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“You have to promise not to tell anyone.He could get fired for this.”
She shrugs.“He’s already been placed on leave.”She claps a hand over her mouth.“I’m sorry.That was so insensitive.”
“Least of my worries right now,” I say.“But I was asking you.As his student, do you think there’s a possibility of Jason hurting Ralph?”
“And I just told you.That man is a born healer.I don’t think he’d hurt anyone on purpose.Not ever.”
“Not even a douchebag like Ralph?”I’m playing devil’s advocate, but I need an honest answer from an impartial person.
“Why would Jason have anything against Ralph?He’s a stu— Oh!”She widens her eyes.“Did you tell Jason how Ralph came onto you?”
I frown.“Yeah.”
Plus Ralph is the one who turned Jason in to HR, but Tabitha may not know that.
“Then this is about you, Ange.”
“It seems to be,” I say.“Jason told me that Ralph told him that he didn’t deserve me.But none of this makes any sense.Ralph barely knows me.”
“Uh…hello?”She knocks a fist against her forehead.“Earth to Angie.He’s after your fortune, Ms.Steel.It’s clear as day.”
“Clear as mud, you mean,” I retort.“My money may well have something to do with it, but why would he be targeting Jason?It’s not like we’re married or anything.In fact, Jason and I only just met.For all Ralph knows, it was just a kiss in the anatomy lab.”
She purses her lips.“That’s notallhe knows.He was there that night we had pizza at your place when Jason showed up.”
“So?Jason and I are neighbors.”
“True.”
“Besides, Jason was gone before the guys showed up.”
But I can tell Tabitha isn’t entirely convinced.
And I don’t have the energy to convince her.“Just keep all this to yourself, okay?Please?”
“I already said I would.”She crosses her arms.“Jeez, Ange.”
I hold up a hand.“I know.I’m sorry.I’m just on edge.The Ralph thing and all.Why is he so obsessed with me?Why is he framing Jason to get to me?”
Then a jolt hits me.
I never asked Ralph why.I just told him I wouldn’t fuck him in his hospital room, which was creepy and gross.But in truth I wouldn’t fuck him anywhere.I rebuffed him that first night at my place.
I finish my coffee and rise.“I’ve got to go, Tabitha.I’m sorry, but I just remembered I have an appointment.”
“A doctor’s appointment?”She raises an eyebrow.“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.It’s the dentist, actually.Just my six-month checkup.”
“But we’re supposed to be having class right now.Why would you have scheduled?—”
“My insurance is crazy.Have to get my cleanings scheduled at very specific times if I want them covered.”
She wrinkles her forehead.She’s not convinced.But she’s also not going to push it further.
I hate lying.But I can’t have Tabitha coming with me.
I need to take care of this myself.
