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“I think you should. It’s never a good idea to get mixed up in these kinds of things. They can taint your reputation and that of your students.”
Yet, that’s already seems to have happened regardless.
“Of course.” I pause, glancing up at the clock. “I need to go pick up my son. He’ll be waiting for me.”
Dr. Lewis nods, giving me a solemn look. “Have a nice evening, Aiden.”
“You, too.” I exit the room.
I don’t even know how to feel about the events of the day. I turned Melody away, and yet, we’ve both still encountered the same reaction as if wehadkissed today. As if we have been giving in to our desires all along.
And I haven’t even had a chance to make sure she’s okay after what happened in the hallway. I let out a sigh as I take in the now-empty area. No one is hanging around, and I’m sure Melody has long gone. I don’t blame her for that either.
It’s just a shame that we’re damned if we do, damned if we don’t.
I made the right decision today tonotget involved with Melody, yet it still came back to get me. Why does it matter why I hired her?
I shake my head as I slip out of the building, heading for the car.
I need to go get Connor from horseback riding lessons.
I slide into the car and glance around, half expecting to see Melody’s junker somewhere around. But I don’t. I start the engine and head to the outskirts of town.
Twenty minutes later, I navigate my car down the long asphalt drive and park in the lot next to the arena.
Before I get out, I scan the area, searching for Connor.
Sometimes, he comes to the car, and sometimes, I have to go looking for him. Today, apparently, I have to go looking for him.
I grunt as I climb out and head for the main barn, breathing in the scent of horses—and the things that come with them.
The stables are nice, though I don’t know much about that sort of thing.
Lucky for me, I find Connor right there in the aisle, brushing down a sweaty bay mare. “Hey, buddy.” I force a smile that I really don’t feel.
“You’re kinda late.” He doesn’t look up.
I lean against the stall door. “I know. Sorry about that. I had a bit of a problem come up this afternoon with one of the students.” I don’t specify the exact issue, because Connor knows exactly who Melody is and there’s no need to give him anything to wonder about.
“Ah, I guess that makes sense.” Connor runs the brush down the back of the horse. “Do you think I could have a friend over?”
I raise my brows. “Sure.” The fact that he’s even bringing it up is a plus. He’s kept people at bay since everything happened with Madeline and me. “Who do you want to invite over?”
“Dorian.”
My stomach knots up. “I don’t know about that. His sister is one of my students. It could look bad...”
“Why?Shedoesn’t have to come over. I just want to hang out with Dorian. We never get to see each other since we go to different schools, but we talk all the time. It’d be cool to actually hang out and do stuff.”
I take a deep breath and run my hands over my face. “I... I really don’t know.”
“Comeon,Dad.” Connor’s shoulders fall. “You always tell me that I should have friends, and now Idohave a friend.”
It’s true. I’ve wanted him to make connections, and Dorianishis age. Also, if it’s my guess, Dorian could use the companionship, too.
“You know what…” I recall the way everything has backfired regardless of me trying to be careful. “Yeah. We can invite him over. Maybe do a dinner and then you guys can do whatever you want.”
Connor’s face lights up. “Seriously? You’re good with it?”
