the moment I step foot inside the lecture hall, the grin I had on my face wilts to nothing. Instead of finding Mrs. Weiland, Alistair is in her place.

What the hell is he doing here?

He turns around and stops talking. My steps falter, and I clutch the strap of my backpack tighter. Unprepared for this unexpected encounter, I’m not quick enough to put on an indifferent mask. In fact, me standing rooted to the spot is not helping my case either.

“Miss Moretti, please take a seat.”

“Am I late? The email Mrs. Weiland sent said four o’clock. It’s ten to.”

“No, you aren’t late.”

The corners of his lips pull up in an attempted half smile. His eyes are soft as he watches me, and my stupid heart rejoices.

I force my legs to move, sitting in the nearest chair, which means front row and much too close to Alistair.

“Hey,” Valerie greets me.

Jesus, I was so stunned by Alistair’s presence that I didn’t even notice I took the seat next to hers.

“Hi.”

Alistair looks down at the sheet of paper in his hand and says, “It seems everyone is here. As I was explaining before, Mrs. Weiland had a family emergency and asked me to cover her classes and take over the Annual Film Festival project.”

My heart begins to beat faster in panic. Film history is a biweekly class. How am I going to deal with seeing Alistair more than once a week?

He approaches my chair, and I immediately tense up. He frowns slightly, which tells me he noticed. Cazzo.

“Here’s the list of tasks. Your name is already assigned to them. Would you mind?”

He gives me the stack of papers, again watching me as if I’m on the verge of breaking.

Oh God. Is he feeling guilty?