“No need to apologize.” I bat at the air. “We didn’t have anything going on. Not really. At least, nothing you should feel bad about, especially if you didn’t know.”
“That does make me feel better. Though, for the record, nothing happened with Miles. When I learned the truth, I gave him quite the tongue-lashing.” She shakes her head. “Stupid boys masquerading as men.”
“I don’t disagree.” I laugh. “Who told you?”
“Miles, of course.”
“What?” I choke out. “Hetold you.”
“He did. He’s devastated.” She tilts her head and clicks her tongue. “Well, I suppose as devastated as a modern-day Frank Churchill-type could be.”
“He’s devastated?” My slow, deliberate speech is akin to pinching yourself awake.
The idea of Miles Calloway being devastated over me is surreal. This is the man who devastates women, not the other way around. Despite my misguided crush, I’m quite aware of his reputation. He’s been linked to several members of the female faculty and staff, along with a few rumors about smitten grad students.
“I’m not a Miles apologist. He’s a bit of a cad, but one with a heart. Calloway is your classic late bloomer. He didn’t come into his good looks and charm until graduate school, resulting in his currentPeter Panfuckboy era.”.
“Miles?” I blink.
“Yes. Apparently, he had braces until he was twenty-five and spent most weekends writing Shakespeare fan fiction retellings.” She shrugs. “Though I actually think that last one makes him more interesting.”
“What does this have to do with me?” I gesture at her.
“He likes you. He really likes you, but he was caught up in his fuckboy ways. I think he thought…”
“That I’d just wait for him.” I shake my head, because I may have done just that for him.
If Garrett hadn’t shown up and used his Mr. Darcy Jedi mind tricks to get me to come home with him andtell the bag, I may still be waiting for Miles. Revulsion, not for Miles, but for me, sloshes in my belly with the thought.
“He’s been a fool, and I think he’s just now realizing that. Listen, I am not telling you what to do. Miles is a twat.”
I snort. “Yes, he is.”
“But he is a sorry twat. Whether you want to forgive him or not is up to you. I just wanted to let you know that I’m not interested in Miles. Never have been. Never will be. He’s nice. Just not my type. I only went with him because he’s the only friend I’ve made since moving here.”
Brow wrinkled, I tilt my head. “But you seemed chummy with everyone at the bar.”
“Those are colleagues, not friends. Not to mention, they’re all men. Not to sound sexist, but I want female friends, especially those around my age. Another reason why I was upset with Miles. Our chat at the bar was brief, but I thought you were lovely and wanted to connect. When I asked Miles if he had your number, he shared everything.”
Kayla may be intimidating, but she’s also warm. Even at our introduction, though brief, I saw that.
“You call him Peter Pan fuckboy?” I smirk.
“To his face.” Pride radiates from her.
“I have a friend who calls him literary fuckboy.”
She claps her hands together. “Delicious.”
“Catherine and I are going to brunch tomorrow,” I blurt. “Do you want to join? I realize it’s short notice…”
It’s like someone else took over my mouth. It’s not just men that I wait for to make the first move. Even with Catherine, she was the one who initiated our friendship. If I’m going to take risks and run a marathon, shouldn’t I chart other courses? Not just with romantic relationships, but with friendships? Also, it’s just brunch, so if it’s a failure, there isn’t a great loss. Not to mention she’s a visiting professor, so there’s a built-in expiration date if I’m wrong.
“I wouldn’t want to intrude?—”
I flick my wrist dismissively. “No, you’d be a perfect addition. In fact…” A crease notches my brow as if a lightbulb clicks on above me. “Are you on the interview panel for the associate professor position?”
“No. Why?”
