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“What’s the matter? Feeling old.” I teased.

“Bite me.” She snarled. I listened as she began to slam the drawers on her desk. I knew instantly what she was searching for.

“You threw them out.” I sang cheerfully.

“I did.” She groaned painfully. “Why would I do that?”

“Because you want to quit.” I answered as I turned on my computer.

“Oh yeah.” She sighed. “That must be why I threw out that pack I had hidden at home.”

“When was the last time you smoked?” I asked as I logged on.

She paused for a brief moment before answering. “Halloween.” I could tell by her tone of voice that she was telling the truth. “Good for you Allison. Now isn’t this a great way to kick off a new year.” I encouraged her.

“Manger moi.” Allison muttered just loud enough for me to hear.

“Now why do I think that wasn’t a thank you?” I retorted.

“No it wasn’t. ” Allison snorted in reply. “But I would certainly enjoy it.”

I reached into to my briefcase and retrieved a book I had checked out of the library on one of my late night work sessions. I quickly flipped open the copy of Beginners French. “Now let’s see.” I spoke aloud as I flipped threw the pages. “Manger.”

“What are you doing?” Allison gasped as she raced over to my desk. “Stop.” She pleaded.

“Here it is.” I smiled. “Manger means ‘eat’ and moi means ‘me’. I see.” I blushed as I spoke. “I must say you Harvard girls certainly have an elegant way of expressing yourselves. You know when it comes time to return this to the library, I might just go out and buy a copy. You just never know when it might come in handy.”

“I … I … . I …” Allison stammered.

“Give it a rest Harvard.” I laughed deciding to let her off the hook. “Since it’s your birthday I’ll let it slide.” Allison sighed in relief. “Oh and thanks for the offer.” I added with a wink. I doubted that I had ever seen anyone turn that particular shade of scarlet before.

For a brief moment it was as if the past few weeks hadn’t happened. No sexual tension, just the two of us joking as friends. I had to admit it felt good. Allison returned to her side of the office and began working on her computer. I decided to check my email there was the usually University mailings. Some from my students, regarding finals. There was also one from Peter. His made me slightly uneasy. He invited me to join him and his family for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving was one week from today, where had the time gone? I emailed Peter back and thanked him for his offer, but I had to decline since we were no longer together I wouldn’t feel comfortable.

Seconds after sending my message I received a reply from him. It was very sweet and he invited me once again. I wrote back and used as much tact as I could muster and politely declined. There was no way I was going to get his or his family’s hopes up by attending the holiday gathering. I would just spend the day alone. Maybe Allison would let me use her kitchen so I could cook something up for myself make a day of it.

“Stephanie?” Allison called out from behind the wall. “I need to drive down to The Cape this weekend so I can lock up my house in Provincetown. Would you like to join me? I could show you around P-Town.” She offered hopefully.

“I … um … ” I stammered. “Say yes you idiot!” I paused for a moment a I tried to think of what I should do. I wanted go. I really wanted to go. I was about to tell her yes when she spoke.

“Never mind.” Allison offered grimly. “Forget I asked.” She added with false cheerfulness. Then she strolled out of the office and went off to her morning class. Once I was certain that Allison was out of earshot I began banging my head on my desk and repeatedly calling myself a moron.

Later that day I found myself rushing towards Allison’s classroom. It was her last class of the day and I knew that my surprise would be arriving soon. As I sped down the hallway I spotted my present strolling towards Allison’s classroom. She was an attractive blonde, dressed in a tuxedo carrying an enormous bouquet of balloons. I followed her into the classroom and hid in the back. Ignoring the obvious stares from the students and instructor the woman strolled down the aisle and walked right up to Allison. Poor Allison looked like a deer caught by oncoming headlights.

“I’m here to wish you a very Happy Birthday, Professor Kendell.” The blonde purred as she handed Allison the balloons. Then she did something that I had most definitely not requested she leaned over and kissed Allison on the cheek. The room exploded with hoots and hollers from the students. A chorus of Happy Birthday began as the blonde made her departure. I grabbed her by the arm and I spotted it instantly. She was gay, just my luck. “I didn’t pay you to kiss her penguin.” I growled menacingly into her ear. “I guess I just blew my tip?” She responded with a smirk. I just glared at her coldly and opened the door for her to leave. “Oh well it was worth it.” She sighed and winked at me before making a hasty exit.

The students were just finishing their second chorus of Happy Birthday while Allison read the card attached to the balloons. She smiled sweetly. “All right enough!” Allison chastised them the smile never leaving her lips. “Thank you Dr. Grant.” She offered without looking up at me. “You are most welcome Professor Kendell.” I replied rather pleased with myself. “So you knew I was here.” I thought to myself.

“I told you they were together.” I heard one student whisper to another. I chuckled softly to myself at the thought that Allison and I were already part of the small town gossip mill. “Okay settle down everyone.” Allison repeated over the chatter. “Now let’s get back to reviewing for the midterm.” The response was a collective groan from the students. Allison just shook her head and she looked up capturing me with her dazzling baby blues. “The hell with it.” She announced. “There is only a few minutes left and it’s my birthday. Go on get out of here.” The classroom cheered as the students quickly gathered up their belongings. “If anyone has any questions just stop by my office during my posted hours.” Allison added as her students quickly fled.

Allison was now sitting on her desk rubbing her eyes as I approached her. I gave her a playful nudge as I sat next to her. “Happy Birthday.” I whispered softly.

“Thank you.” She answered without meeting my eyes. “How did you know that I love balloons?”

“Because you are basically a really tall child.” I teased her giving her another playful nudge.

“Aah, so you have uncovered my secret at last.” She chuckled lightly still unable to look at me.

“I also noticed that you have a thing for white roses.” I added.

“Champagne.” She explained. “They are actually off white with a touch of pink on the tips of the petals. Those were from my parents and Chris. It’s funny really, Chris couldn’t remember to come home at night but she still remembers what my favorite flowers are. Women.” She scrunched up her face in a mocking grimace.

“Tell me about it.” I teased in return.

Allison barked a laugh and began playing with the balloons. “Hmm there are certainly a lot of them.” She smiled absently. “Are you busy tonight, would you like to go out for dinner?” She added hesitantly.

“Yes.” I responded quickly before I had a chance to think about it. Then I remember my plans with Rita. “Wait I have plans.”

“It’s okay.” She sighed dejectedly.

“But it’s you birthday.” I protested.

“No worries. I have a ton of work to do anyways.” She lied.

“Allison …” I began to protest.

“Stephanie really it’s fine.” She interrupted me. “Thank you again for the balloons.” She added as she finally looked over at me.