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“Right,” Callie says as she gets up. “But can I watch Toy Story first?” She blinks wide innocent eyes at Sebastian, who nods but gives a condition with a shake of his head.
“One hour, Callie. One hour.”
Callie's response is a huge hug as she runs out of the dinner area excitedly. I wonder just how often Sebastian allows himself to indulge in activities like that. Callie is arguably the smartest in my class, and I've always wondered if she has extra tutoring at home.
Sebastian looks at the time and turns to me, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips as he asks, “I don't know if I can indulge you with wine while we move our conversation somewhere else.”
I am suddenly reminded that I did not just come to dine. With Sebastian's focus on me, it has been very easy to lose sight of why I came here in the first place.
I nod and step forward, following Sebastian toward what looks like an entirely different wing. I cannot help but wonder just how big his home is. I feel like I have been thrust into a fantastical world of some sort.
“I wonder how big this place is.”
Sebastian chuckles.
“Would you like a tour?” He asks as he turns to face me. “I can show you more than I can tell you.”
I shake my head with a smile.
“I'd rather a rain check, please. My stomach is full and I feel like I will fall flat on my face if I attempt to casually walk the entire length of this mansion.”
“Good thing you see us doing this again.” He accepts as we begin to climb a flight of stairs.
I duck my head shyly because I had not even realized I was looking forward to visiting again. Not until he pointed it out.
We arrive at what looks like the first floor and begin to walk down a dimly lit hallway. I silently wonder where he is taking me, but do not question him. We reach a door at the end of the hallway. Sebastian gently leads me toward it and pushes the door open, ushering me in. As soon as I enter, I get a little blindsided by the fluorescent light. I’m thankful when Sebastian reaches out his hand and turns them off. Now we are only bathed in the colorful lights he has strategically placed at the corners of the office, purely for aesthetics.
When my eyes slowly adjust to the dimness, I take in the desk at the far end of the room laden with files and an executive chair. This room appears to be a home office of some sort and as I continue to look around, I catch sight of a portrait on his desk. Even though I'm tempted to move toward it for a closer look, I know it would be rude of me to do that. Instead I turn to Sebastian and find him watching me with a curious look in his eyes. I can’t help but smile.
“Thank you for inviting me,” I tell him.
I can't remember the last time I’ve eaten that much. As a teacher, I usually scrape everything I earn together to make rent and cover basic needs. I do not want to have a roommate like Meghan. So instead, I’m constantly paying the price of it each month when I send over my rent to my landlord.
“I should be the one thanking you for agreeing to this.” He replies as he begins to stroll toward the large table. “I now believe you are a wonderful teacher who's good at your job. It takes a lot for my child to be taken by someone.”
An amazed chuckle slips from my lips.
Is this his way of apologizing for calling me incompetent? Is he eating his words?
I am not going to try to pry an apology out of him, not when he already looks a little uncomfortable while saying these last words.
“I don't know what to say to that,” I tell him honestly.
This was the same man who had called me incapable. I don't know if his opinion of me has truly changed because he knows that I am good at my job or if he is simply trying to please me. After all, now he wants something from me.
“You don't have to say anything,” He replies as he motions for me to sit.
My heart flutters as he comes over and leans against the desk in front of me; our knees almost touching.
“I know Callie is different. I have always sensed it. I realize now that I didn’t pay close enough attention to her. Please tell me everything you know.”
I shrug as I look down at my hands.
“There’s not much to tell,” I confess. “Regardless, at the end of the day, she’s still Callie,” I tell him with a smile. “Nothing has changed about her. You don’t have to treat her differently.”
Sebastian nods.
“I guess you’re correct.”
“I dare say that I'm more than qualified to advise on the subject matter.”
Sebastian looks down at me and I can't help but gaze up at him.
In this setting, the dimly lit room and the soft colorful light cast beautiful shadows upon Sebastian's handsome face. It is a little too easy for me to not think of him as my student's father, but as a man I am insanely attracted to.
