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She’s out with him again. But what did I expect? For her to sit at home alone while I was on a date with another woman? Although I don’t know if I would call what Laura and I were doing tonight a date.
The more I get to know Dr. Hanson, the more I realize she’s competitive, arrogant, and a bit self-absorbed. She constantly tried to one-up me on everything I said. She used every opportunity she had to talk about Sadie, and not in a nice way. She clearly doesn’t approve of our relationship. And I know deep down she senses it’s more than just Sadie living with me.
But I think because of her competitive nature, she’s trying to steal me from her. It’s not flattering, and I don’t like it.
Now, the four of us are sitting at a bar-top table on New Year’s Eve, and I can’t take my eyes off Sadie.
“So, Jax, what do you do?” Laura asks from beside me. Sadie stiffens as Jax smiles widely.
“I’m actually an adult film star,” he says.
I can see Laura’s jaw drop in my periphery as Sadie takes a sip of her little red drink, her eyes averted to the side.
“Interesting,” Laura replies.
“Yeah,” Jax says smugly. “I’m actually on FanVids at the moment, but I was just telling Sadie that I’m hoping to move to directed productions soon.”
The table grows silent as we all avoid eye contact.
“It’s okay,” Jax says, trying to break the tension. “I know it’s kind of a unique job, but I like it.”
“That’s great. Congratulations,” Laura says. “And what about you, Miss Green?” she says, turning toward Sadie.
“Oh, she owns a sex club,” Jax says, and I wince inwardly as Sadie slaps his arm.
“I don’t own a club. I manage a club.”
“But you want to open one someday,” I say, my eyes focused on her. “Isn’t that right?”
As our gazes meet, the connection fiery and intense, she nods. “Yes, that is why I’m getting a business degree. Because someday I’d like to start my own.”
“That is incredible,” Laura says.
“And you’re both professors,” Jax replies.
“Yes,” I mutter in response.
“And Sadie here is one of Dr. Goode’s star pupils,” Laura says, and I breathe out a breath of frustration.
I need another drink.
By some miracle, the waitress happens to walk by, and I tap her on the arm to order two shots of Jameson and two beers.
“Oh, I don’t like beer,” Laura says, but I quickly shake my head.
“Oh, those are both for me.”
This gets a laugh from the table. Jax puts in his order, as does Laura, while Sadie continues to sip on her nonalcoholic drink.
“Is that true?” Jax asks. “Is Sadie one of your students?”
“Actually, yes,” I reply confidently. “She is. She’s probably the brightest student I’ve ever had.” I make sure to look her in the eye as I say this.
“Stop it,” she replies, rolling her eyes.
“I’m being serious,” I say. “Her writing is intelligent and thought-provoking. It’s as if she takes the topic that I assign and completely flips it inside out. She thinks like no one else I know. She’s changed my mind on literary topics so many times now I’ve lost count. And it’s not just how well she writes, but it’s also how interesting and creative her writing is. Everything she does is so…refreshing.”
Laura is smirking beside me as Jax’s jaw hangs open. But it’s Sadie’s expression that I’m focused on. The softness in her eyes, the warmth in her expression. She loves being praised, and I’m not just doing it to make her feel better. Every word I just said is true. She’s brilliant and fearless, and I don’t think she knows that. But God, I wish she did. And if I have to, I’ll spend the rest of my life telling her until she finally gets it.
