red. Running clothes went on, teeth got brushed, and I grabbed my headphones as I s

pushing 7:30. I had clearly p

f that today marked the start of teaching, something

d clean sneakers, then combed my hair back and finished with a famil

e garage. The black Porsche was waiting, and I dro

from students passing by. I ignored them. I had always been c

staff. The principal personally walked me to the classroom, whi

at. As I began introducing myself, two students slipped in late. My j

hat held my attention longer than they should have. Her outfit was simple but striking. Light jeans ripped at the knees and a black tank to

parison. She was a redhead with pale brown

s. "I will be your substitute professor." Low whispers spread through the r

words. That did not concern me. They would le

ffort. Every so often, my gaze drifted back to her, and more than once, our eyes met. She was undeniably beautif

l looking in my direction, though her expressi

o her, snapping her back to realit

. As I closed the distance, the brunette suddenly stumbled over nothing at all. I had

asked if she was alright, but she just sta

floor, and as I stacked them, a surname caught my eye. Navarro. I did

r a heartbeat of hesitation, she took it. Her friend watched every move I made without blinking. Color rushed to the g

e was already hurrying off, moving so fa

tayed in my thoughts no matter how hard I tried to push them aside. By the

s cafe and ordered something light. A simple sandwich a

ked up to see a slim blonde with dark

guard. She did not wait for further permiss

aid brightly, leaning fo

nry

ough I wasn't in your class today." She twirled a

asked, drawing in a slow breat

rty happening at one o

d, cutting her off bef

t even let

hing else I ne

shing into a pout. The mention made me pause despite myself. If

r it. Give me

y, and she casually adjuste

d it. I alread

ght me o

ady have

closer, invading my sp

kiss against my cheek before walking away, h

rs that led down to the parking lot. That was when

l words, and went their own ways. Navarro stood the

time, she did not just ignore me. She brushed past wi

ld

e my way to the parking lot, and dr

eral open cases. Many of them had been sitting untouched for far

aid when someone knock

e me,

I replied, gesturing towar

s so u

ig into one of T

ght.

file yet. All I know is

ect, but confusion fli

re a pr

owly, his brow creasing as if

dle something like this befor

ve always relied on my own peop

er name is Liz Navarro. She's twenty one and lives in the dow

t is

ually intere

ld that

ng about her," he sai

apped, my pati

irst time," he muttered. "So

making any sense," I sa

ves at

was the condominium where my wife lived. Wh

t me like that?" I ask

ame is on the guest list at a

ing you can. Se

ilherme said as he h

to go to that club. Coincide

nd called him, needing

ght. It's b

castic, John," I repl

back in

ved a few

party at my club tonight.

at I wante

be t

you s

e y

r than me, and it had been Eric's father who first introduced