Make Me Bad: Private Lessons

by Vega, W. H.

  “Of course you have. You were pretty drunk last night. Do you remember anything?”

  I nod. “I remember pretty much everything. It’s just a little hazy, that’s all.” I set my mug down. “Thank you for taking care of me.”

  “Of course.”

  “No, I really mean it. Thank you. I’m sorry for just showing up here. I was outside our apartment, and then I just veered off and came here. I’m sorry I disrupted your sleep.”

  He sits down next to me and takes my hand. “Really, Maddie it’s fine.” He sighs. “But I do need to leave here soon for a meeting.”

  I nod. “I’ll get out of your hair. I know you have to work. Is it okay if I shower though? I’m afraid to go out on the streets looking like this,” I let out a weak laugh.

  After my coffee and toast, I take a quick shower and try to rub off as much of my smudged makeup as I can. When my hair is wet but clean, and my face is clean enough, I get dressed in last night’s clothes and find Luc playing on his guitar. He’s playing part of the piece we have been writing together.

  I come from behind and wrap my arms around him.

  “I like being here with you,” I say, kissing him on his neck.

  “Mmmhhhmm, I like it too,” he says, turning his face to kiss me.

  I kiss him harder, and he puts his guitar down, pulling me into his lap. The kiss deepens and Luc sighs, prying my arms from his neck.

  “I’m going to get fired because of you,” he says in a husky voice.

  “Well, if you get fired, you won’t be my professor anymore,” I point out, though I refrain from kissing him again.

  “Good point. Maybe I should get fired.”

  We begrudgingly get our things and leave his apartment together.

  “Ugh. I don’t want to deal with Cleo. I’m really angry with her,” I complain as we walk along the familiar streets. The air whips around us.

  “I don’t blame you.”

  Luc walks me to the corner of my apartment, and then gives me a kiss before he heads towards the Metro.

  “I’ll call you later,” he promises. “We’ll make the most of our time left here. I’m going to miss you like crazy when you go home to Nashville for the holidays.”

  I don’t even want to think about that yet.

  I give him one more lingering kiss, wishing I could spend the day with him, and then I watch him walk towards the Metro.

  Sighing, I head inside to deal with Cleo.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Luc

  I shake hands with the director of the study abroad program, and say goodbye to my fellow advisors and professors in Paris. I gather up my papers and briefcase, and leave the Paris NYU campus for the last time.

  It’s hard to believe that in three days I will be on a plane back to New York. I’m not sure where the time went while I was here in Paris, but I know the time flew by because of Maddie.

  Madison Evans.

  How could one young woman change me so much in such a short amount of time?

  Eight weeks ago I came to Paris without any expectations, just wanting a change of scenery. I found Maddie to be attractive and vibrant, and I couldn’t keep myself from staring at her during our first days in Paris. And then spurned on by a little too much alcohol, I beckoned her to follow me to a bathroom.

  And she did.

  Nothing was the same after that.

  What I thought would just be a tryst with a young, beautiful student turned into so much more than I could have expected. Or even knew I wanted.

  I know that I’m not good enough for Maddie. I know that deep in my bones, as sure as anything. But for some reason, Maddie wants to be with me. Even though I tried to push her away, tried to convince her that I was no good for her, that getting involved with me would be foolish, she didn’t give up on me.

  And I’m only so strong.

  How could I resist her?

  So I finally gave in, told her we would take it day by day. And I know I won’t allow our relationship to ruin her amazing career before it’s even started.

  I take the Metro back to my apartment, wondering what Maddie is doing. I know that she and Cleo were planning on spending the day packing.

  Later on, I’ll swing by and take Maddie out to dinner. I wanted to do something special. I’m not a usually romantic person, but Maddie has brought out my softer side and I’ve been more romantic for her than I’ve ever been with any woman.

  Our last few days in Paris have been busy with wrap up activities, finals and making preparations to leave. Tomorrow evening the entire group of us from NYU will be going out to celebrate the end of our semester abroad. The following afternoon, we’ll board a plane headed back over the Atlantic.

  I get back to my small one bedroom, thinking of Maddie’s and Cleo’s lavish apartment, wondering what her famous parents would think if they knew their daughter was in a relationship with me. I can’t imagine they would be pleased.

  Although my apartment looks the same, it feels empty. My laptop no longer sits on the side table, and my phone cords are now rolled up and tucked in the side of my suitcase. Papers have been cleared off the small desk, and the kitchen cupboards are bare besides one or two items.

  My phone goes off and I answer it without looking, assuming it’s Maddie.

  “Hey,” I greet, my voice warm.

  “Bonjour!” the sophisticated, heavily-accent French voice chirps back.

  Shit. I pull the phone away to look at the name, and sure enough, it’s Juliette.

  “Juliette,” I say, my voice now more guarded, “How are you?” I’m trying to be polite, though Juliette and I haven’t spoken in weeks. We didn’t exactly part on good terms.

  “Oh,” she says, slightly confused by the change in my tone. “I – I – wasn’t sure you would pick up. I was just calling to wish you farewell. I remembered this was your last week in town.”

  Of course she remembered.

