I did my best not to cringe. Maybe he was sick. I knew I was. “The moment before the kiss actually conveys more emotion than the actual kiss itself, so make it work. The hesitancy mixed with desire is what the audience is looking for. You’re telling a love story without using words. Just one kiss can captivate or turn off your audience, so make it count. And by that, I don’t mean kiss for a long time; even the briefest kiss, if done right, can show how your character feels.” It was do or die time. Dying almost seemed like the good option here. “Don’t forget, brief,” I whispered to Brad.
He smiled before his lips landed on mine.
I felt like I needed to plug my nose and down the bad medicine. It was awful. Not only did he apply too much pressure, but the jerk tried to slip his tongue in my mouth. That was a no go. I pushed him away and did my best to hide my disgust. I was an actress, after all, playing my part. Before I could say a word, Mr. Montgomery appeared in my line of sight. He looked ready to hit Brad and come to my rescue. And that did it. I couldn’t hide my feelings any longer. I pushed Brad out of the way. “Excuse me.” I marched right past Mr. Montgomery whose eyes were now warmer as I passed by him. “I hate you.”
Day Forty-Three
Tuesday, September 7
Dear Mr. Bingley,
Oh, Mr. Bingley. Whatever happened to my nice little life? The one where I was just a nice girl who loved a boy and everywhere we went people would say, “Don’t they make a nice couple?” And people thought I was nice. Now people say things behind my back, like, “No wonder he broke up with her. Well, she’s certainly getting around. I heard she made Mr. Crandall’s nephew cry. I would cry, too, if I went out with her.” So maybe it was mostly Mindy and her friend, the evil librarian Stella, but it hurt.
And to add insult to injury, Brad called in sick to work today. He has strep throat. Yay, me. I’m popping vitamin C and ginseng like it’s going out of style. It was a good thing he didn’t show up to school after his little stunt. I can still picture his smug face after he kissed me.
Are there any gentleman left? Are the Kaines and Brads of the world it?
So, I’m back on track. Now we know why the plan cautioned against rebounds. Not that either man was even close to that. But now I know I’m not ready. This wound caused by Mr. Montgomery is deep and it’s barely begun to heal.
If only I had an aunt and uncle that would invite me to stay with them in London. At least Jane had that going for her. Maybe I’ll consider teaching abroad for a year or two. That could work. Let’s make it an all-girl school with an all-female staff. Even better.
Wishing for myself back,
Presley
Day Forty-Four
Wednesday, September 8
I had just googled how long the incubation period for strep throat is. I was pretty sure it was psychosomatic, but my throat hurt and felt a little raw. I was sure it was nothing. I have an amazing immune system. I didn’t even get the flu last year after Mr. Montgomery did—and we swapped lots of germs. It was thoughts like those that weren’t helping me along in my ninety-day quest. He finally did me a favor yesterday and today and didn’t do car line. I had a nice surprise when Coach took Brad’s place.
I think Coach needed a ninety-day plan to get over Mr. Montgomery, too. He made an interesting observation, though. He said, “It’s never good when you try and balance everyone’s expectations. You’ll always lose yourself.”
That’s how he saw his friend, Mr. Montgomery.
“I guess mine were too much, so I had to go.”
“PB, that’s what I meant about him losing himself. He’s not the same without you.”
I didn’t think I had unrealistic expectations of him, or at least not ones I didn’t think he had for us.
It didn’t matter now. I checked my glands to see if they were swollen before my second block class filed in. I couldn’t tell if they were or not. Again, I was probably fine.
Day Forty-Five
Thursday, September 9
Dear Mr. Bingley,
I’m halfway there. And I haven’t seen Mr. Montgomery in two days. I can’t tell you how helpful that has been. I think there have been some district meetings he’s had to attend. But whatever the reason, it has been a welcome relief. I firmly believe if this was the case all along, I would have progressed much quicker. I may even be over him by now. Okay, we know that’s a lie, but it would have been better. Capri’s online reading habits have finally paid off. That and she and David have upped their post coital snuggling. He still won’t look me in the eye.
Now, if I can just figure out a way to stay away from him. I could ask Dr. Walters to reassign my car line duty. I’ll take it next semester, even though it’s colder and usually wetter. These are good thoughts. I need to keep exploring, but my head kind of hurts.
I’m not getting sick.
Nope not me,
Presley
Oh my gosh, I felt terrible. I barely made it through the day. Remember that truck that hit me when Mr. Montgomery broke up with me? It came back to finish the job. My mom told me to look in my mouth to see if there were any white looking pus things. I didn’t see anything, but it’s kind of hard to look down your own throat. She suggested it was just stress and to rest.
Yeah, resting was good. I didn’t even bother with dinner. Not that I could have anyway. I was having a hard time swallowing. I probably should have gone to urgent care, but I was stubborn, if you couldn’t already tell. And it wasn’t like ten percent of my students were out sick today. But sleep sounded so good. I couldn’t ever remember being this tired.
I slipped into some sweats and crawled into bed. I surrendered and fell into a deep sleep.
Day Forty-Six
Friday, September 10
I ached and felt like I had a hangover. And why was it light? Where was I? And who was making that awful sound? Was that my name being called? Am I dreaming?
