When bitter&sweet meet

“Tory, I would like you to meet Mr. Levi Salazar. Levi, this is Miss Tory Summer, our new substitute teacher, to replace Miss Sutherland…”

I didn’t hear what Bruce said after that. I’m still in shock to see him here at my new job. He’s looking at me with those eyes that invaded my dreams every night and now having them in front of me, for real, is surreal.

I return to reality when I feel a spark travelling all the way down my spine as he takes my hand to shake it.

Did he dismiss me like nothing happened between us just a few nights ago? The nerve of this man. If I could, I’d slap him right now.

What’s wrong with me? I’m not a violent person. For god’s sake, just shake his hand and be done with this nonsense.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Salazar.” Wait a minute, Salazar like Lily Salazar? The woman I met earlier. Did I sleep with a married man?

No, no, no, this can’t be happening. I have to go. I have to go now.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have to go now. It was wonderful to meet you all. I’ll see you all tomorrow.” Keep it together. I wave at them one last time before I leave.

The more I walk, the faster I go.

“Miss Summer,” Levi shouts my name.

Is he for real? Is he following me right now?

“Miss Summer. Tory. Babe.”

“Don’t you babe me!” I snap at him as I turn to face him.

He doesn’t say anything. He grabs my elbow and begins dragging me into an empty classroom. I would’ve pulled away if he wasn’t holding me so tightly.

When he closes the door, I can’t contain my rage any longer.

“Are you married? How could you do this to her? And she works in the same place as you, so I have to face her daily.”

“I’m going to stop you right there. You don’t know me, so quit being a bitch with your judgment. And for your information, she’s my sister. Tell me something, darling, was I your first one-night stand? Don’t tell me you were a virgin when I took you the first time.”

It is as if my hand has a mind of its own, and I couldn’t contain myself. Before I could realize what I did, I slapped him right across his face.

“Don’t speak to me, don’t look at me, and don’t come near me ever again,” I yell angrily.

“Gladly.” it’s his only response as he turns and walks away from me, slamming the door forcefully and leaving me alone with my thoughts.

My day wasn’t supposed to go like this. It was supposed to be a new start for me without complications. That’s why I left where I was before, so I wouldn’t have to deal with the drama in my life. How can I show my face around here now?

I feel my heart beating faster and faster as heat surrounds my body and mind. No, I can’t have a panic attack. Please, not here.

I sit on the floor as my legs can’t support me anymore and close my eyes. I try to catch up on my breath. One at a time, one at a time, I repeat over and over.

The last time I had one of these was my wedding day. Why did I have to think about that day? My breathing starts to increase again as the memories of my wedding day come back to haunt me.

I jump when I feel two hands on the sides of my face.

“Look at me, babe, look at me, that’s it.” He says as I do what he asks.

“Calm down and breathe slowly. That’s it. Shh, shh, shh, it’s ok,” Levi says, pressing a kiss on my forehead.

“You, you came back?” I manage to say.

“I did.” He simply replies.

“I’m sorry for my behaviour and what I said to you. I don’t know you, and I don’t have the right to judge you,” I look into his eyes. I could watch them all day long and not get bored.

No, Tory, don't go there. I warn myself.

“You have nothing to apologize for, babe. I should be the one to apologize after what I said to you.” He brushes a lock of hair behind my ear.

To my surprise, he leans towards me and gives me a gentle peck on the lips, and I let it happen.

What does this mean?

He stands up, showing me his hand for me to take. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”

I shake my head. “No, it’s fine. I can manage. Besides, don’t you have to work?”

“Don’t argue with me. Believe me. You won’t win. It’s my lunch hour, anyway.” He says as he helps me to my feet.

He’s sweet to want to help me like this. Is this an act just to get me into bed again? All I know is right now, after my panic attack, I don’t feel strong enough to argue anymore, so I give in and follow him. Better for me to do as he says so I can get home safely.

On the way home, we didn't exchange one single word. It was like a wall was between us and prevented us from speaking.

Why does this bother me so much?

He parks the car in front of my building. Levi turns to look at me with a serious expression.

“Look, babe, I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. I’m not the commitment kind of guy. I can’t give you what you want.”

"What do you even know what I want? You don't even know me." I reply.

“I just wanted to give you a heads up. We fucked for one night, and it was just that, nothing more.”

I roll my eyes. “I see you’re being a jerk again.”

“I prefer being a jerk than a liar.”

“And what do you call what you did for me today?” I had to ask.

“A moment of weakness on my part. I hope what happened won’t change your mind about working at the school tomorrow.”

“Maybe it’s new for you what I’m going to say, but the world doesn’t revolve around you. You’re not the king of the universe or something. Thanks for the ride. I’ve got it from here.”

I’m glad I decided to take an Uber to go to school today. It would’ve been awkward to get my car back from the schoolyard.

I don’t say a single word to him, not even a wave, but one thing is sure, I feel him watching me until I get into my apartment building. But when I look through the window, he’s already gone.

He’s a jerk, an honest jerk, but a jerk no less. Now what? I know, I’ll call my mother. I have one or two things to say about boundaries in my life.