The Professor I Shouldn't Want

Thomas

POV: Isadora

The pub was already packed. People were shoving past each other while the live music blasted through the room. Henry was in higher spirits than ever, talking, laughing, and even trying to sing along with the band. Normally, I’d be right there with him, but I was too worried about my brother to enjoy myself.

He was still there, across the pub, sitting alone and looking like total hell. The whole thing was bizarre. Thomas lived in New York, and whenever he came to Boston, he always let us know. If he was in town, I should’ve known about it, but I didn't. Why would he come all the way here without a word? And worse, why was he in such a state?

The questions were driving me crazy. I had to find out what was going on, but I couldn't just ditch Henry and run over to him.

“Everything okay, princess?”, Henry asked, noticing my serious face.

“Yeah.”, I lied, trying to play it cool. “I’m just... thinking about some work stuff. Sorry.”, I forced a smile.

“My little workaholic.”, he teased, gently cupping my chin. “What am I gonna have to do to get you to relax, huh?”, he gave me a suggestive look, and I couldn't help but smirk.

“For now... I’ll settle for a kiss.”, he grinned and leaned in.

It was quick, but intense and electric, just like all his kisses. It almost made me forget what I was so worried about. After that, I tried to focus more on Henry; I didn't want him thinking I was blowing him off, especially since the pub was my idea. But, of course, I kept stealing glances at my brother.

After a while, Thomas finally stood up and stumbled toward the exit, bumping into people along the way. This was my chance. I told Henry I was headed to the restroom and slipped out toward the door before he could notice. I found my brother on the sidewalk, barely able to keep his balance, looking completely wasted.

“Excuse me, sir.”, I called out, stepping closer. “Do you want me to help you call an Uber?”

“Isadora?”, he snapped his head toward me, making my blood run cold.

“Uh...”, was all I could manage, shocked he’d recognized me so fast.

“Sorry.”, he shook his head, trying to clear the fog. “I thought you were my little sister... That doesn't even make sense, you don't even have the same hair color. I must be hammered.”, he rubbed his face, nearly losing his footing again.

“Give me your phone, I’ll get you a ride.”, he handed it over, and I had to physically take his hand to use his finger to unlock it.

“You’re not gonna rob me, are you?”, he muttered as I opened the app. “Ah, whatever… Who cares. I’ve already lost everything anyway...”

I stared at him. What the hell did he mean by that?

“Where are you headed?”, I showed him the screen. “There’s a place saved here as ‘Home.’ Is that it?”

“No!”, he said quickly. “That’s... that’s my parents' place. I can't show up there like this.”, he gave a weak, embarrassed smile. “I’m at a hotel.”

He gave me the name and I called the car, staying by his side until it pulled up.

“Thanks.”, he said as I helped him into the backseat. “Do you want some...”, he reached for his wallet, but I cut him off.

“Don't worry about it! Just... get home safe, okay?”, he watched me for a few seconds and smiled.

“You really remind me of my sister. Thanks, kid.”, I just smiled back and shut the door.

The next morning, I woke up to Henry’s arm draped over me, pulling me close. I loved the feeling of being in his arms; it felt like nothing bad could touch me there.

I looked toward the window. Even through the heavy curtains, the light was streaming in. I tried to reach for my phone on the nightstand to check the time, but Henry gripped me tighter.

“And where do you think you’re going?”, he whispered, his voice deep and raspy in my ear, giving me chills.

“Just checking my phone.”, I smiled, turning to face him. “It’s bright out. Weren't you supposed to go for a run?”

“I should’ve, but I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed this time.”, he said, his eyes lingering on mine with a mix of heat and tenderness. “Besides... I think I got plenty of cardio in last night.”, I laughed.

We hung out in bed for a while longer before finally heading out for breakfast. We hit a coffee shop near his place and spent the rest of the morning walking through the park. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, which made everything feel better. We took a bunch of pictures together before heading back.

As soon as we walked in, I crashed onto his couch.

“Tired already?”, he asked, sitting down next to me.

“A little, but I loved that park. It’s beautiful!”

“We can go whenever you want, princess.”, he started to lean in to kiss me, but my phone started buzzing.

I pulled it out of my pocket, ready to decline the call, but Henry was close enough to read the screen.

“It’s your mom.”, he smiled. “Better pick up, might be important.”, he gave me a quick peck and headed into the kitchen.

“Hey, Mom.”, I answered, walking in the opposite direction.

“Why do I always have to call you to get a hold of you, Isadora? Is it that hard to text me back?”

“Mom, I hope you’re not calling to talk about what happened at that stupid event again. I left because you set me up, and you know it.”, I replied, keeping my voice low.

“Relax. Even though you did make a huge scene that day, that’s not why I’m calling. Your brother is in Boston.”, my eyes went wide.

“Really? When did he get in?”

“This morning. I’m putting together a family dinner tomorrow night and I want you here.”

“Seriously? Is Ryan going to be there too?”

“It’s a family dinner, Isadora! And since Ryan is no longer part of the family, thanks to you, no, he won't be there.”, I rolled my eyes.

“Fine. I’ll be there.”

“Good. Dinner is at eight. Don't be late.”, she hung up.

A family dinner was the last thing I wanted right now; I knew I’d be the main topic of conversation. But I was dying to know what was going on with Thomas. He’d clearly lied about when he got to Boston, and I wanted to know why.