“Presley, are you okay? Open the door.”
I stirred and tried opening my eyes. I must have been dreaming, because Mr. Montgomery was calling my name and he sounded worried.
“Presley, please.”
I got one eye open. It was too light. I normally woke up when it was dark. What time was it? I tried to reach for my phone. My strength was gone.
“Presley, please. I’m coming in.”
What? How? My brain was running slow, but a huge oversight came to mind. He had a key to my apartment. I forgot to get that back. I wanted to yell at him to proceed with caution and it wasn’t in his best interest, but my mouth and body weren’t cooperating with me. I was still trying to remember what day it was.
I heard the deadbolt and door lock turn and before I knew it, Mr. Montgomery rushed through my door. “Presley, are you here? Are you all right?” He was panicked.
I rustled under my covers. It was the best I could do at the moment.
He rushed forward and landed on my bed. He tore the comforter off my face. “Thank goodness. I’ve been worried sick. We all were.”
The light hurt my eyes. I squinted at him. “Why are you here?” Every word burned.
He reached out and caressed my cheek. “You’re burning up.”
I realized I was shivering, even with sweats on and being buried under my blankets.
He set me more on fire when he began kissing my head and cheeks.
My self-preservation side kicked in. “Stop. Why are you here?”
He sat back. He was full of smiles. The kind that shone in his eyes. The kind he had lacked for the last several weeks. “You didn’t show up to school this morning or call.”
Oh crap! I sat up, even though it expended way more energy than it should have. “What time is it?”
“Nine.”
I had never slept through an alarm or been late to work. My eyes welled up with tears.
“Hey.” He wiped away a tear with his thumb. “Don’t cry. It’s okay.”
I pushed his hand away. “No, it’s not.”
“I’
ll call the school right now.”
“Please just go.”
He shook his head. “No can do.” He fished his phone out of his pocket and called the school and Capri. Why she hadn’t come instead of him, I didn’t know.
I reached for my own phone and saw several missed calls and texts from Capri and the school.
“I’m going to take her to the doctor,” came out of his mouth.
That was a negative. He wasn’t taking me anywhere. And I wanted my key back. If he could give me my heart back, too, I would more than appreciate it.
He hung up and smiled right back at me in his suit and tie.
“I can take care of myself.”
“I’m well aware of that fact.” He smirked.
“Good. Now give me back my key and leave.”
“No, ma’am. Do you still see Dr. Gammel?”
I pulled my legs up toward my chest and turned away from him. Did he know how much he was killing me? “Go. If you ever cared about me, leave now.”
He did the opposite and took me up in his arms. I didn’t have the strength to pull away. “PB, I know I’ve screwed up, but this morning when you didn’t show up and I thought the worst, I was kicking myself for ever letting you think that I didn’t want to be with you. I can’t pretend anymore that I don’t love you.”
Tears of hurt and anger flowed. I did my best to pull away.
“I know I’m ticking you off, and you have every right to be mad at me, but I’m not leaving.”
I was livid, but too tired to fight. But believe me, I would be as soon as I felt better. “Aren’t you worried about your precious career?” Okay, I still had some fight in me, even though talking set my throat on fire.
He gave me a pained stare. “I deserve that. But the only thing I’m worried about right now is you. Let’s get you to the doctor.”
“I can take myself.”
“You’re in no shape to drive.”
“I’ll call Capri.”
“She’s got a class right now.”
“We’ll go after school.”
“Dr. Gammel closes early on Fridays.”
“I’ll go to urgent care then.”
He shook his head and smiled. “You’re stubborn, but I can be stubborn, too.”
I pulled up my covers and shivered. I had never felt so sick.
“I’m not leaving.” He folded his arms. “I can watch you in bed all day, which suits me just fine, or we can go help you feel better and then I can watch you in bed all day.”
“I hate you.”
“I know. But I love you and I’m going to take care of you.”
“You don’t love me.”
“I’ve done a poor job of showing it, I’ll give you that, but Presley, I’ve loved you since the moment our lips first touched, hell, maybe even before that.”
Was he trying to kill me? Well, guess what? I wasn’t a Jane and his declarations of love weren’t going to change my mind. But I really did need a ride to the doctor. Death felt like it was knocking on my door. “Fine, I’ll go to the doctor, but after that you’re leaving.”
“We’ll negotiate after.” His eyes were dancing.
I crawled out of bed and headed for my bathroom on shaky legs. That was a bad call. I looked in the mirror and death had come knocking.
“I’m calling Dr. Gammel’s office. I’ll get her to work you in,” Jackson shouted.
I didn’t bother replying. I knew she would do anything for him. Dr. Gammel was like a second mother to Jackson. Wyatt Gammel was Jackson’s best friend growing up and his mom, Sylvia Gammel, was a top-notch doctor and cookie maker. Jackson loved her. She was a lovely lady. I had only ever had to see her once in an official capacity. I had to update some of my vaccinations before I could start teaching. Unofficially, we’d had dinner at her home several times.
