Page 37 of Scarred King

“I apologize,” he puts his hand over his heart. “Our conversation last night made a great impact on me,” he says seriously, “and I had to share the special feeling I got from you with the audience in the lecture hall. Maybe I shouldn’t have. I apologize.”

“No, you don’t have to apologize. I’m just not used to so much attention. It’s hard for me to deal with.”

“Me too,” he puts a fatherly arm around my shoulder and steers me to one of the panel rooms. “Let’s finish up today and get away from all of this attention together.”

My heart is racing again.

The last panel ends, and I am overwhelmed. Professional data mixed with the intimacy between me and the subject of my admiration.

“Shall we go for a walk on the beach?” he asks as we exit the room.

“I’d like that,” I answer and once again I feel that I’ve been sucked into a magical dream. He makes plans to meet me in the lobby and we each go to our separate rooms. I walk inside my room and lean against the door, exhausted. This is how it feels when dreams come true, I think so excited. I shower, sit down on my bed wrapped in a towel and text Johanna:

Me: I’m living in a sweet pink dream.

Johanna: Did you have any luck seducing him? ;-)

Me: Johanna! I didn’t try. But he wants to spend more time with me, this time a walk on the beach.

Johanna: Wow, I can’t believe you are there alone with him.

Me: Not exactly alone, but we will be soon. I’m afraid of what I might be starting to feel for him. It could ruin my professional future.

Johanna: Don’t talk nonsense. No one needs to know. And I can’t believe you did not tell me where you work.

What? All of my excitement vanishes, and my stomach clenches.

Johanna: It is the most wonderful place in the world.

Me: How do you know and what the hell were you doing there?

I want to vomit.

Johanna: I am still there, and I am not leaving anytime soon.

Oh my God. I am going to faint today for the first time in my life.

Me: Get out of there right now. It’s no place for you. I’ll tell you everything when I get back.

Johanna: If it is good enough for you then it is good enough for me. And Carly says not to wear a bra when you go for your walk tonight.

I feel sick as I look at the message and dial her number. No answer.

Me: Answer me!!!

Johanna: I must get back to work. Enjoy yourself, sweetie. And wear the black dress.

I dial again with trembling fingers, but she doesn’t answer. I try a few more times but my calls go straight to voicemail. I throw my cell phone on the floor in frustration and go back into the bathroom, washing my face again and again but my face and body refuse to calm down. I must go back home.

17

I throw on my black cotton dress and leave the room in a rush. I knock on the professor’s door but there is no answer. Damn, he must be waiting for me in the lobby. I go back to my room, take my purse and go to the elevators.

My wide black dress hides the fact that I forgot to put on a bra. I tighten my braid and look for him in the lobby. He is surrounded by a few female admirers, but as soon as he notices me, he excuses himself politely and walks over.

“You look wonderful, as usual,” he smiles and immediately heads toward the exit.

I grab his arm to stop him. “I have to go home.”