Release (Iris Series)

by Lynn, Rebecca

  She checked Yanna’s first.

  AS: For the night?! Woo hoo! U go girl. Can’t wait to hear about it! And abt work, too. Have an AWESOME time tonite! love u!!!

  Ryann smiled, then nervously pulled up the one from Jeremy.

  JM: I’ve been thinking abt u all day. I’ll be at Institute for mtng at 4. Should be done by 5. Then ur mine. Be ready.

  Ryann’s face split into a huge grin, and she could feel her face burning with a combination of excitement and embarrassment. Just then, Paul walked in.

  “Well, look at you. That musta been some text!” he said with a chuckle.

  Ryann cleared her throat. She put her hand to her cheek, and looked down. “Are you ready to go down?”

  “Yeah, but I want details first, honey!” he guffawed.

  Ryann wasn’t ready to confide in Paul. Or should she? She was torn, because obviously people would see her talking with Jeremy, or maybe even leave together. But she wanted to get a plan in place with him first before their...whatever this was... was made known to people.

  “No details to report, Paul...Besides, a lady doesn’t kiss and tell. Now let’s go.” She got up, and grabbed his arm playfully.

  “She doesn’t? Well shit, that’s no fun. All the ladies I know do. Then again, most of the ‘ladies’ I know aren’t of the female persuasion.”

  They both laughed and headed down to Quinn Hall.

  They found their seats quickly, and made sure to sit far away from MG. Earlier, Ryann had shared with Paul the little altercation she’d had with Jennifer.

  “Fuck it,” he had said, “Don’t even pay her any mind, Ryann. There are so many things worth thinkin’ about in this world, and she isn’t one of ’em. The only time ya should think about her is when you’re thinking about how to respond to her asinine comments. Otherwise, just give her a wide berth.” She agreed.

  They sat through the talk from the Dean, and at about 3:45, he brought up the man who had been talking to Jennifer when she had returned from her wax. He was introduced as Armand DiCarlo, the art dealer who arranged for the Mackenzie Renault painting to be shown for the fundraising gala scheduled for the following Friday evening.

  Paul was right. He was strikingly handsome, with olive toned skin and dark good looks. He had on expensively cut navy blue pinstripe slacks, with a starched and stylish white button down shirt. His Italian heritage, and European style made him stand out in the midst of all of the casual artist types in the room.

  When the meeting was over, people began to mill out, some going over to talk to Armand, some deciding to leave the hall. She noticed Jennifer leaving the hall, and when Ryann looked at her watch and noticed it was 3:50, she had a pretty good idea who she was in such a big hurry to see.

  She followed her out of the hall a moment later, and sure enough, Jennifer was on the other side of the lobby...talking to Jeremy.

  …..

  Ryann watched as Jennifer threw her head back and laughed like a giddy school girl. She had her hand on Jeremy’s arm, while her other pushed her hair back.

  Oh, brother.

  Jeremy was standing there looking gorgeous as ever, his wavy dark hair, his sexy scruff on his face, and a black lightweight cashmere sweater with gray slacks hugging his to die for six feet three inch frame. He was looking at Jennifer with a polite smile, but that all changed when he looked up...and saw Ryann.

  Their eyes locked, and her heartbeat began to speed up.

  His eyes perused her body slowly, all while MG was jabbering away. But he paid her no mind. His eyes were only for Ryann. And didn’t that just make her feel like the most desirable woman in the world.

  Paul came up behind her at that moment and noticed the direction of her heated look, and the equally heated returned gaze from Jeremy.

  “Well, well, well,” Paul said with a smile. “I have a feelin’ things are about to get interesting.”

  Ryann turned to him with a panicked look. “Paul -”

  “Why don’t we go over and say hi,” and with that, he grabbed her elbow and led her to where Jeremy and MG were standing.

  Jeremy left Jennifer’s side and began walking toward them before Jennifer even knew what was happening. When she realized why Jeremy left her, her bright smile fell and turned into a scowl. She slowly followed him over.

  Jeremy reached them first, and leaned down to kiss Ryann on the cheek. “Hey,” he whispered, then placed his hand around her elbow.