I ran my fingers through my hair. It looked like something was living in it. I had to lean on my sink for support. I definitely couldn’t drive myself anywhere. But Jackson was the last person I wanted to play my chauffeur. How dare he come in here and, for one, use the key I gave him. Okay, he thought I was dead, so I’ll give him that one, but he had no right to say he loved me or to act like it. It wasn’t changing my mind. Ninety days or bust, baby! But first, I needed to get myself checked out. I could roar later.
I brushed my teeth and hair. It was all I could do. I wasn’t even going to bother to change. And the only reason I brushed my teeth was for Dr. Gammel’s benefit.
I walked out of the bathroom holding onto the wall for support. If only I hadn’t kissed Brad. This was all his fault. Actually, no. It was all Jackson’s fault. I glared at him.
He was a Boy Scout anyway and came to my aid. He put his arm around me and helped me walk. “Wow, can you give some looks. I had no idea.”
“We don’t need to talk.”
He laughed. “Man, I’ve missed you.”
“I need to grab my bag.”
“I can just carry you. You’re shaking like crazy.”
“Don’t even think about it.”
He gave me a crooked grin. “So you’re still mad?”
I tried to pull away, but he pulled right back. “I know I have a lot of making up to do.”
“Don’t waste your time.”
“I’m not giving up.”
“You already did.”
He stopped and kissed my head. “I know. It was a huge mistake.”
“We’re not getting back together, and keep your lips to yourself.”
“I’m not afraid of getting sick, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m already sick over what I’ve done to us.”
He knew I couldn’t care less if he got sick or not. “Silence is golden.”
“Okay.” I could hear the smile in his voice. The jerk kissed my head again.
We made the arduous trek out to his shiny new truck. Every step took way more energy than it should have.
“Let’s take my car.” On top of everything else, I couldn’t stand the thought of riding in the number one rated make out truck.
“My legs are too long for your car.”
“You poor thing.”
He laughed and swooped me off my feet. “I want to show you my new truck. When you’re feeling better, we can test it out again.”
“Put me down, Mr. Montgomery.”
“Please quit calling me that.” He hurried us to his truck.
I gave up. I was just going to ignore him. But it was hard as every part of me wanted to curl up against him and soak him in. I missed him, his touch, his kisses. He was not going to waltz back into my life like nothing had happened. He treated me like an option and so, by choice, I was done with him, no matter what my body said.
He deftly opened his truck door with me in his arms. He’d had practice. He could even do it while we were making out. He gently placed me in the leather seat. I shivered even in the warmth of the cab, where the sun had heated it nicely. I wrapped my arms around myself.
He touched my warm cheek. “Dr. Gammel will have you feeling better in no time. Then you can punch me like I know you want to.”
I almost laughed. If I believed in violence, I definitely would have, but I didn’t believe men or women should hit each other. I turned from him and closed my eyes.
He hustled around and jumped in. While he drove, he reached over to hold my hand like he always did, but I pulled away. He blew out a large breath. “I’m sorry. I wish I could give you a good explanation right now, but I can’t.”
I felt too ill to respond. If I could, I would have said, “That sounds like a bunch of crap.” Instead, I leaned against the window. I didn’t want to be the angry crazy person anymore. He knew how I felt, so I left it at that.
Like the gentleman he was, he turned the radio dial to my favorite alternative station, even though it was far from his preference. I didn’t mention I had found a new appreciation for country music. I didn’t mention anything on our ten-minute drive to the doctor’s office. He prat
tled on about things like how they got a sub for my classes, and Capri would call me later.
Then we pulled into the parking lot and it was like a thought struck him. “Did you change your phone number?”
I shook my head no.
“Huh. When I call, it just rings and rings and rings. You might want to get that checked.”
“I blocked you.” I spoke into the window.
“I guess I deserved that. I suppose that’s why I can’t see you on Facebook or access any of the pictures you had of us.”
The fact he was looking for them bothered me, but I didn’t make mention of it. “I deleted everything.”
“Really?”
I turned to look at him. “What did you expect?”
“That it wouldn’t be so difficult.”
I turned away from him.
“I know how terrible that sounds.”
“Do you?” I held back the tears.
“Presley . . . I don’t know what to say. But our time apart has been hell for me, in more ways than one.”
I opened the door. I couldn’t listen to his unexpressed excuses any longer. And I needed medication. My body ached and my throat felt like it had gone through the food processer along with my heart.
Mr. Montgomery hurried around. “I would have gotten that for you.”
“I don’t want your help.” I felt like I oozed out of his car like slime. “Don’t touch me.”
He backed away, but stayed close as we walked toward the office. “I’m sorry you don’t feel good. A lot of kids and teachers called in sick today.”
I didn’t acknowledge his attempt at small talk. I still couldn’t believe I slept through my alarms and phone calls.
He opened the door for me. “Dr. Gammel said to put a mask on as soon as you get in. I’ll check you in at the front desk.”
I nodded.
He went to touch me, but decided at the last second it wasn’t a good idea. That was a good choice. Not like I could have done anything. All my energy went into standing upright. And to top it off, I felt nauseous. I wasn’t sure if that was illness or the situation. I wanted to be back in bed.
How to Get Over Your Ex in Ninety Days Page 12
