Lessons After Midnight (mxm)

Chapter 5

"He's been doing good. He's separated from his little group and has actually been doing quite a bit better." I responded.

"I'm surprised he'd put his best foot forward. Most students like that would get mad and drop the class." Ben sighed, taking a sip of coffee as he pushed open the door to his lecture room. I followed him in, standing at the desk while he got his stuff squared away.

"I like to give them the benefit of the doubt. I also try to be understanding when I can. Everyone's going through their own stuff," I shrugged.

"Give it a few more years of teaching at University. The students will start taking advantage of that," Ben chuckled as he hooked his laptop up to the monitor.

"As long as they put some effort into my class, I'm understanding. I told my one student that next time I wouldn't be so forgiving if he pulled something stupid like that again,"

"I respect that," Ben agreed. "It could never be me, but I respect it,"

I chuckled, "Well, I'll leave you to it. Have a good rest of your day," I said, waving before leaving the room. After saying our goodbyes, I headed out to my car. My phone dinged with a message as I approached the parking garage.

Taking a sip of my coffee, I checked the notification

Unknown: Hello, amore.

I choked on my coffee. I wasn't seriously expecting him to text me. And by him, I meant the man from the club Friday night. I knew it was him, who else would call me amore?

I got to my car and set the coffee cup on the top as I put my bag in the passenger seat. I debated on what to reply to the text with.

Me: Hello, Erick.

I grabbed my coffee and sat in the car. I plugged my phone in and set it aside as I drove home. I felt it vibrate half way through my drive, but I forced myself to wait until getting home to look.

As I walked inside, I checked the text.

Unknown: I apologize for the interruption the other night. I'd like to make it up to you.

I tossed my bag onto the couch and paced the small living room, sipping at my coffee while weighing my options. Should I leave it at a one nightstand, or push it into something more?

Me: What did you have in mind?

Unknown: How about drinks tomorrow? Just you and me, no distractions this time.

Me: Sounds perfect

Unknown: I'll see you there, Sam.

I was hesitant, of course. But what did I have to lose? I planned to meet him at a bar in town.

I debated texting Milani, since I knew how eager she was for me to 'get out there', but ended up deciding against it. What if drinks tomorrow goes badly? Then I'd have to explain myself to my friend, which wasn't something I wanted to do.

✯✯✯

The next day in class felt endless. My mind was away from the lecture, making it difficult to concentrate. I decided that the students could use the remaining class time to work on their essays. I knew they'd appreciate the extra time rather than listen to me ramble about nonsense.

After class, I still had a few hours before I'd need to leave, so I headed home and kept myself occupied with reading. It was a simple, productive time killer.

When the time came, I slid my shoes on and headed out to walk into town. I decided against taking my car since the temperature was nice outside, perfect for a light jacket. I didn't mind walking into town, especially since it wasn't too far of a trek.