Teacher Crush by Pascal Francine

Author:Pascal, Francine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-01-25T16:00:00+00:00

Eight

Olivia checked her appearance nervously in the ladies' room on the first floor of the Riverside Art Academy. She couldn't believe she was here with Stuart. The school was absolutely wonderful. Only about sixty students were admitted at any one time, and Stuart had taken her around on a complete tour to show her the studios and the special rooms for student exhibitions. He had also introduced her to students and teachers as one of his prize students, which made her glow with pride.

"Where's Monica?" one of the teachers asked Stuart while he was glancing over his notes for his speech.

"She's in L.A. for a few days," Stuart said.

Olivia was burning with curiosity as she moved away from him to look at a painting. Who was Monica? But the next minute she forgot all about it when Stuart called her over to be introduced to a group of teachers. Whoever Monica was, she was out of town—far away. Olivia was right here, being introduced to people as a future artist, as Stuart's prize pupil!

After about half an hour of socializing it was time for the speakers. Olivia sat right in the front row, gazing proudly at Stuart while he gave his talk. He was so poised, so witty. Every time he made a joke and the audience laughed, Olivia felt her heart soar. His talk was brief but wonderful and inspiring. He talked about how artists could earn a living doing what they loved. "All of you can be artists. Remember that," Stuart concluded to a rousing burst of applause. Olivia clapped harder than anyone else. She thought she would faint with joy when Stuart came and sat next to her for the other two speeches. Every time he leaned closer to her to whisper something, her heart thumped like crazy. All in all, it was one of the best afternoons she could remember. She couldn't help feeling disappointed when, by five-thirty, people were putting on their jackets and slipping away. But her mood soared when Stuart asked, "Do you have to get home right away? I'd love to ask you to do me a big favor if you don't."

"Oh, no. I don't have to be home until six-thirty," Olivia said, instantly regretting that she made it sound as though she had a curfew to meet. She thought of Stuart's wonderful apartment. He could do whatever he liked, whenever he felt like it. And for just a second the number of years between them seemed immense.

But Stuart didn't seem to have noticed her discomfort. "Great! Would you be an angel and come with me to this great store called Domain? I'm looking for a present for a very special friend, and I'm having a hard time deciding what's right. Want to help me out? I trust your taste, Olivia." He winked at her, and Olivia felt her face glow with warmth.

She remembered the earrings Stuart was designing. And again, she couldn't help thinking he had found out about her birthday somehow.

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