"I'd like that," Julian said, his fingers still tracing patterns on my bare shoulder. "I cleared my schedule for today."
My eyebrows rose. "The whole day?"
"The whole day. I thought maybe after your classes we could spend some time together, away from all the chaos. Maybe take that motorcycle ride I promised you."
The suggestion sent a thrill of anticipation through me. After everything that had happened yesterday, the idea of escaping with Julian, of experiencing something he enjoyed, sounded perfect.
"I'd love that," I said, already imagining the feeling of the wind and the city rushing past us.
I was just about to suggest we head downstairs for coffee when my phone rang. The caller ID showed Roosevelt High's main number, and my stomach immediately clenched with anxiety.
"I should take this," I said apologetically, reaching for the phone. "Hello?"
"Ms. Ellis, this is Principal Morrison." The woman's voice was crisp and professional, but I could hear something underneath it that made my pulse quicken. "I need to inform you that effective immediately, you're being placed on administrative leave pending a full review by the school board."
The words hit me like a physical blow, making me sit up straight with Julian behind me. "What? Why?"
"The situation we discussed yesterday has escalated beyond what the board considers acceptable. There have been additional media inquiries, and the board feels it's in the school's best interest to remove you from the classroom while they conduct a thorough review of your employment status."
I felt the blood drain from my face. Beside me, Julian had gone very still, clearly hearing enough of the conversation to understand what was happening.
"Principal Morrison, I haven't done anything wrong," I said, working to keep my voice steady. "My personal life has no bearing on my ability to teach."
"That's for the board to determine," the principal replied coldly. "The review process typically takes one to two weeks. You'll be contacted when we have more information. Until then, please don't come to the school grounds."
"But my students—"
"Will be covered by substitute teachers. Good day, Ms. Ellis."
The line went dead, leaving me to lower my phone down and stare at it in shock.Administrative leave. Under review. Don't come to school grounds.
In less than twenty-four hours, my career had gone from secure to hanging by a thread, all because someone had decided my relationship was newsworthy.
"Vivienne?" Julian's voice was gentle, concerned. "What happened?"
"I've been placed on administrative leave," I said numbly. "Pending a review that could take up to two weeks. They don't want me on school property."
Julian's jaw tightened, and I could see anger flashing in his steel-gray eyes. "This is unconscionable. You've done nothing wrong."
"Apparently that doesn't matter." I felt tears threatening but forced them back. I would not cry about this. I would not let them break me.
"I'm sorry," Julian said quietly. "This is my fault."
"No," I said firmly, turning to face him. "This is the fault of whoever is pushing that photo around gossip sites, and the fault of a school board that cares more about perceived scandal than actual teaching. It's not your fault for being in the spotlight, and it's not my fault for caring about you."
Julian studied my face, as if looking for signs of blame or resentment. "You're not angry with me?"
"I'm angry," I said. "But not at you. I'm angry at the situation, at the unfairness of it, at the fact that my private life is apparently public property now. But I'm not angry at you for any of this."
Something in Julian's expression softened, relief evident in his features. "What do you want to do?"
I considered the question. I could spend the day wallowing, worrying about my future, letting the anxiety consume me. Or I could refuse to let them win, refuse to let their narrow-mindedness ruin what should be a beautiful day with the man I was falling in love with.
"I want to take a shower," I said, standing up with renewed determination. "And then I want to spend the day with my boyfriend, who promised me a motorcycle ride."
Julian's smile was brilliant. "I like that plan."
I headed toward my bathroom, feeling lighter despite the morning's devastating news. I wasn't going to let them break me. I wasn't going to hide away and feel ashamed for caring about someone. If the school board wanted to play games with my career, fine. But they weren't going to steal my happiness.
