“I tried, but almost everyone has left for the break.”
I stand and cross my arms over my chest. “I have absolutely no tolerance for sloppy performance. Why weren’t you present in my class?”
“I had strep throat. I was in bed.”
“Well then, I hope you took copious notes throughout the semester. You’ll just have to study all of it.”
I glance over at Londyn who looks absolutely appalled. I shouldn’t let her reaction influence me, but in front of her, I simply can’t act like the pompous ass I tend to be. I can’t do it. Sighing, I run my hands through my hair.
“You know what? I’m feeling very benevolent at the moment. After all, it is nearly Thanksgiving and I have many reasons to be thankful.” My eyes shift back to Londyn, but she looks away from me. “Miss Harper, if you would give Mr. Daniels the study guide, I would appreciate it.”
“Certainly,” she replies and opens a drawer. She stands and hands it to my student who smiles at her. In fact, I don’t like his smile and suddenly want to punch him for looking at her like that.
“You can go now,” I say to him.
“Yes, of course. Thank you, Professor Di Roma.” He turns to Londyn. “Thank you as well.”
“You’re welcome,” she says, smiling.
The student leaves and I go back to my desk, seething. This is just not going the way I want it to.
“That was kind of you,” Londyn says.
“I suppose.”
“It was. I know you didn’t want to do it. Why did you?”
“As I said, benevolent mood.”
“Okay,” she says. “Should we discuss my movement into the assistant’s room after the winter break? Assuming you want me to return.”
“Of course I want you to return. You’re the best assistant I’ve ever had.”
“Thank you. I can submit the paperwork to request a desk set up, if you’d like.”
“Is that what you want to do?”
Londyn looks away from me and stares down at her desk. “Yes, I think I’ve learned my job and know my daily expectations.”
“Do you want to come back?”
“Of course.”
“And you’re sure you want to move your desk?”
“Don’t you want your own space?”
No. “We have plenty of time to discuss it. Why don’t you go now and we’ll talk when you get back.”
“Okay.” She stands and puts her coat and scarf on. I watch her as she packs up her things and shuts her computer off. Finally, she looks up at me. “Well, Professor, I do hope you get some rest and enjoy your time off.”
“Thank you. You do the same.”
She walks towards me and extends her arms. Even though I’m surprised, I welcome the gesture. Standing, I pull her close to me and hug her tightly, inhaling the amazing scent of her hair. I hold her for a moment longer than I probably should, but I just can’t seem to let her go. I reluctantly release her and gaze down at her. She looks up at me and something in her eyes tells me I could kiss her right now, but I won’t. Not here. If I ever do, it has to be somewhere where I don’t have to stop.
“Right,” she says. Surprising me further, she leans forward and kisses my cheek. “Cheers.”
“Cheers, Londyn.”
She picks up her bag and walks out of the office. I slump down in my chair and rub my forehead. I pray that the day comes that I am man enough to tell the girl how I feel. I am deeply and completely fucking in love with her.
“Professor Di Roma?”
I look up to see Ella standing in my doorway. “Hello.”
“Hi. Is Londyn here?”
“No, she left some time ago. Can I help you with something?”
She steps in and takes a seat without being asked. “Not really. I was just stopping by to tell her to enjoy the holiday weekend. Do you have any big plans?”
I glare at the girl. Not once in the several years she has worked here has she ever attempted to engage me in conversation. Why the sudden interest?
“I have plans I am looking forward to.”
“Me, too. I’m going to my parent’s house in Somerville. Do you know what Londyn is doing?”
“I believe her parents are in town.”
“Oh, that’s cool.” She picks up a pen on my desk and twirls it around. “Do you know if she has a boyfriend?”
“I have no idea. Do you want to date her?”
Ella laughs. “No, of course not. Just wondering.” She puts the pen down. “So things are going really well between you and Londyn.”
“Obviously,” I respond, dryly.
“That’s cool.”