  Surprised at his PDA, she smiled up at him nervously, clearing her throat. “Hey,” she croaked back.

  Jeremy turned to Paul. “How are you, Paul? Great to see you again,” he said with a genuine smile on his face.

  “Same here. I hear you’re the new VC?” Paul put out his hand to shake Jeremy’s.

  “Yup. I’m headed into a meeting right now.”

  “Good,” Paul said with a smile. “It’ll be nice to see ya around this place more often.” Paul’s eyes were twinkling.

  Just then, Jennifer reached them, her arms crossed over her chest. She cocked her head. “You two know each other?” looking at Jeremy, then to Ryann.

  Ryann looked up at Jeremy, trying to appear strong, but nervous as hell. She gave him a look that said You started this thing, buddy. I’m gonna let you take this one.

  Jeremy smiled and looked down at her, squeezing her elbow. “Yes, actually. We met before either of us knew the other’s connection to the Institute, and became very good friends,” he purred.

  Ryann cleared her throat again, and could feel the heat creeping up into her face.

  “Really,” Jennifer said. “When I said your name earlier, Ryann neglected to mention that she knew you.” Her voice took on a dark tone.

  “Put your claws back in, MG. No one owes you any explanation.”

  Through gritted teeth, and a fake smile, “Of course they don’t. I was just commenting on the fact that Ryann apparently didn’t want anyone to know of her connection to the new VC. I find that interesting, that’s all.”

  Jeremy calmly intervened. “Who I’m friends with isn’t your concern, Jennifer...or anyone else’s for that matter. Ryann’s talents as a teacher, and skills as an artist, speak for themselves. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been accepted into the internship program here...long before I ever met her, I might add.”

  Ryann, she knew, was red in the face, and was mortified at the discussion of their situation so openly there in the lobby.

  He turned back to Ryann, and looked her in the eye, willing her to not let this become an issue. He looked at her, challenging her to contradict anything he’d said. “I’ll see you after my meeting?”

  She paused. I guess Jeremy’s idea of a best defense, was a good offense, she thought. So much for talking to him about their strategy.

  Jeremy was still waiting, his eyes drilling into her. She replayed the last comments he had said to her the night before. I don’t care what excuse you come up with. You will be coming back to my place tonight.

  No more excuses, Ryann. She took a deep breath, and cleared her throat. “Yes. Where do you want to meet?”

  Letting go of a breath, he said, “I’ll text you when I’m done.”

  “Great,” she said with a smile.

  He smiled at her, letting his hand coast from her elbow to her hand, and squeezed. Then he looked at Paul and Jennifer.

  “I gotta run, guys.” Then he turned to Ryann, and said in a low voice, “I’ll see you soon.”

  Ryann cleared her throat and nodded, her eyes darting around anxiously, with a small smile on her face. Then he walked away.

  “Well, isn’t your little protege just full of surprises,” Jennifer said in her best MG voice.

  “True to your nature, MG, you always like to find the drama where there is none. It’s unfortunate that you can’t seem to get through a day without it whether it’s there or not,” Paul said with a sigh.

  Jennifer looked Ryann right in the eye and said, “Whatever it is that you have going on with Jeremy wo
n’t last long, sweetheart. He might be enamored with your little miss innocent act for now, but he’ll discover soon that you’re not the kind of woman he wants or needs. And when that happens, we’ll see how long you last here.”

  She turned to walk away, only to be stopped by Ryann’s words.

  “I feel so incredibly sorry for you, Jennifer.”

  Jennifer turned back and glared at her.

  Ryann continued, “I don’t know what happened in your life to turn you into such a bitter, angry, ugly person, but treating people like shit seems to somehow make you think you’ll feel better. When really, it just feeds your anger, and makes you look more pitiful. Quite frankly, I would prefer it if you didn’t speak to me. And if you do, know that unless it’s work related, I’ll just be walking away.”

  Paul’s eyebrows were raised in surprise with a huge smile on his face.

