Teach Me (Love Me) - By Alla Kar Page 0,34

around in the mirror. “I love it. I think that he will--,”

“Love it,” someone said from the counter. I glanced over and Ms. Shay was standing behind it. Her brown eyes were narrowed and her hands intertwined on the desk.

“What are you doing here?” I blurted out. You’ve got to be kidding me.

“I work here. I have a little girl, and sometimes teacher salaries aren’t enough. Who you going out with tonight? Matt?”

I gritted my teeth. “No, actually, he cheated on me with my best friend. I have a different date tonight. Go ahead and ring this up, I’m getting it.”

I walked to the dressing room and stripped. How fucking nosy can one person be? I wanted to strangle her. Did she not get it? Liam didn’t want her. They had been out once. I didn’t know what exactly happened on that date, but I was pretty sure nothing. Nada. Maybe that’s why she is so bitter.

Cody rapped his fingers against the door and I let him in. “She is a freak,” he said, helping me out of my dress.

“Ugh, I know! I want to strangle her. She is always in my business, and she stops by his classroom all the time,” I whispered, pulling my jeans and shirt back on. “Can you get anymore desperate?”

“She is riding the line,” Cody agreed. “Now, let’s go so we can get you ready.”

I paid for my dress, giving her a wide smile before leaving.

Liam was waiting in my apartment when we got home. Zeus was curled in his lap and Layla sitting beside the futon. “Are you a professional burglar?” Cody asked.

He smiled and motioned for me to join him. “No, but y’all should keep your doors locked. I heard Zeus barking and came to check on him. It was unlocked.”

Cody sighed. “I could have sworn I had locked that door. Good Lord, I’m going nuts. I’m heading to change, I have work tonight.”

We watched Cody leave and as soon as his door closed Liam looked over at me. “What you got in the bag? Some more lingerie?”

I tapped a finger on his nose. “Wishful thinking. A dress for tonight. I’m getting a little nervous actually.”

Liam tipped my chin to look at him. “Don’t worry about it. Be yourself. Well, pretend you’re a math teacher and be yourself. We met at work, we wanted each other as soon as we saw each other.”

I nodded. That was true on my end. “Okay, it’s five. So, I guess I’ll get ready and meet you where at seven?”

“I’ll pick you up. My momma would have my head if I didn’t pick you up.”

I laughed and nodded. “Okay. See you then.”

Liam

“Fuck, I’m nervous,” I mumbled to myself. I was standing in front of my bathroom mirror. I had a pair of nicer jeans on and a white tank top. I’d have to wear a long sleeved shirt or my mom would have a panic attach, she didn’t approve of my tattoos.

“Don’t look at me like that, Layla,” I said, staring down at her. She was wagging her tail and drooling. I patted her head and pulled on a long sleeved button down. It was white and looked good against my skin. I had acquired a tan since moving.

My mom had text me saying they would meet us at Walgreen’s, since they didn’t know where I lived. I tried to explain but she wasn’t listening. I locked up and walked toward Sarah’s door. I knocked three times and she answered the door. She had a worried expression on her face, but fuck if she didn’t look hot. Her dress was fitted to the waist, then spread out, coming to her mid thigh. Her long legs looked longer with the shoes she had on.

“Do I look okay?” she asked, clutching her purse.

I nodded. “Fuck yes.”

“Okay.” She nodded.

Offering her my arm, I helped her down the stairs to my truck. I opened the door for her. “Listen, there is no reason to be nervous. They would never be mean to you, it’s me they’re disappointed in.”

She frowned and touched my face. “They’re stupid if they are really disappointed in you. You know that, right?”

I nodded. No. “Yes. Now, let’s go. Mother gets antsy having to wait.”

We drove to Walgreen’s and I noticed my parent’s SUV quickly. It was perfectly washed. Mom and Dad weren’t rich per say, but they had enough to live comfortably. Sarah gripped my hand when I pulled up beside them. Mom got out first. Her