“Yes.” I sigh, wishing this annoying girl would leave. Just then, I remember Londyn telling me how Ella asked her friend all those questions. “Why are you so interested in Londyn?”
“She’s my friend.”
“Then why don’t you ask her these things yourself?”
“I’d like to, but we get so busy at work.” She stands abruptly. “I’m sorry to bother you.” She walks to the door. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“You as well.”
Ella leaves, but my suspicions are high. There was something very forced about that interaction. I have a feeling that Ella knew damn well that Londyn wasn’t here anymore. I decide to make a note to myself to tell Londyn about this interaction. I’m not sure that Londyn can trust Ella.
STANDING OUTSIDE, I LOOK around for my brother, pulling my coat tighter around me. There is a strong chill in the air, colder than normal for this time of year. I kick my foot through the piles of leaves at my feet.
It will be five days before I see Luca again. Perhaps the break will do us both some good. There is so much tension and many unspoken words between us. Just the same, I find myself obsessed with thoughts of him. As each day passes, I fall deeper in love with the man. That hug between us was magical. Just being close to him does so much for me. I bravely kissed his cheek, wanting so much more. It was an impulsive action, but I couldn’t stop myself. I’m just glad he was responsive.
I look up and see Devon heading in my direction. He looks dapper in a long wool coat and Burberry scarf. Madeleine would squeal if she saw him. I expect she will when he brings my parents by.
“Ciao, Londyn,” Devon says, kissing me on the cheek.
“Hello. Ready to go? We should beat a bit of traffic, I hope.”
“As do I.” He looks at his watch. “Yes, let’s get on with it. Their flight lands in one hour.”
“Alright.”
We walk towards the faculty parking lot, and although I’m terribly excited to see my parents, I feel sad too. I have no idea what Luca’s plans are for the holiday. Perhaps he’ll spend time with his own parents.
“How are things with Di Roma?” Devon asks.
“Just fine.”
“Hmm, not a convincing answer. Want to try that again?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You sound terribly sad.”
“Oh no, not sad at all. I was just distracted in my thoughts. We get along fine still.”
“That’s good. I’m glad to hear it. You’ll be back for next term then?”
“I believe so. We discussed it briefly today.”
“Good.”
“Do people still talk about us?”
“Not as much. Only to compliment me on my brilliant sister.”
I laugh. “Oh, yes, I’m so very brilliant.”
“You are.” He opens the door for me. “I figure mum and dad will be tired tonight so I’ll take them back to my place. Then we’ll be round about ten tomorrow?”
“Perfect. I’m making my first turkey. I found all these very American recipes online. I’m actually rather excited about it.”
“It will be a treat for all of us. Is Madeleine preparing anything?”
“Yes. She is in charge of the sweets. I believe she is making a pie.”
“Well, aren’t we just regular Americans.”
I laugh. “Far from it, but we try.”
“That we do.”
“Oh, and Maddie wants to dress up. She calls it being festive.”
“Festive. Right, then. I can manage a dress shirt, I suppose.”
I reach into my bag to find my Chap Stick and panic when I don’t see my boodle. My heart feels as though it’s plummeted into my stomach. Surely, I didn’t leave it at work. With Luca. No, it couldn’t be.
“What’s the matter?”
“I can’t find my boodle. Oh, bloody hell.”
“Oh, dear. Did you leave it at the office, perhaps?”
“I don’t know. I’m dying.”
“Call Di Roma. See if he has it.”
I would rather have lost it anywhere but in Luca’s office. My hands shake as I dial Luca’s phone.
“Hey, Londyn,” he answers. “Everything alright?”
“No, I’m afraid I can’t find my boodle. Is it there?”
“Let me check.” He pauses briefly. “Yes, I see it on your desk.”
“Dammit, I can’t believe I left it. I’ve never done that before.”
“Don’t worry. If you need it, I can bring it to you.”
“I’d hate for you to come all the way to Boston just for that.”
“All the way to Boston?” He chuckles. “I’ll be in the area anyway and I don’t mind at all. I’m sure you feel naked without it in your possession.”
