Flawed Professor: A Hero Club Novel

by Sarah Stein

  Five minutes later, I pulled into the wrap-around driveway, drove right, and parked in the overflow parking lot. It seemed there weren’t many places to park, so I had to make do. Unfortunately, this meant I had to make a beeline for the building with only ten minutes left to spare. I had no clue where everything was or what room I needed to be in for the interview.

  On top of that, there were so many students meandering about. Right as I exited the vehicle, everyone seemed to move at a quick pace. The bell hadn’t rung yet, but I’d have bet they knew it would soon. I was pushed harshly as I reached the building’s steps, but people made a wide berth next to a man heading toward the front door.

  He caught my attention for a brief moment, but I couldn’t dwell on why the students seemed to give the man lots of room and not push into him as they did me. I didn’t even have time to assess how he looked or ask who he was, which was a shame because he could be a fellow teacher and someone on my side if I happened to get the job.

  “Excuse me,” I said without hesitating. I needed to get through those doors and quick.

  The unknown man swung opened the metal doors swiftly, and I rushed on through. I was in such a hurry I’d forgotten my manners. I uttered a swift ‘thank you,’ but figured he probably didn’t hear what I’d said since the noise level would drown out my words anyway. It seemed no one could travel to their destination without talking the entire way, which made it loud in the building’s halls.

  It upset me that I couldn’t take time out before the interview to observe the atmosphere and take a look around. I might be working here and wanted to know what my potential place of work was like. What was everyone’s day-to-day schedule, and how did people treat one another here? If I’m to work someplace, I like to feel like I belong, like I fit right on in with those surrounding me. Being late took away those options. Hopefully though, I’d have the chance after the interview, if all goes well.

  “Hi,” I greeted the woman who sat in the admissions office, “I’m here for an interview with Dan.”

  I hoped this was the place I was supposed to check into, but I had absolutely no clue. All I knew was the name of the guy who was conducting the interview. It made me a bit anxious and I gripped my hands together as I waited. I glanced at my watch again and noticed I was late. And late was never good for any interview. My hopes dimmed as I thought about putting more applications out and having to wait on a response to those.

  “Of course. Take a seat right over there, he’ll be with you shortly,” the woman stated as she pointed to an area in the corner which housed three empty chairs.

  I took the chair closest to me and sat down, crossing my right leg over my left. I took the opportunity to look around the office. It was like many other school admissions offices, with a massive light wood-grained colored desk with four seats behind it. The woman who greeted me seemed to be the only one in the office, but I was sure, by the looks of things, more people worked in this office. There was a massive all-in-one printer and fax situated beside the desk. Next to the printer were two bulletin boards filled with a variety of papers ranging from club sign-up forms to things students can learn. On the other end of the office were two extra doors with signs on them. From this distance I couldn’t make out what the signs said, but I assumed those doors led to other offices. Exactly my thoughts when a balding man walked out of one of the doors with his hand outstretched as if for me to shake it.

  “Hi, Sophie. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Dan. I will be interviewing you,” Dan greeted cheerily.

  I grasped his hand in a firm hold and shook while saying, “Hi. I’m so sorry I’m late. I hope you still have some time left for my interview. I didn’t expect traffic to be so rough.”

  I kept blabbering repeatedly. I didn’t want Dan to reschedule, yet I didn’t want him to stick to the interview if he had another one scheduled. This adulting thing sucked sometimes.

  “No, no. You’re good,” Dan assured me, releasing my hand, “Follow me, and we’ll get started.” I blew out a quick breath, relieved Dan didn’t cancel because I was late.

  I followed him into his office which had his name on the door with the title of Human Resource Manager underneath. He gestured for me to sit in the black chair situated across the desk before taking a seat himself.

  “Did you get a chance to look around before the meeting?” Dan questioned, rifling through the stack of papers he picked up from the desk.

  The dark mahogany shined all over, except in one spot where his coffee cup rested. He obviously didn’t use a coaster. Those small things stick with me once noticing. I was always a stickler for being neat and clean, so those small things messed with my somewhat obsessive-compulsive disorder.

  I quickly glanced up and answered, “No. I didn’t have a chance to take a look around. Though, I was hoping I could after this meeting, as long as things go well of course.

  Dan chuckled at my comment, “You know. I haven’t had but one other applicant. It seems there aren’t many music teachers available anymore. I’m glad you saw the ad and applied. Now, let’s get started.” A slight glimmer of hope blossomed in my chest from knowing there weren’t other applicants for the position. I had a huge advantage.

  The interview whizzed by but lasted longer than I anticipated. Most of my interviews took close to an hour, whereas this one lasted a little over. It was like Dan and I hit it off, we couldn’t seem to stop talking about aspirations and what I looked for in my students as a music teacher. Most of the questions were a breeze, but I couldn’t seem to stick to short answers. I loved music and talking about it during the interview caused me to ramble on about the topic.

  “Alright. That seems about it,” Dan announced about an hour and a half into the meeting, “I have to say this interview was a pleasure. I haven’t discussed this much about music in all my life. There’s a real passion in you, and I can’t help but see it. Give me a few days, and I’ll give you a call once I figure out what the next step will be.”

