Chapter Two
Landon
By the time we cleaned the mess in Jolene’s studio, I was fifteen minutes late for class. I’d wanted to give a lecture, but glancing through my notes, I realized I was in no condition to do so. I shuffled up to the lectern with my head down, knowing my cheeks were red. The students paid a high price for a college education, and I was letting them down.
“Because of an unfortunate mishap, I am postponing today’s lecture until our next class.” I felt a knot in my throat and coughed. “I’m also letting you out early. Study your notes from my prior lecture because they are key to understanding the next one. I’m very sorry about my tardiness.” I sighed. “You are dismissed.”
The students didn’t say a word as they left, probably shocked at my demeanor. I was never, ever late,
