I start to put the phone down, then note another text that arrived while I was in class. It’s from Sierra asking about the faculty social.
Charles contacted her directly, curse the man. Smart of him, but highly irritating, because I was going to wait until the absolute last minute to make sure she couldn’t go. She shouldn’t have to waste a precious Friday evening dealing with that parasite.
–Me: Business casual should be fine. But you don’t have to go if you don’t want to. Just so you know, Charles intends to pressure you to donate money for a research center he wants built. It won’t be pleasant.
–Sierra: Isn’t this important for your career at the college?
I pause, surprised at the question. None of my ex-girlfriends ever cared about my career. I feel a corner of my mouth quirking.
–Me: Not to the point of being worth your discomfort.
–Sierra: It’s okay. Your boss won’t be the first to ask for money. Chuck did it too when I was married to Todd. I can handle it.
–Sierra: By the way, I’ll be home late tonight. Don’t wait up. *wink*