  Jennifer sputtered, “Who the hell do you think you are? You think just because you’re fucking the new VC that you can talk to an instructor like that? You’re an intern. A nothing!”

  Ryann didn’t know where she found her courage, but she said in her best teacher voice, “Well, as far as I know this is still America, where I can choose who to talk to, or who not to talk to. And I figure when someone blatantly speaks to me in a disrespectful manner, regardless of whether she’s an instructor or not, I can choose to speak to them, or not. If you need to talk to me about work related things, then that’s fine, but you’ll do it respectfully, Jennifer, or you won’t do it at all. And for the record, my personal life is off limits to you.”

  “Excuse me, little miss goody two shoes, but when your personal life affects your work, I will be saying something. And you can bet it won’t just be to you. Jeremy won’t always be able to save you.”

  “Well, Jennifer, I wish I could say it’s been fun.” She looked at Paul, knowing her face was flushed with anger. “Paul, if you don’t mind, I need to run upstairs. There are a few more things I want to do before I leave.”

  “Of course,” Paul said with a triumphant look on his face. “I’ll join ya. I need to finish up, too.”

  And with that, they left Jennifer, plotting her next move.

  …..

  “That was spectacular! You’re my new hero,” Paul said as they made their way to the elevator.

  Ryann sighed and tried to calm her breathing. The adrenaline from the altercation was still pumping through her veins. “I wasn’t going to say anything about Jeremy. For exactly the reasons that everyone would be thinking.”

  “First of all, honey, ya don’t owe me an explanation. What ya do with your personal life is your own business. But if there is something going on with Jeremy, then personally, I’m thrilled. I adore the man. I’ve known him and his family for years, and he’s one of a kind. Screw anyone who talks about it! Let ’em. I got your back.”

  Tears stung her eyes, as they got on the elevator. She reached out her hand to hold his. “Thank you,” she whispered. “We really didn’t know about the connections to the Institute when we first met, and the attraction was just... there. I’ll be honest, I do struggle a little bit with it. I know how it’ll look.”

  “Yeah, but ya know what? Ya only live once, right? Life is too short to pass up on opportunities of the heart.”

  Didn’t she know it.

  “Besides, if Jeremy wants ya, he’s not gonna take no for an answer,” he said with a knowing smile.

  Ryann chuckled. “I guess you do know him well.”

  “I’ve known him and his mom for years. And you heard MG mention before who his mom is?”

  “Yeah, actually, I’m a huge fan. I went to her showing last Friday, and, um...that’s where I met Jeremy actually.” They got off of the elevator and headed toward Paul’s office.

  “Really? I was there! How did I not see you?”

  “I got there late. My car broke down on the way over.”

  “Ah, that explains it. Pete and I left around nine,” he said as they entered his office.

  “I didn’t even get there until close to 10:30. Is Pete your partner?”

  “Yup. 21 years and counting,” he said with a wistful smile.

  “Wow!” she smiled. “Congratulations. That’s definitely an accomplishment.” Then she paused and said with a raised eyebrow, “Peter and Paul?”

  “Hilarious, right?” he chuckled. “We always get a kick out of telling people our names, especially when we’re talking to religious folk,” he said, putting his fingers up to put quotes around the last two words.

  “Not all religious folk are like that,” she said.

  He snorted. “I don’t know which religious folk you’re talking to.”

  “There are actually quite a few religious people out there who think being gay is just fine. My Uncle Liam is gay. He still lives in Scotland. My mom moved from there to New Jersey, and is a devout Christian. A liberal Christian, though. Growing up, she took me to an Episcopalian church in Morristown that was very open and affirming.”

  “Huh,” he mumbled thoughtfully. “Who knew?”

  They talked for a little while longer about preparations for the next day, then said their goodbyes because Paul had to do some things down in the Admin offices. Knowing that Jennifer’s office was on the floor above hers, she figured it was safe to go into the bathroom to get ready.

  She changed into her strappy heels. They were gold leather, with an ornate butterfly cut out design in the leather on the top of the foot, and a strap around the heel. She removed her scarf and put on her long gold necklace, and took the clip out of her hair. She fluffed it and sprayed a little hairspray on it, giving it a tousled, sexy look. Then she touched up her make up, took out her funky wrap that she found in a Village boutique years ago, and gave herself one last look of approval.

