Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 77220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
They must have understood I was feeling terrible, my swollen eyes would have been a dead giveaway, and they responded with all kinds of suggestions. In an hour, we trimmed the deficit down to less than five thousand. Once we wrapped up the meeting I went to my classroom to finish working on my end of year reports. I did not have to look up when there was a knock on the door to know that it was Stacey.
She walked in, took a seat in the front row, and folded her arms across her chest. “Now tell me what really went on, Savannah.”
The desire to breakdown and cry on her shoulder was intense, but I tried to keep my voice steady. “It’s too awful, Stacey. Just know that he made me an offer I had no choice but to refuse. I’m sorry I let you guys down.”
“Max let us down, Savannah. Not you,” she said gently.
I swallowed hard. The tears were threatening again, but I blinked hard to keep them at bay.
“You’ve gone above and beyond anything we could have asked and none of us can think of a better committee chair. You have not let us down at all. I’m so proud of you, and for what it’s worth, I was wrong. I’m really disappointed in Max. I thought this would be his chance to redeem himself in your eyes and it would heal whatever wounds between the two of you. I truly believed he needed someone like you in his life, but, I guess, he blew it. It’s his loss.”
I looked into my friend’s eyes and smiled. “Thank you.”
“Anytime. Look, is there anything I can do?”
“No, I’ll be alright. I just need a bit of time on my own.”
“Okay. Just remember, we’ve got your back on this. And we will have our lab.” She stood and tapped the desk as she walked out. “Don’t stay too late. You’re a teacher not a slave.”
“I won’t,” I smiled softly. The smile remained long after she had left. It was amazing what a few kind words and positive energy could do. Alone in my classroom I mused on Stacey’s last words. We would have our lab indeed, and it would not be because of anything Max Blackstone had done.
11
MAX
I had to admit: I felt like a world class asshole after Savannah left. I fought the urge to chase after her. The last thing I needed was for her to think I was begging her for sex. The desire for revenge still beat in my chest but it felt like something alien inside me. I felt confused and conflicted. One meeting with her and she had reduced me to this mess of emotion. Of course, I wanted to make her pay for deserting me. For going with the man who had double-crossed me.
But the image of her face, shocked, hurt, and white as a sheet horrified me.
Part of me began making excuses for her. She had no obligation to remain with me. Just because I was head over heels in love with her didn’t mean she had to be too. She didn’t deserve to suffer for that.
I ran the fingers of both my hands through my hair.
What point would I feel satisfied that my revenge was complete, or if I would be stuck in a never ending cycle to get back at her? For Robert, it was easy. There was no conflict. It was clear cut. Wipe out his business without an ounce of regret. When he couldn’t even afford the hairspray that kept his stupid hair together, I’d walk away satisfied.
But Savannah was a different matter altogether. Even the sight of her crying was hurting my soul. A voice in my head was already telling me to consider the earlier scene as enough of a punishment.
I avoided Sheila’s eyes and grunted a dismissive reply when she asked if there was anything wrong with the donuts.
Once she was gone for the day, I worked until long into the night. Every now and again I had to fight the desire to pick up the phone and call Savannah. What could I have said anyway? I had not meant my offer? That would be a lie. I crave Savannah’s body.
I’ve been craving it day and night whilst I was inside and since I’ve been out.
I told myself Savannah was feisty. She didn’t give up easily. Once she started something she held on till the very end. I held on to that one slim thread of hope. The figures I had looked at were proof that the school desperately needed my money. After she had cooled down for a few days, she would be back.
I had played and the ball was now in her court.
The rest of the week passed in silence. It was already Friday and there was still no word from Savannah.