  “Yes. I leave in a few days. That was kind of you to call.” Kind, or desperate, I’m not sure which.

  I’m actually very surprised that she called after she throwing herself at me and blurting out that she gave amazing blow jobs as a last ditch effort to get me to stay.

  “Well, I just felt that I owed you an apology after my deplorable behavior. I shouldn’t have acted in such a way, especially around an old friend. I think it’s important to remember that we spent childhoods together. I’ve lost touch with so many childhood friends.”

  Hmm. I’m not really sure where this is going.

  “It’s fine, Juliette, and I appreciate the gesture. It was nice bumping into you as well. I wish you and your girls all the best. You have a lovely family.”

  “Yes, thank you.” She pauses, and I sense that I’m about to hear the real reason why she’s called. “Do you have any plans to return to Paris? Now that you’ve spent time in the city, perhaps you’ve discovered you’ve missed it?”

  I try to figure the best way to answer. I decide to be honest without giving away too much information. “Yes, I realized that I missed it very much. As for returning, I would like to someday. I don’t have any immediate plans. My work comes first.”

  “Ahh, yes, your beautiful music. That keeps you very busy in New York, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes, it does.”

  “That’s the other thing. I have a few contacts in New York for my jewelry. I’ve been meaning to make a business trip over there,” she hesitates, “perhaps you would be willing to show me around? You could let me know when would be a good time for me to make the trip?”

  Oh boy.

  “I can’t really say when would be a good time for you to make your trip,” I say slowly. Juliette just doesn’t give up, does she? “New York is lovely during all times of the year.”

  She lets out her tinkling laugh. “No, silly! What time would be good for you? I can plan my trip around your schedule!”

  Of course.

  “Juliette, I’m usually very busy with my music an
d teaching. I’m afraid I don’t have the kind of leisure time that would allow me to spend time showing others around the city. And my schedule can change so quickly.” This is partially true. “If you happen to come to New York, you can let me know, and I’ll see what my schedule looks like at the time.”

  There’s silence on the other end and I can tell Juliette isn’t too pleased with my response. Oh well.

  “Ah, I see. Well, perhaps that’s what I’ll do then. I will ring you if I’m in the city, and hopefully you can make time for your poor, lonely French friend, Juliette.” She’s teasing and her voice has taken on a little pout, but I’m no fool. She’s still playing her games.

  “Well, it was good speaking with you Juliette, and I appreciate the call. I have to go now.”

  “Alright. Au revoir, Jean-Luc. Safe travels.”

  We hang up and I breathe a sigh of relief. Hopefully that New York visit will never happen.

  I find that doubtful, though.

  I busy myself around the apartment, until it’s time for me to get ready and then go get Maddie.

  We have always taken the Metro when we have gone out in the city, but I’ve decided we’ll travel by taxi tonight. I walk to her apartment, planning on having the taxi pick us up there.

  When Maddie pulls the door open, I find myself speechless. She always looks beautiful, but tonight she’s outdone herself. She’s dressed in a deep red sheath dress, trimmed in tasteful black leather. It hugs her body without being too much. She’s wearing simple heels, and her chestnut hair is hanging in loose, thick curls down her back.

  “Damn, Maddie. You look amazing.”

  She blushes. “Stop.” She opens the door wider. “Come on in. I just have to grab my bag and coat.”

  I step into the apartment, and notice that her apartment has the same empty feel that mine has. While it still looks the same at first glance, I notice Maddie’s books and guitar are no longer strewn across the coffee table and rug, and the numerous pairs of shoes that previously lined the wall by the door are now gone.

  Maddie comes back with a glittery black clutch, and a long black coat wrapped around her.

  “Where’s Cleo?” I ask, lowering my voice.

  Maddie frowns. “She’s out with Philippe. I think Philippe heads back to his family’s home tomorrow.”

  I nod. Ever since Maddie and Cleo’s night out drinking, things had been strained between the two of them. And I hadn’t bothered to hide my disgust with Cleo’s obvious lack of concern for her friend.

  “Let’s get out of here,” I say, wrapping my arm around Maddie’s waist. I lead her downstairs, and sure enough our taxi is waiting. Maddie goes to walk in the direction of the Metro, but I pull her hand and lead her towards the taxi, pulling the door open for her.

  “A taxi?” she asks, unable to hide her surprise.

  “It’s a special night,” I explain, “Let’s stay above ground.”

  She laughs and slides into the warm car.

  “So where are we going?” she can’t help asking.

  I take her hand and give her a mysterious smile. “I thought we would do something a little different. And a little touristy.”

  “Ooh, now I’m intrigued.”

  The car speeds through the streets and we soak in the sights. It’s a comfortable silence.

  Maddie sighs. “I can’t believe we’re leaving here so soon.”

  “I know. The semester went by quickly, didn’t it?”

  She nods, still quiet. “I miss my family, but I’m going to miss you while I’m home.”

  I squeeze her hand. “I’ll miss you, too. But January will be here before we know it, and you’ll be back in the city.” I didn’t have Maddie for any classes this semester – she actually doesn’t have many classes for the Spring semester. Most of her course load would involve practical application. However, I was going to continue her private lessons. I knew there was no one else as qualified as myself to help her.

