Grading Curves by Naima Simone

Author:Naima Simone [Simone, Naima]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-20T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Three

Nikki

“Thanks for walking me to my door, Dr. Russell. You didn’t need to though.” I force a smile as I turn on my stoop to face my co-worker. My co-worker who invited me out to dinner on the pretense that other faculty members would be joining us. Faculty members that never showed up—if they were ever invited in the first place. Which I’m coming to suspect they weren’t. First day of my classes, and I’d been tricked into a date by the Humanities professor. I feel like such a naïve ass. Please, God, don’t let this be an omen for the rest of my school year.

“Chris. Please call me Chris,” he says for about the tenth time since lunch and our date-by-bamboozlement. “I had a good time tonight, Nikki.”

Even though I didn’t invite him to use my given name, I don’t call him on it, either. Not tonight. I will avoid anything that will prolong this disaster waiting to happen.

“It’s a shame the others couldn’t make it,” I add, and at least he has the good grace to glance away, not quite able to meet my eyes. I peek down at the hem of his dark pants. Just in case they’re smoking or are on fire. “But thanks again.”

I remove my house keys from my purse, a signal that the evening is most definitely over. But instead of reading the room, Dr. Russell climbs that last step to join me on my porch.

“I would love to do this again,” he says, his gaze dropping to my mouth, and for a horrified second, I think he’s going to lean in and kiss me.

Oh hell no.

“Dr. Russell, I’m flattered, but I really don’t think it’s wise since we’re co-workers. One of my rules is to never date people I work with.” Students, on the other hand, appear to be fair game. Shit. Stop thinking of Dean, I order myself.

“I doubt that would be an issue—”

The peal of my cell phone interrupts him. Thank God. I dig for it and glance at the screen before feigning disappointment. “I really need to take this. See you on campus?”

“Oh…okay. Good night.” He hesitates another moment longer, his displeasure and frustration evident. But when I don’t relent, he turns and descends the steps.

Only when he’s in his car do I hit the decline button, silencing the still ringing phone and ignoring the call like the twenty before it. I don’t need to answer to know how the conversation will go.

How could you do this to me? Your own mother.

You might think you’re too good for us, but I’m still your mother.

Everything I’ve done for you, you ungrateful bitch. Don’t think I’m going to forget this.

My voicemail is packed with vitriolic messages along those lines. A mother’s love. Nothing like it.

Sighing, I turn and insert my key in the front door lock.

“Nikki.”

I whip around, my heart damn near punching a hole through my sternum. My fingers tighten on my cell, and I’m prepared to hurl it before I recognize the figure standing at the bottom of my porch steps.

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