“Yes, that’s true.” I laugh nervously. “If you’re sure you don’t mind, I would really appreciate it.”
“I’m happy to do it. Is tomorrow okay?”
“Yes. I’ll be home all day.” I pause. “What are your plans?”
“I’m going to my friends’ house and they don’t live far from you. I’ll drop it by on my way there.”
“Thank you very much.”
“Certainly.”
“Professor?”
“Yes?”
“If you read it, I’ll kill you.”
Luca laughs. “Your secrets are safe. You have my word.”
“Thank you. See you tomorrow.”
“You will.”
I hang up the phone and wish I felt better. My most private thoughts are in the hands of the one person I least want to know them. Stupid me.
“Sounds like the boodle is safe from harm?” Devon asks.
“Relatively. Other than it being in the possession of my boss.”
“That’s not so bad, is it? I doubt he’ll read it.”
“I pray he doesn’t. He’s in it.”
“Ah, well, yes, that would be embarrassing. I hope it’s nothing too damning.”
Only that I’m completely in love with him. Why would I worry about him reading that?
“Not too bad.”
“No worries. He’ll bring it round tomorrow and all will be fine. He can meet Mum and Dad.”
“Oh, yes. I didn’t think of that.” Perfect. Just perfect. I know I won’t be able to rest until that book is safely back in my hands. Until then, all I can do is hope Luca is a man of his word.
LONDYN’S BOOK OF SECRETS is in my hands. I could open it right now and read every word, but I promised I wouldn’t. She must be dying knowing I have it. The curiosity is killing me, though. I would love to know what she really thinks of me.
Turning it over in my hands, I contemplate my actions. I assured her I wouldn’t read it. I gave her my word. Besides, what if she wrote that she hated me? Or details of her and Nico together? It would break me to know that. At least for now, I can entertain myself with my delusional fantasies. I decide to do the right thing and put it in a safe place. I wrap a rubber band around it so I can’t even accidentally read it and shove it in my messenger bag. It will be safe there until tomorrow.
The one positive out of this is that I have an opportunity to see her again. Away from work. At least I have that to look forward to. I stare at my computer and the various tasks on my calendar that need to be completed before the term ends. Normally, by this point in the year I am well ahead of schedule, with or without an assistant. I realize I spend far too much of my day distracted by Londyn’s presence. What is it that Nico calls her? Ah, charming creature. Yes, she is that.
I decide it would be in my best interest to take the rest of the day and all of the night to get caught up on my work. I’ll just have to do my best to focus and get her out of my thoughts.
5:15. The bright red numbers from the digital clock on my nightstand taunt me. I’ve tossed and turned all night. I climb out of bed and walk into my study only to be assaulted with even more memories of Londyn. Jesus, why can’t I get her out of my head? I know I’ve never been this preoccupied with a woman before. Not since Sara died.
I walk across the room and sit in the chair she always sits in when she’s here. It’s her chair now- hell, it’s her room now. Something is missing from it when she isn’t here. She has become a part of this house. A part of me.
Still, something inside me is unsettled. I don’t know that I’m good enough for her even if I could get her attention. It suddenly dawns on me that she could have invited Nico to her house for supper. She wouldn’t do that, right? Even if she did, he wouldn’t go, would he? He would be with Candace. Unless she dumped him again. Fuck. If I see Nico with her, I don’t even know what I would do, but it wouldn’t be good.
I shake my head, trying to get the image of my brother with Londyn out of my mind. We have so many obstacles in our way, the least of which is my inability to love completely. She makes me want to. It’s times like these I wish I could talk to Sara. I wish I could get her blessing and ask her what she thinks of the woman I’ve chosen. I’d ask her if I was good enough for Londyn. I’m not convinced that I am.
