Meanwhile, Toni and Mike tried to work through Caroline’s contrary contributions while Alejandro tried to keep the meeting moving along so they could cover the goals he and Deja had outlined, while Layla hung on his every word but didn’t make any meaningful contribution.

It was a mess of a first committee meeting, and Deja wanted nothing more than to back out of this entire endeavor and run for the hills.

“Okay,” Alejandro said, a little louder than he meant, cutting Caroline off mid-sentence. “I think that’s enough for today. Deja and I,” he stressed the words while looking Caroline in the eye, a not-so-subtle reminder that they were the committee’s co-chairs, “will go over what we’ve talked about and send the minutes and points of consideration before our next meeting.”

It was only sheer force of will that made his voice sound calm and professional because he felt as if his head was about to explode. This meeting had been a disaster. A big one.

“Have a great evening, everyone,” he said through gritted teeth.

Associate Dean Stampp woke up right in that moment, placed both hands on the conference table and stood. “Great work, everyone,” he said and turned toward the door.

Caroline darted after him. “Dean Stampp, do you have a second?” she asked in a voice that sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alejandro.

“I’ve gotta run to class,” Toni said. She grabbed Marie’s wrist and squeezed. “I’ll call you later, okay?” Marie didn’t answer, and it made Alejandro feel terrible.

“Where’s your class?” Mike asked Toni.

“Paul,” she said.

“I’m going that way; I’ll walk you.” Toni nodded and headed for the door. Mike turned to look at Alejandro with tired eyes. “I’ll call you later.”

Alejandro nodded at him and then Keith as they left the room.

In a whirlwind, Marie stood from her chair and grabbed her bag. She mumbled a goodbye to Deja before rushing from the room.

The only people left were him, Deja, and Layla, and Alejandro felt terrible, but he really wanted Layla to just fucking leave.

Instead, she turned to him with a smile. “Alejandro, do you have a second?”

“Actually—” Alejandro started, but Deja cut him off.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” she said, grabbing her pad of paper and cell phone.

“Deja?” Alejandro called, his face almost hurting with the depth of his frown.

She turned to him and put on her best collegial smile, which only conveyed a fraction of the warmth of her real smile, the smile she’d given him just this morning in her bed. “I’ve got some grading to do,” she said, avoiding his eyes. “I’ll email you later.”

Alejandro’s mouth fell open in shock as he watched her walk swiftly and silently from the room.

“So, Alejandro,” Layla whispered in a seductive tone.