“You’re serious, aren’t you?” she complains.
“Dead serious. I’ll stay out of your way. You won’t even know I’m there.”
She locks eyes with me, weighing her options. I stand waiting for her to argue, but instead, she ducks into the car, rolling her eyes. “Whatever. I just need to get to class.”
Relief washes over me. I expected much more of a fight over this.
I walk a little way behind her as she makes her way around campus. In her classes, I sit in the back, out of the way, but with her in my line of sight at all times. The truth is, I can’t tear my eyes off her. She’s too beautiful, too captivating.
And watching her, the way she navigates her day, is enthralling.
She clearly loves what she does. Her passion shines through when she listens to the lectures, asks questions, takes notes, and helps the other students.
I notice how many students look up to her, how many of them approach her for an easier explanation of a complex lesson, or to take photos of her notes because she takes them so well. And she’s patient, helpful, and kind to every single one of them.
Even flooded with her busy schedule, she still takes a moment to help anyone who asks.
I’m leaning against a tree just outside the massive entrance doors to a lecture hall. She’s busy showing a girl the link between two theories and how they would be used in conjunction with each other in order to diagnose a patient.
“Oh my word. That makes so much sense,” the girl blurts out. “I can’t believe I didn’t understand that when Mr. Jacovy explained it.”
“He does have a rather intense way of laying things out,” Georgie giggles. “I’ll WhatsApp you a document with my notes in it. It’ll help you with the assignment.”
“You are a star. I don’t know how I would’ve survived this year without you,” the girl says, clearly grateful.
They chat a little while longer before the other girl hurries off, not attending the next class with Georgie. Georgie is about to head towards the building when a guy walks up to her.
“Hey, beautiful, where have you been?” he asks, and instantly I’m on high alert.
He leans close to her, slipping his hand around her waist and kissing her cheek.
I force myself to stay where I am instead of ripping his arm off his body.
Georgie laughs and waves off his question, answering in a vague, non-specific way.
“But how have you been?” she asks.
“Just missing the prettiest girl on campus. Are you free to study tonight?” he asks, boiling my blood even hotter. Who the hell is this guy? An ex? A lover? A fling?
There is definitely something going on here.
“I can’t tonight, I’ve got…”
“Hello,” I say, my voice cutting into their conversation as I slip my arm around Georgie’s waist, forcing him to step back.
“Uh. Who are you?” the guy snaps, his brows furrowing with disapproval.
“I’m her husband. Who are you?” I growl.
“I’m…you’re…what?”
“Her husband,” I repeat.
Georgie tries to push my arm off her waist, but I don’t budge. She looks up and glares at me.
“Sorry, Trent. I’ve got to run. We can chat soon,” she smiles.
“Yes, sure, chat soon,” he stammers, still confused and taken aback. But he turns to leave.
