Free An Illicit Pursuit by Liv Bennett Page B

with the
stress of the school and my mother’s health condition.”
    “Yeah, I’d love to. They seemed to enjoy it.
We can give it a try.”
    “Then, accept the check as the advance
payment for the first few classes. We can talk about the details
during your next visit.”
    “In that case—” I shrug and shove the
envelope with the check in my purse. “—I’ll see you next time.”
    I thank her for the meal and say goodbye to
everyone else, before Adam escorts me out. Opening the door of the
passenger’s seat, I toss the guitar in the car and then turn to say
goodbye to Adam. “Thanks for convincing me to come to the party
today. I had a great time with your family.”
    “With my family, but not with me?” He arches
an eyebrow, his eyes roaming back and forth between my lips and
eyes. He won’t give up on trying to seduce me.
    “Of course you’re included.” I smile. “You’re
very lucky to be surrounded by such nice people.”
    “You can be surrounded by them, too.”
    “You’re never gonna give up trying, aren’t
you?”
    “You heard my father. I’m just trying to
spare you a broken relationship.”
    I lean against the car, because it feels like
the conversation won’t be ending very soon and I’m tired already.
“Why do you think you’re better for me? You don’t know a thing
about Zach.”
    “Where to begin?” He leans next to me and
turns his head to face me. “I’m very attracted to you, and I
believe you’ve got so many good qualities in you that’ll turn my
attraction into something deeper. And, I’m ready for something
deeper and long term. That’s point number one. The second one is
that I respect women and know a great deal about them. And last but
not least, I’m gifted with huge feet,” he says the last sentence
with a grin.
    “Oh, fuck you.” I punch him in the arm. “And
fuck you some more for making me cuss. I’m a good girl, you know?
But, when I’m around you I don’t even recognize myself.”
    “I’m sorry for putting you in an
uncomfortable situation. Yet, I must say that’s the nicest thing
you’ve ever said to me.”
    “You’re welcome.” I shake my head in
disbelief and straighten myself. I don’t even hug him or say
goodbye; I just slam the door of my car and drive off. He’s
provided me with enough irritation for one full week.

CHAPTER 5 – PAT

    Back at home, I drop my dress to the floor
and change into a t-shirt and sweatpants. I use all my will-power
not to go to the kitchen, because if I go I won’t be able to stop
myself from another large consumption of cookies.
    Zach has neither called nor texted me. What
can it mean? I pace the room up and down trying to decide whether I
should call him. What if his father has died? Oh, God. His mother
will be devastated and so will he. He’d call me if his father had
died, I think to myself to calm down. After an hour of
indecisiveness, I finally dial his number. But, he won’t answer. I
try three more times without success.
    I open the window to avert my stressful
thoughts and inhale and exhale deeply. Maybe I should go out for a
walk or grocery shopping to take my mind off Zach. The sun is
setting and the wind outside makes it chilly in the room. Yet, I
sit by the window frame and mindlessly watch the cars passing
by.
    The phone rings. I jump down to get it. It’s
Zach.
    “Zach, how have you been?”
    “I’m all right. My father woke up. He looks
like himself again. The doctors say he’s stable.”
    “Really? That’s fantastic.”
    “Yeah. He’ll stay a couple more days in the
hospital, though. My mother and I take turns keeping him
company.”
    “Do you know when you’re coming back? I miss
you so much.”
    “I miss you, too, baby. But I don’t want to
leave until he’s back on his feet.”
    That might take some time. “Understandable.”
    “Besides, my mother is happy to have me
back.”
    That much is clear. “Call me whenever
you can. I’m very lonely without