“Ruby, please let me explain,” I said softly as I placed my mug on the table.
“Explain what? That you’ve been completely lying to me?”
My heart ached at her words, and I had to fight hard to keep the tears from spilling from my eyes.
“I know it seems really bad…” I breathed.
“Which part? You lying to me? Or you living with our professor?”
She spoke a little too loudly and I was quick to shush her.
“Please, Ruby. It’s not what it seems like,” I told her. “I promised him I wouldn’t tell you for obvious reasons.”
“What obvious reason do you need to keep something like that from your best friend?”
“If word traveled around, he could lose his job, Ruby,” I told her, narrowing my eyes at her. “I’m sorry that I lied to you, but I was protecting his career.”
“What about your reputation, Te