  Yeah. She looked good. She headed back to the office, awaiting Jeremy’s text.

  It came about 10 minutes later.

  JM: I’m ready for u, gorgeous. Waiting in the lobby.

  She smiled, and texted back.

  RT: On my way.

  She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, grabbed her bag, and headed down.

  …..

  When she got there, she noticed Paul was talking to Jeremy. The subject matter was something serious, apparently, because Paul was animated, and Jeremy’s jaw was tight.

  She walked over, and they stopped and turned toward her.

  Jeremy’s expression immediately changed. His eyes became laser focused and he smiled that lazy smile of his, and let his eyes examine her body from head to toe, then back up again. His eyes were glittering when he finally met her gaze. “You changed,” he purred appreciatively.

  Paul let out a whistle. “You clean up good, kid,” he said with a wink. “Looks like ya two are gonna paint the town red tonight.”

  Jeremy continued looking at Ryann and murmured, “Among other things.”

  Ryann wondered what they had been talking about. Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait too long to find out.

  “I was just giving Jeremy a heads up about Jennifer’s comments earlier. I thought it was important he knew what she said to ya.”

  Ryann cringed. “Paul, I wish you hadn’t said anything.”

  “Listen, honey. As your mentor, I’m responsible for ya. One of my jobs is to make sure ya get everything ya need to make your time here a success so that ya can be an official part of our instruction team after this process is over. It’s no secret amongst the faculty that Jennifer’s difficult. If she’s planning any kind of sabotage, I want certain people to know about it.”

  Ryann turned red in the face, and said, “I’m sure it won’t go that far. I can handle her. Really.”

  “Oh trust me, there’s no doubt in my mind that ya can handle her. You’ve done it beautifully already. Two times on your first day, I might add. It’s the stuff that she might try to pull, that makes me pause.”

  “Two times? When was the other time?” Jeremy interjected.

  B
efore Ryann could respond, Paul jumped in. “When she came in from lunch, Jennifer stopped her in the lobby and gave her a hard time.”

  “Really guys. It’s nothing. Let’s just drop it, ok?” She turned to Jeremy. “I absolutely do not want you involved, nor do I want any special treatment, Jeremy. I’m adamant about this.” She looked at him with a pointed look.

  Jeremy squeezed her hand. “Ryann, Paul would be reacting the same way if it was any other intern, as well. No one’s going to do anything unless Jennifer does something inappropriate that wouldn’t be in keeping with the mission of the Institute. I know you’re more than capable of putting people in their place when they need to be put there,” he said dryly. “You’ve certainly done it to me on more than one occasion.”

  Ryann let out an expulsion of air from her lungs, and put her hand up. “Guys, seriously, I appreciate your concern, but she isn’t the first snarky woman I’ve dealt with, nor will she be the last. So, thank you for being all cavemanish about it, but everything is fine.”

  Paul chuckled. “Well, I guess she told us,” he said to Jeremy with a smile. “I’m still watching your back, though.”

  “Thank you,” both Ryann and Jeremy said at the same time. They looked at each other, and laughed a little.

  “Now, you two go out and have fun. Ryann, I’ll see ya tomorrow. Eight o’clock.”

  “You betcha. Thanks for everything, Paul.” She winked at him, then leaned over and gave him a hug. He returned her squeeze, then stepped back and said goodbye to Jeremy.

  “Thanks for the talk, Paul. I always appreciate your insight. It was good to catch up.” He put out his hand to shake the older man’s hand.

  “See ya, guys.” And with that, Paul was gone.

  Jeremy turned to her and grabbed her hand. And if his expression could’ve gotten any hungrier, it did at that moment.

  “Cavemanish?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Is that even a word, Ms. Thornton?”

  Ryann cleared her throat. “Much to your disappointment, I’m sure, I’m not that damsel in distress you keep seeing me as.”

  He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Do you know how fucking hot you are when you get all teachery on me?”