Chapter 12

Jocelyn lay on her bed, a restless heat coursing through her body, dissipating as Melvin left. His departure marked by an unexpected phone call, a first in their shared moments.

It was the first time he’d bailed on her mid-action because of a ringtone.

Even though she didn’t know who was on the other end, she could tell it was someone big deal.

Before Melvin split, he did drop a line, “Don’t wait up; hit the hay early”

But Jocelyn couldn’t catch a wink.

She was wondering, was it a guy or a gal who called Melvin? Was he gonna make it back tonight?

It wasn’t until half-past three in the morning that she finally dozed off.

Sure enough, Melvin didn’t come home all night.

Jocelyn was no fool, Melvin never admitted she was his girlfriend, so she had no right to grill him about his whereabouts.

After three back-to-back morning classes, and no call or text from Melvin over lunch, she got antsy. She hopped onto his Facebook, hesitated for a sec, but still shot him a message. [Are you home today?]

After sending it, she was glued to her phone screen, but no reply. Just about before her afternoon class, her phone buzzed

She checked it right before stepping into the classroom.

It was just one word.

[No.]

This had never happened before, and her woman’s intuition screamed one possibility at her.

He must be with some chick.

But in the three years they’d been together, she’d never seen him give any woman the time of day. Where did this mystery woman come from?

Then again, maybe it wasn’t about whispering sweet nothings to some dame, but rather he was schmoozing a client, talking shop.

Thinking this eased her mind a bit.

After the last class of the day, Preston caught up with her, “Jocelyn.”

At school, Preston was respectful of his teachers, including her.

Jocelyn turned, “Yes?”

Preston looked concerned, “You and Melvin doing alright?”

why

this, threw out an invitation, “How about

School was out and everyone was free to head

furrowed, “Why the dinner

eating alone” he replied. “Will you join

having plans for a celebratory dinner.

like it was no biggle, “Alright then, I’ll just order some takeout.”

headed back to

but inviting him along would raise eyebrows among her colleagues, and how

explain that?

the end, she didn’t

leg. Turns out her colleague’s new beau was some rich kid. Loaded for sure, but his family wasn’t all that cultured, so they put teachers

so big, you’d need a guide not

was pretty tight, walked arm

place. “First time at a posh club like this.”

Jocelyn chuckled along.

a wealthy bachelor here?” Ursula sounded excited, “Those cars outside screamed

teacher from up front stepped back, whispering, “Heard Willow’s here too. Wonder if we’ll run into

the school in a few days.”

the students see me starstruck like them, there goes my authority.”

of exquisite dishes, each seemingly worth half a month’s salary.

a bottle of Lafite, a luxury beyond their usual means.

excused herself to the

one in the room, but she opted for

her way back, she spotted Melvin in surprise.

another door, and she saw a flash of a white floral dress brushing against his pants as

door closed.

the urge to knock on

wasn’t Melvin’s girlfriend, so she didn’t even have the right to catch him

eleven, the group left the private room, all

room where Melvin had been, wondering if

waiting. Jocelyn had called a car too,

catching sight of Melvin and a woman, who was fully dressed, stepping out of the club. The hem of the woman’s dress was familiar.

coat

silver Porsche open for her. The woman took the passenger seat,

he suddenly looked over and locked

eyes, quickly replaced by a hint of annoyance. Then he

he think she was tailing him?

taste rose

Facebook, and considered asking if he’d be coming back tonight.

thought of the woman in his car made her drop

makeup, yet it

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