Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven

15. Chapter 15

Chapter fifteen

Raven

I t was Thursday, which meant I had my photography lecture at nine in the morning.

“How’s your camera?” Presley asks as she hands me a to go coffee cup in the kitchen.

I take it after I finish tying my hair up in a ponytail. “Not great. I probably need a new lens.”

“That sucks. I’ll ask around.” She lifts her cup in a goodbye gesture. “See you tonight.”

Before leaving I tug on my navy sweater and adjust my skirt. I actually despise wearing these uniforms. If it was up to me I would be wearing a pair of sweats and hoodie on the regular.

Just as I’m slipping into my car, I get a text from Gemma.

Gemma: can you swing by my office after class?

Me: sure

“That’s going to leave a scar,” Gemma says before she pulls me into her arms for a tight, unaffectionate hug.

She referring to the cut on my arm that’s started to heal. Seems her and my mother have more in common than just my father. Both are shallow.

“Sorry to pull you in here, I just know how busy you are and wanted to see if you were interested in something.”

Gemma sits down at her desk. Her short brown bob is slightly curled and when she smiles, she looks so much like my mother it’s uncanny. Which reminds me my mother hasn't even called me once since I've been here.

“What do you got?” I ask.

“We’re having our annual charity gala for the scholarship foundation. It’s a big event and the board has discussed instead of hiring a professional photographer this year, we wanted to pick students to do the honors.”

My heart flutters. “And you're asking me?”

“Yes, you and another. The dean sorted through the portfolios that were submitted at the time of your application, and you were selected.”

I can barely contain the genuine smile creeping across my face. This flicker of joy is the best thing I’ve felt in months.

Besides kissing Locke.

I push away the thought. It’s pointless.

“I would be honored.”

“Perfect!” She clasps her hands together. “It’s in a couple of weeks, on your birthday actually. We choose the scholarships in January that way students have time to apply.”

Great. That will give me time to get a new lens.

“Do you have plans on Sunday?” She asks. “I’d love to have you over for lunch.”

“Can I check my schedule and let you know?” I ask.

What I mean is, hell can freeze over before I dine with you.

Checking my watch, I stand. “I better get going.”

With another awkward hug, Gemma opens her office door, and I step out. I only get two steps forward when a voice booms from behind a door in another office down the hallway.

“You can’t just transfer her to another class?”

My body goes ridged at Locke’s voice.

“I’m sorry, Sullivan. That’s the only class available and she needs the credits to graduate. Is she causing problems?”

I know he’s talking about me. Who’s else is he trying to distance himself from? I suck in a breath, then let the fury soar through my veins. After our little conversation in his kitchen yesterday I thought that he was agreeing to act liken a grown man, clearly, I was mistaken.

Forcing my feet to move, I stride forward, and nearly smack right into him when he comes charging out of the office with a snarl on his face.

Except that snarl falls when sees me and regret morphs into his expression. I’m not sure why he looks so guilty. He’s the one who was just trying to force me out of his class. I’m sure he wasn’t planning on me hearing it with my own ears. It shouldn’t hurt but does. It shouldn’t be a slap in the face, but it is. We had one night. It’s not like we’re skipping down to the alter.

“Ms. Cunningham.” Dean Wilkerson narrows his eyes. “It’s nice to finally put a face with a name.”

“Dean Wilkerson I presume.” I hold out a hand. “I’m sure my father has told you all about me.”

He shakes my hand, his eyes moving to Gemma who’s watching the interaction from her office door.

“We’ve spoken. He’s informed me of your…”

I lift a brow, goading him to finish his sentence.

Instead, he clears his throat, then smooths his hand down his hideous tie.

“I have a meeting.” He glances to Locke before he slides past us.

Thankfully Gemma trails behind him, and I’m about to give Locke a piece of my mind when we’re interrupted.

“There you are.”

My attention snaps to the blonde woman who approaches us wearing a skintight black skirt and a red blouse that's showing an unprofessional amount of cleavage.

Her eyes shift from Locke to me. “You must be Raven." She smiles. “Gemma told me you would be transferring here. I hear you do amazing work.”

Swallowing back the bile in my throat as her hand lands on Locke’s forearm with familiarity, I muster up a smile.

“Thanks.”

“I’m Sasha. We are so lucky to have you.”

Locke is stock still, while his eyes remain focused on the side of my face.

“You ready for lunch, Locke?” She asks.

Not even sparing him another glance I brush past them.

My palm presses against the glass door and I escape out into the hallway just as he says, “Let’s go.”