Chapter Thirty-Nine
Ethan
I could barely breathe as I read the email from Jennifer.
After the students left this morning, I headed to a local hotel to use their business centre. The email was short and to the point. A complaint had been made against me, which included claims of negligence, favouritism, and a report of inappropriate conduct between Sadie and me. Sadie was to return to Sydney immediately. I was to remain and complete the dig. We’d discuss my situation on my return.
Fuck. How the hell do I tell Sadie? One night. I had one fucking night when she trusted me. Allowed me in. And now this. I should’ve sent Riley home. At the first sign of tension between them, I should’ve packed her up and sent her home. Her father’s donations be damned.
How many times am I going to let the women I love down before I learn?
And there we have it. I love Sadie. I’ve been in love with her for weeks. I should’ve told her the other night. Because I sure as shit can’t tell her now.
I’ve practically worn a track in the deck waiting for them to get back. When they arrive, all I need to do is tip my head for Ashraf to follow me down the gangplank.
I fill him in on what’s happened and ask him to take the boys off for a walk somewhere. With a scowl and a shake of his head, he hurries back to the boat. I follow more slowly, trying to get my thoughts together. The next half hour is going to be excruciating.
As soon as Ashraf and the boys are out of sight, I turn to Sadie and a completely unrepentant Riley.
“Sadie, could you give us a few moments, please?” I strive for calm, but I’m a long way from that. I fear my famous poker face is letting me down under the pressure.
Riley and I watch as Sadie makes for the stairs, throwing a worried glance over her shoulder. I wait till I hear the faint click of her cabin door closing before I round on Riley.
“Would you like to tell me why you felt the need to report to Jennifer Stone that you saw Sadie and I in a compromising position?” I grind out through a barely open mouth. I’m not sure I won’t bellow if I open it any wider. I don’t even address the other complaints. One thing at a time.
“Because I did see you.” Riley’s tone is one part rebellious, one part nervous and three parts self-righteous. “On Thursday night. I saw you go into your cabin. Together.”
“And rather than coming to me, discussing it with either me or Sadie, you reported it directly to Jennifer without the courtesy of letting me know.” I’m pacing now. Short trips up and back on the middle deck.
“You would’ve only denied it. And I know what I saw.” Riley props her hands on her hips. Defiant.
“You know nothing about what you saw. Why would you do this to a fellow student who has, frankly, put up with a great deal of shit from you without once making a complaint?” I don’t bother asking why she’d do it to me. I don’t care. My career is in tatters, and the only thing I can focus on right now is Sadie. Her heartbreak. Her loss.
“Because you said fraternising was inappropriate. And she said it wasn’t right to hit on your professor. And all the time, you were fraternising with each other.”
“You did this because you were jealous?” I’m incredulous at the level of spite Riley has managed to build up. I don’t even touch on the other claims because it’s evident this came from a place of pure jealousy.
“I’ll bet you were both having a big laugh. I don’t like being made a fool of.” She crosses her arms. Doubling down on her treacherous behaviour.
“You seem to have managed that all by yourself, Riley. There has been nothing going on between me and Sadie. Not that you deserve an explanation, but what you witnessed was the only time we fraternised, as you so charmingly put it.” I’ve tried to keep my voice down, but I’m aware it’s been rising with each word. I take a few deep breaths, cross my arms and face her square on.
“Your behaviour has been vindictive and spiteful in the extreme. Please go to your cabin. I need to have a private conversation with Sadie.”
Riley opens her mouth to argue, but the look I aim at her must give her second thoughts and she turns away, tossing her hair, and stalks down the stairs.
I try and sit but can’t settle, so I pace some more while I wait for Sadie. I can faintly hear raised voices from below decks, although I can’t make out what’s being said.
A door slams, and finally, Sadie appears at the top of the stairs. White-faced and shaking so hard the silver bangles she’s wearing are tinkling. Providing a cheerful and thoroughly inappropriate soundtrack for the conversation we’re about to have.