“Alexander? I thought he was your professor?” His eyes widened, and he clutched his chest. “Holy shit, Daisy. You didn’t.”
“Yes, I did. I saw him even though he was my professor, and I fell in love with him, but it’s over now.”
“Thank God.” He swayed as if he was going to pass out.
“Heather blackmailed him, or she was going public. He chose his reputation and his father’s company over me, but I’m still glad to meet him. He gave me something I can never thank him enough for.”
“Shit.” He dragged his hand through his hair. “You can have an abortion.”
“Fuck you. If I was pregnant, I would keep the baby.”
“Stop.” He raised his hands in defense. “I only said that if you wanted to–”
“Enough!” My hands balled into fists at my sides. “I’m not pregnant, but if I was, I’d keep the baby. I love Alexander. Or I loved him.” I shrugged. “It doesn’t matter which it is at this point, but I’ll always be grateful to him for teaching me to respect myself and to demand the same from everyone else. You either respect me, or you’re out of my life.” I spun on my heel and left my parents’ house without another word.
I drift back to the present. It’s time to leave the past behind me and embrace the future.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Alexander
After three days of trying to reach Daisy by phone and at her place with no luck, I’m about to lose my shit. It’s one thing that she won’t answer my calls, but she hasn’t been here in that time either. The lights are off, and her mail is piling up.
I even drove by the college searching for her car, but she never showed up. Did she move back in with her parents? Her sister? Why hasn’t she been in school? They’re getting close to finals, and if she doesn’t keep up, she won’t get the grades she needs for medical school.
Yes, I realize it’s a federal crime to search someone’s mailbox, and sitting in my car with the lights off, and the engine running is creepy as fuck, but I don’t know what else to do.
I snatch my phone off the console and scan for messages. Still nothing. I’d call her parents, but I don’t know their number. Wyatt. I could call him. He might know something. What do I say? Shit. Anything. Just come up with something. The need to know she’s okay is driving me crazy.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Wyatt. It’s Alexander.”
“Oh, hi. What’s up?” His voice trails off like he’s trying to figure out why I’d called him when I don’t even keep up with his brother.
“I was teaching Daisy’s calculus class and have some paperwork for her. Do you know how I can get ahold of her?”
Sweat pops on my forehead as the lie slips off my tongue. I forwarded all the student’s assignments to the new professor, so there’s nothing to give her if he calls my bluff and wants me to drop it off.
“Did you check her place?”
“Yes, but she wasn’t there.”
“I don’t know. Just a sec….” His voice tails off as if he’s looking away from the phone. “Hey, babe. Do you know where Daisy is? Alexander is looking for her.”
There’s a rustling sound, and the line goes quiet for several seconds. Then he picks up the phone again. “No, sorry. She doesn’t know anything.”
“Okay.” I shut off the phone, climb out of the car, and walk around the house, tripping over a potted plant by the back step and flailing around, looking ridiculous.
When I step around the corner of the house to return to my car, I run smack into Zoe.
“Shit!” I grab her shoulders to steady her and step back.
“What are you doing?” She glares at me and lurches backward while shifting her stance as if she’s going to kick me in the balls.
“Looking for Daisy.
“In her backyard. After dark?”