  Inwardly shaking, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I knew I shouldn’t be thrilled yet; I hadn’t officially gotten the job offer, but I felt good about the meeting. Even though I didn’t get the offer, I wanted to take the time to look around the building. I knew this would excite me even more, but I couldn’t help myself. Things might be looking up, but I still crossed my fingers with that thought.

  “I appreciate you waiting for me, you know, with me being late for the interview. I look forward to hearing from you,” I said, shaking his hand once again.

  Once I exited the admissions office, I grinned so wide the skin around my eyes crinkled. I rubbed my palms on my gray dress pants before taking a step forward into the hallway I’d taken to enter the admissions office. The place was like a maze once I entered the actual building past the office. There were so many rooms. As I continued to wander the halls, I hoped that if I did get the job offer, I’d be able to find the classroom I’d get to teach in.

  After a few twists and turns, movement in a small rectangular window inside a door caught my eye. I stopped walking and glanced inside for a second so I wouldn’t be seen eavesdropping. It was weird peeping inside a classroom while the teacher was oblivious of being watched. He sort of resembled the guy who had been holding the door opened for me earlier, though I didn’t really get a good look at him.

  His hand maneuvered the chalk on the surface of the board gracefully. I could tell he was drawing something, but unsure of what it was. On the side of what he was working on were drawings of Tweety and Sylvester. He was clearly an art professor. His short brown hair hung loosely around his ears, with a small number of grey streaks sprinkling the sides. I had to tear my eyes away and took that moment to assess the classroom. This guy held me captive for some reason and I’m not sure if I liked that feeling.

  Students were focused on their desks. Some seemed to be contemplating what to write or draw. Others seemed to be drawing on the pads in front of them. He clearly had the
class working on something important, so I took another glance at the professor, only to connect eyes with him. A swirling mix of blue and green stared back at me and caught me off guard. It felt weird to know I’d been caught eavesdropping. Instead of waving or smiling, I ran off like a little girl caught stealing cookies from the cookies jar.

  Chapter Three

  Tobias

  Shocked. That’s how I felt for a moment. I thought for sure Elodie was standing outside my classroom door, peeping inside. When our eyes locked, I figured after these many years; she would finally give me the chance to make things right. But then I noticed the red, wavy locks I’d seen from earlier, and knew it wasn’t Elodie. The minute I took my eyes off hers and caught sight of her hair, she was gone.

  I didn’t get the chance to say a word to the woman who’d barged passed me this morning and eavesdropped on my class. Who was she? I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I needed to know who she was and why she was snooping around this college. Unfortunately, by the time I went to tell my students to continue working on their assignments while I take a moment, she had already disappeared.

  It was a shame because the woman was gorgeous. I’d do anything to run my fingers through those thick, red locks and hear the moans escape her pouty lips. That was just my imagination because I doubt I would see her again, seeing how she left so abruptly. Maybe she was visiting another student here or one of the faculty. Or maybe, she was married to one of the guys here. A pit of doom settled in my stomach as I thought of that sexy woman hitched to some guy on this campus. I had my flaws, but I wasn’t one to sleep around with married women. Yet, I apparently, had no problem cheating even though I was hitched at one point.

  I couldn’t believe for a second I thought Elodie had come back to me. What sort of sick sap would expect the ex to beg to be taken back after being cheated on? Besides, she had been remarried to the Hollis guy, the one who dated my stepsister for a while. I hadn’t met him when he dated Bree, but I knew about it before Bree passed away. After this long, I really should get over Elodie.

  Damn my thoughts. I shaded in the final parts of the drawing and stood back. Feeling satisfied, I mentally patted myself on the back for putting in the work. I’d shaded in a Viking holding a shield and sword. It was possibly one of my best pictures I’d drawn on the chalkboard so far. If there was one absolute certain thing in life, it was art. I was good at it, and I thrived on making my creations.

  Most of the students in my class only signed up because it’s an elective, whereas the other half were majoring in Art. Regardless if the student wasn’t focused on art as a career, I made it a point to make sure they’re enjoying the class and would learn something from it.

  While picking up my chalks, I said, “Work on the final project. If you need any additional information, meet me after class, and I’ll assist.”

  My eyes quickly glanced over the petite, brown-haired student who had questions earlier, and then back at the entire class, “Go on to your next class, or back home. I’ll see you next time.”

  There was usually no bell to indicate when the class was over; only one to indicate the start and ending of the day. Most college courses were an hour, but some ran over an hour. My art class tends to run a little later than a usual course. I’ve never had complaints, and don’t intend to get any since I’m usually one of the most lenient teachers on campus.

  Once the class cleared out, I realized maybe the girl from earlier did only want information on the course and honestly wasn’t trying to hit on me. That’s a first and it surprised me. Though, I didn’t think I could do anything since my mind has been on the mysterious red-head woman. Without asking around and finding out who she was, I won’t ever know. The sad thing was, what if I never saw her again? It kind of bummed me out, but then I realized it’s the weekend and I could hit up the nightlife.

