27. Brielle

My heart races as I sit in Grayson's archaeology class, my eyes tracing the lines of his chiseled jaw and strong arms. He paces around the room, enthusiasm pouring out of him with each word he speaks about ancient civilizations. It's hard to focus on anything other than the way he looks like a sexy Indiana Jones with his khaki pants and button-down shirt rolled up at the sleeves.

Grayson's voice fills the room. "And that, students, is how we can learn from our past to better understand our present."

His piercing blue eyes scan the room, making me feel like he's looking right into my soul. My breath catches, and for a moment I'm lost in his gaze.

"Any questions?" he asks, directing his attention back to the class. Silence follows, and I force myself to think of something, anything other than how desperately I want to run my fingers through his dark hair.

"Alright then," Grayson says, closing his notebook. "Remember to study for next week's test. Have a great day."

The bell rings, signaling the end of class. Students start filing out, chatting excitedly about their weekend plans. I gather my things, hoping to slip away unnoticed, but fate has other ideas.

"Ms. Rose," Grayson calls out, causing my heart to skip a beat. I turn to face him as he approaches me. "I was wondering if you'd like to grab lunch with me?"

My eyes widen in surprise, and I glance around the room, suddenly aware of the lingering gazes of my classmates. My mind races, trying to figure out why Grayson would ask me this in front of everyone. Is it really just an innocent lunch invitation, or does he have ulterior motives?

"What are you doing?" I hiss, trying to keep my voice low. "Why are you asking me this in front of everyone?"

"Relax, Brielle," Grayson says, his tone calm and reassuring. "It's not what you think. I occasionally take my students out for lunch to discuss their grades and progress in the class."

My racing heart slows down a bit, but confusion still clouds my mind. "Oh. Okay, then," I say, trying to regain my composure. "It was just…unexpected."

"Sorry if it caught you off guard," Grayson replies, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I should've probably asked you privately. But I promise there's nothing to worry about."

I nod, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. It's ridiculous how a single lunch invitation can send me spiraling like this. I need to get a grip on these emotions.

"Yeah, sure, that should be fine."

"Want to drive together?"

"It would probably be best if we drove separately."

He nods, understanding. "I'm thinking the little sub shop right up the street."

"Alright, see you there," I say, trying to sound casual.

* * *

I hurryto the little sub place where we agreed to meet, my heart pounding in anticipation while I try to think about what Grayson could want to talk to me about. As I enter, the smell of fresh bread and deli meats fills my nostrils, momentarily distracting me from my thoughts.

"Table for two, please," I tell the hostess, who guides me to a cozy booth by the window. I slide into the seat, my gaze darting around the room as I try to compose myself. This is just about school, nothing else.

"Can I get you anything to drink while you wait?" a friendly server asks, snapping me out of my reverie.

"Um, just water for now, thanks," I reply, my eyes scanning the menu even though I know it by heart. This used to be one of Dad's favorite places, and he came here often regardless of how much Mom used to hate it.

"Here's your water," the server says, setting a glass down in front of me. "Let me know if you need anything else."

"Thank you," I murmur, taking a sip of the ice-cold liquid and welcoming the brief respite it provides from my racing thoughts.

My fingers trace the condensation on the glass of water as I scan the room, trying to keep my nerves at bay.

The door swings open, but it isn't Grayson.

Instead, I spot Jamie—my ex-boyfriend, who proposed to me, which led to me fleeing to New York. He's accompanied by Marina, my former best friend who turned her back on me once she thought there were better people to spend time with.

"Shit," I mutter under my breath, sinking lower in my seat. Maybe they won't see me. Just maybe.

"Is that Brielle? Hey, Brielle!" Marina calls out in that sickly sweet tone she's perfected over the years. Damn it.

This is going to be far from fun.

"Hi, Marina," I reply through gritted teeth, plastering on a fake smile. I'm not nearly as good as she is.

"Long time no see," she says with a grin, pulling Jamie closer to her side as if she's throwing his presence in my face. "I had no idea you were back in town. Why didn't you text or call?"

I ball my hand into a fist underneath the table, against my leg. I don't want to cause a scene.

"I figured you were busy." I press my lips together to stop from saying anything else.

Can this encounter be over already?

"Never too busy for you." She smirks. "Oh, I didn't even think how awkward this might be. You two haven't seen each other since New York, have you?"

I can't believe I was ever her friend. "That's right."

"Oh, I know you hurt Jamie's feelings, but I was able to get him over it. It turns out we're basically soulmates, so you leaving was the best thing that could have happened to me."

The feeling is mutual right about now.

"I'm happy," I manage to get out.

"Oh, don't be weird, say hello, Jamie."

"Hey, Brielle," he says casually, as if we don't have a complicated history together. "How was New York?"

"Uh, it was good," I reply, trying to keep my composure. Images of our time together flash through my mind—the laughter, the arguments, the tears. As much as I wish to forget, it's all still there, buried beneath the surface.

Except now, it doesn't mean anything. I don't feel the same way I used to.

"Meet any interesting people?" Marina chimes in, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "I'm sure you must have come back with a man on your hip? Tell me about the guy."

I swallow. "Nope, I'm single."

"Really, how surprising. You would have thought by the way you dumped Jamie and left him behind that you had a million suitors just waiting to knock your door down."

I'm a little fed up by this point, and my nose twitches. "It happens sometimes. Remember the high school dance before your nose job? Sometimes the dating pool is rough." I laugh as if I'm being friendly, but I'm just playing the same game she is.

Her cheeks turn red from embarrassment, and she narrows her eyes at me. "You are just a bitch to everyone who comes in and out of your life, aren't you?"

"Marina." Jamie grabs ahold of her, but her words don't hurt me like she intends them to.

"You started it. Don't be upset because I finished it."

"At least I'm not sitting having lunch by myself," she growls. "You'll always be alone."

That hurts a little bit.

"I beg to differ." I look up and Grayson is standing right beside me, just in time to save the day, once again my knight in shining armor.