THE ALARM CLOCK BUZZES and I wearily turn it off and drag myself out of bed. Putting my glasses on, I note the time- 5:15. It’s too early in the bloody morning and I’ve decided to get up and stuff the damn the turkey. Shuffling to the kitchen, I tighten the belt on my robe. It’s cold this morning. Madeleine likes to keep the place chilled, but it’s too much for me. I turn the heat up a bit higher and carry on my way.
Pulling the turkey out of the fridge, I drop it in the sink and stare at it. I don’t know what made me think I could handle a task like this. I just wanted to be like my American neighbors, I suppose. I peek through the kitchen window outside and see no lights on in the other houses. I guess I’m the only fool up this early.
I start preparing the stuffing and preheating the oven, carefully reading the instructions on the recipe I printed from the internet. Sautéing the leeks in butter, I make myself a pot of tea and turn on the tiny telly we have in the kitchen. I’m excited my parents are in town and even more excited to see Luca later.
Luca. That man has wedged himself in my brain and I can’t shake him. He’s everything I could hope for and more. Only, he’s clearly not interested in me. Ever since the almost kiss, he’s been distant. Frankly, I’m surprised he let me hug him yesterday. It was the most wonderful thirty seconds of my entire week. If a relatively innocent hug feels like that, I can only imagine what a passionate embrace would do to me.
I do wonder why he isn’t going to his parents’ house for the holiday. Maybe he isn’t that close to them. He never talks about them. Of course, he never talks about anything personal. I remember the day his mum called and he seemed fine with it, but I left the room. Maybe there is family tension all around, not just between the brothers. I can’t imagine not wanting Devon in my life. I’m filled with curiosity over what caused the discord. Heaven knows Luca isn’t planning to tell me about it. Even Nico is tight lipped. It’s enough to drive a girl mad.
I add the bread, onions, and bacon to the skillet and mix it around. I remember to take that bag of horrors from the middle of the bird, then pat it dry and place it in the roasting pan. I smear it with the herb butter I made last night and shove some just under the skin. Checking the recipe, I learn that I must wait for the stuffing to cool off for a few minutes. I pour mysel
f a cup of tea and occupy myself in the usual way.
I think of Luca.
“Maddie?” I call through her bedroom door. “Everyone will be here in a twenty minutes. Are you up?”
She opens the door, fully dressed, surprising me. “Of course I’m up.”
“You look lovely. Is that a new dress?”
“It is. I have to look nice for all the Harpers today.”
“One in particular, I’m sure.”
“Perhaps,” she grins. “So Professor Aloof is coming round today?”
I laugh. “Yes, to bring my boodle by. Can you believe I left it? I’ve never done anything like that before.”
“Perhaps you secretly want him to read it.”
“I do not.”
“Just saying.”
“Well, you’re wrong. I would be simply horrified if he did.”
“What if he does and doesn’t tell you?”
“I would know.”
“How so?”
“Based on what I’ve written in there, I don’t think he would be able to be neutral about it.”
“Hmm, perhaps I’d like to read it too then.”
I shove her arm. “You will do no such thing.”
“So secretive, you are!”
“You know this about me.”
“I do, yes.” She wraps her arm over my shoulder. “It smells wonderful in here. What’s on the menu?”
“Turkey, of course. I’ll make mashed potatoes and gravy later. I have some bread rolls and cranberry sauce to make as well.”
“Lovely. I’ll set about making the pie.”
“What kind are you making?”
“Pumpkin, of course. I hope it all turns out well.”
“So do I. I hope we don’t have to find an open restaurant later.”
“That would be terrible!”
“You start the pie, I’m going to take a shower and ready myself for the day.”
“Perfect.”
Back in my bedroom, I start my shower and brush out my hair then quickly braid it. The tired feeling I have is quickly replaced by excitement to spend the day with my parents. Oh, and to see Luca. As if I wasn’t thinking about him at all. I must take care not to reveal my feelings for him when he meets my parents. It’s no secret my mum is desperate to marry me off. At my age, she was married and pregnant with Devon. I’m a million miles away from such events.
Londyn Falls Page 24