  The taxi makes it way towards the Eiffel Tower and I can tell that Maddie is confused by where we’re going. The taxi stops by the Eiffel Tower and we get out among the throngs of people, but instead of leading Maddie towards the tower, we turn in the opposite direction and head down towards the Seine.

  “No Eiffel Tower?” she asks, and then the river cruises come into view. “A river cruise?” she asks excitedly.

  I nod. “It’s going to be a little chilly, but you can’t beat the beautiful buildings lit up at night.”

  “Oh, Luc! It’s perfect! I can’t believe I didn’t think about doing this earlier!”

  I grin and lead her down the hill towards the dock. The boats are enclosed, but if memory serves right, they are still pretty cold during this time of year. Regardless, the views will be stunning.

  We don’t have to wait long before our boat is ready to board, and we climb on along with a number of other tourists. We hear snippets of conversations in various languages, and I pull Maddie into one of the first rows and place her next to the window.

  The tour begins, and we settle in and listen as the sights are pointed out to us.

  “You’re not going to change your mind about me again when I’m back in Nashville, are you?” Maddie asks, pulling nervously at one of her curls.

  I know what she means and it makes me feel terrible that she has to ask the question.

  “No,” I tell her honestly. “As much as I know you shouldn’t be with me and that I’m no good for you, I can’t do it.”

  A small smile crosses her face. “Good.”

  “Don’t be so happy about it,” I warn her. “I told you before that I’m not good for you.”

  “I don’t care.” Her tone is familiar and stubborn. “And I disagree. You are good for me. No one else understands me the way you do.”

  “I doubt that.”

  “It’s true. The way you understand my music… I’ve never had that before. Even my parents who are gifted musically; they’ve never been able to relate to my music or understand it on a deep level.”

  I understand what Maddie is saying, and I agree that it’s nice to have someone on my musical level that I can connect with. And it’s nice that we can connect in other ways as well.

  Instead of arguing with her, I kiss her softly and she responds, kissing me back. She begins to wrap herself around me and I hear someone behind us clear their throat.

  I chuckle and pull away. “Better not do this now.”

  She flushes crimson and we spend the rest of the cruise holding hands and admiring the city.

  After the cruise we catch another taxi to a low-key, but lovely restaurant. I want this night to be special for Maddie, and I try hard not to worry about what will happen when we leave Paris.

  “You didn’t have to do all this,” Maddie says after our bottle of wine arrives at the table.

  “Yes, I did. You deserve this. You deserve more than I can even give you.”

  Maddie’s sharp look doesn’t need explaining. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “Please. I’m sure you grew up with all kinds of nice things.”

  “This again, Luc? I really didn’t, and it was drilled into my head to appreciate the nice things that I did have. I’m not some spoiled rich girl.”

  No. She’s definitely not. I know that. My own insecurities are surfacing again.

  “We have something special together, Luc. I was always afraid to say it because I thought it would scare you away. But I’m not going to hold back what I feel anymore. I may be young and inexperienced, and I may not be the girl with the most street-smarts, but I know what I feel deep inside.”

  “Oh, Maddie,” I sigh.

  “You know I’m right,” she says fiercely and her blue eyes flash with such conviction that I wonder how I could have ever considered walking away from her.

  I reach across the table and take her hand.

  “Yes, you’re right. There is something between us that I can’t describe. It’s something I’ve never felt with anyone else
before.”

  “I love you,” she whispers.

  “You’re crazy.”

  “I don’t care.”

  “I’m too old for you.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  “I’ve got too many hang ups.”

  “No, you don’t. You can’t push me away.”

  “I know. And that’s why I love you too.”

  We settle in and enjoy our last night in Paris, which turns out to be more romantic than I could have hoped for. We live completely in the present moment, not worrying about our group dinner tomorrow night, or our flight the following day. I don’t think about my crazy, lonely Christmas holidays in the city, or Maddie flying to Nashville once we return to New York. There are no more thoughts or discussions about the Spring semester and graduation.

  All that matters right now is Maddie and I spending this last night together.

  We’ll worry about everything else later.

  THE END

  Thank you for reading! Please leave a quick review of the story if you'd like :)

  Sign up for the mailing list to receive free copies of my next books and join me and the other Hearts Collective authors on Facebook or Twitter.

  The following is an excerpt from my book Damaged But Not Broken (Available on Amazon):

  ONE

  Paige

  Summer 2000

  Blake kisses me, and I melt into his arms, swooning as his lips brush against me. He tastes of sweat and lemonade, and I lick his lips again unable to get enough.

  Blake is my entire world. My whole summer has revolved around him, and I know my life will continue to revolve around him... I can't imagine any differently.

  Sweet Blake who came into my life just when I needed him, as my whole world was crumbling around me.

  I run my fingers through Blake’s messy brown hair, feeling the silky strands in my fingers, and I tighten my grip, wanting to hold onto Blake forever. Is it possible to love someone this much at fifteen? I know people think I’m crazy, they would never understand how much Blake and I love each other.