22. Sofia
22
SOFIA
I have never had such a busy social life before. I’ve always had blinders on, focusing on my son and my degree and my passion. I’ve always had a big project going on.
Pretty sure I get that from Mom.
But Dad seems to have an ever-revolving cache of research to complete.
In any case, it’s been a lot of fun to have more people, but I’m losing sleep. The exhaustion is catching up with me during the day.
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve kept things as discreet as possible. Still, there’s this feeling of being watched, which I can’t ignore the irony of. It’s getting to me. A few times since the club returned from the city, I’ve had Dr. Squires hovering around, her attention like a cold touch.
She was one of my freshman professors, and we got along most of the time, but I always got the impression that she thought I was competing with her for some reason.
Not one of my favorite classes. Squires and I just didn’t agree on what made a good film. That sucked. Also, the babysitting incident.
Whatever. It steered me away from her in my future classes, and we’ve never had any extra interaction, but now…
She follows me around the lab like I’m suspicious.
Which might be why I’m not so surprised when she hails me in the hallway by Cedric’s door with a wave of the hand and a snooty, “ Sofia .”
“Good morning, Dr. Squires.”
“Yes, yes. Good morning. You know, it’s funny, Sofia, I’ve been hearing whispers about you.” What I’m sure is mock concern lifts her henna-dyed brows high on her forehead. She delicately uses a dark-painted nail to pull her honey-orange hair from her forehead.
“I wouldn’t put much stock in gossip,” I say because really, how else am I supposed to respond to this?
“Yes, well, at first, I dismissed them, but then some… very compelling evidence came my way.” She taps her pointy chin with that fingernail. “I wonder what the dean would think if this got out?”
Is she purposely being vague? I blink at her. If she’s waiting for me to confess, she’s going to be waiting for a long time.
“What your father might think.” Her dark green eyes narrow at me, taking stock of my person, my admittedly creative outfit—I like color, sue me—and coming to some kind of judgment.
My weight shifts my stance. “I’m sorry, are you accusing me of something? I’d love for you to clarify that—on record.”
Her lips purse as she finally looks me in the eyes. She has no idea what I’m talking about, but she won’t say as much.
“You know, students talk, and some of the steamy stories I’ve heard about the men in your life…” Squires waves her hand like she’s dissipating the steam. “Well, I’d hate for the wrong person to hear them, wouldn’t you?”
Her tone strives for concern, but it’s a bit flat. There’s a gleam in her eyes that reminds me of a spider waiting for their prey to fly into their trap. It’s a poorly laid one, like she has no choice but to escalate the rumors if I don’t explain my personal life to her.
“I’m sorry, you’re trying to accuse me of what… sleeping my way to success? That’s a bold claim, especially without proof. Without so much as a name…” I let out a soft, indignant laugh, because let’s face it, I’m growing offended. “Wouldn’t want to see your reputation suffer if people think you’re spreading false claims.”
Dr. Squires barely blinks back at me, and I wish I could say I didn’t see this coming. The old professor from three years ago stands before me, sure that we’re competing over something I can’t see.
However, if this is some kind of game, I don’t plan on losing.
Her gaze drifts to Cedric’s door for a second before her brows furrow. “See, I thought you might respond with more serious concern. You’ve worked hard to build your reputation in this program, and I fear your work won’t be taken seriously when everyone knows how you got certain… opportunities.”
“Oh, no, you caught me. I guess I’ll have to quit school and live in shame forever. Tragic.”
What fucking opportunities does she think I’ve gotten? I’m Film Club’s president. I’m working on a project with an eleven-year-old artist. I’m filming my senior thesis project. I go to class and have fun with my friend and stay home with my son.
I can’t imagine why Squires feels like she needs to insert herself in my business.
Unless she’s had her eye on one of the men and I’ve gotten in her way?
If that’s true, it’s certainly not my fault.
The fact that I’m getting absolutely no special treatment, the fact that only Cedric is in charge of my grade in a pass-fail capacity, means little. Yet, each one of them could get in trouble for simply being a teacher at the university since I’m a student.
And that really sucks.
I should really brace each of them for the possibilities. And for the fact that there’s three of them.
My back teeth grind together, and I try to look bored. Not freaking out over here.
Squires leans in, a smug smile curling at the edge of her lips.
"You might think you're untouchable, Sofia, but secrets have a funny way of getting out. And when they do… Well, I just hope you're ready for the fallout."
Dr. Squires straightens, smoothing her blouse like she hasn't just threatened me.
What exactly does she want from me? What is her purpose here?
Crossing my arms, I do not understand her. Or other women who act like her. I shrug, lacking any other response to her threat. She’ll either do it or she won’t. I have no control over her actions.
I do have this recorded, though. It doesn’t look good for her.
Not that it looks great for me.
"Enjoy the rest of your semester." Then she walks away—calm, confident, and far too pleased with herself.
I can only prepare for what she might say.