  I checked to make sure nothing was out of place and everything was how it should be in my briefcase, snapped it shut, and then waltzed out of the classroom. It was time to mingle. I was so done with thinking of anyone else but me. Five years later and what did I have to show for my life, a failed marriage and numerous one-night stands. The one-night stands I could handle, but the failed marriage needs to go. I’m done dwelling on the what could’ve been when I can focus on the future. Who needed a woman to hold him down? Not I. I thought to myself as I exited the building that housed most of my indiscretions.

  No more thoughts of Elodie. I was done and wanted to move on. Shit, she sure in hell did, even though I tried my best to get her back. My best wasn’t enough. Who could blame her, I’d screwed up big time?

  “Bye, Mr. T,” Theresa called out, surrounded by a few of her friends.

  I smiled in return. I knew her well. Theresa had enrolled in this campus two years ago and was still working on her degree. I wasn’t entirely sure what she majored in but knew she’d had a crush on me for a while now. Other than flirting here and there, we’d never done anything to brag about. Thankfully, all the girls attending this college were above age; otherwise I’d be behind bars. Fortunately for me, I don’t swing that way and never had.

  As soon as I walked outside, the crisp breeze fluttered along my skin, trying its best to create gooseflesh. I shivered and retrieved my cell as I continued on the path to my parked car.

  “Tobias! What’s up, man.”

  I grinned as soon as I heard Xander’s voice, “Nothing much. I’m currently leaving work. Got plans for tonight?”

  A chuckle sounded on the other end before Xander responded, “Dude. You know we’ll be out on the town. We do this almost every weekend. Wanna come with?”

  “There’s no question about it. Where do you plan on meeting up and what time? I’ll go ahead and catch a Lyft beforehand,” I said, settling into my seat and then starting the car.

  “Meet us at Sloan’s Bar and Grill at five pm. It’ll be me, Brian and Parker, ya know the usual. We’ll bar hop until we find somewhere we want to chill. Unless, you got somewhere else you want to be. We can tag along with you.”

  “Nope. Sounds like a plan.” I answered.

  “Okay. I’ll let the boys know, and we’ll see you then,” Xander commented.

  The phone beeped, indicating the call ended. I shifted into gear before heading home. If there’s one thing I enjoyed, other than art, it was going out with the boys and messing around. Five pm couldn’t come quick enough, I shivered in delight.

  The drive home took about twenty minutes. Traffic was always a bitch, but it’s to be expected when you work at a college, and almost everyone drove to and from the place. I unlocked my door, tossed the briefcase on the kitchen counter, and headed for a shower. I wanted to be good and ready for anything. Knowing my boys, there was going to be some sort of mischief, always was. Last time we went out, Brian had too much to drink and threw up on the girl he’d been hitting on the majority of the night. Needless to say, she didn’t go home with him.

  There’s a story for almost every night from the moment we all met, which was back in high school. Yeah, I’ve known those boys for a long time and never thought we’d be this tight after all these years. It’s good having people you can hang with and trust.

  Out of the entire group, I’d have to say me and Xander are probably the sanest. When things go down, we usually handle it pretty damn well. As a professor, I had to make sure not to be recognized places, and so far, I haven’t had a problem. I hoped it stayed that way.

  After showering, I donned a maroon and white checkered button-up collared shirt, and then slid on a pair of black slacks. I didn’t dress up too much, opting to wear collared shirts over full-on dress attire. Once I slipped my feet into the black shoes that matched the black belt I’d put on; I grabbed my phone to arrange a Lyft. It would take roughly thirty minutes to get to Sloan’s Bar and Grill.

  While waiting on the driver, I thought about the events from earlier. The woman wouldn’t seem to leave my mind, no matter how hard I tried to t
hink of something else. It’s sad because I most definitely lost my chance to introduce myself. It was even worse to think she might’ve been there for someone else, and I had no chance with her anyway. The funny thing was; I hadn’t had thoughts like this about any other woman since Elodie.

  This woman was tearing me to shreds, not because she was gorgeous, but because I had no chance with her. She was gone for good. I should’ve left the classroom and ran after her once I’d seen her peeking in but didn’t. It was my own fault. I had to chalk it up as another loss and try to get my mind off the woman who occupied it quite often the entire day.

  The Lyft was right around the corner, so I exited my place to wait in the driveway. Three minutes later, I was seated inside the vehicle and on my way to see the boys. Thinking about the upcoming night left me feeling excited, I needed something to take the edge off. Women sure knew how to set me off. The sad thing was they didn’t even know it. Damn, that woman and her fine ass for showing up at my place of work.

  Chapter Four

  Sophie

  Face palming; I thought he caught me peeping inside his classroom. How embarrassing was that? I’ve never been known to be the weird stalkerish type. I still needed to know who the man was that held the door open for me earlier.

  After much shame, I found out he was an Art Professor. I thought it was really cool we were in the same artistic category. He taught art while I focused on music. To me, that was a perfect blend of skills. Not that we could hang out or anything, I mean I doubt he’d want anything to do with me once I got the job. I’ll forever be known as the crazy classroom peeping Tom. I face-palmed again, thinking it would change the entire outcome. Damn it, I tended to make dumb decisions when I was excited about something, and in this case, starting a new job was exciting; if the position was offered that was.