Chapter Thirty

Happy Thanksgiving! Just thought I'd give you guys a little holiday treat. Have a good one!

Chapter Thirty

So everything was settled. Everything was ready for Skykar's arrival in Chicago. She would be starting her classes at the University of Chicago Law School. Kyle had already found the perfect apartment for both of them in the city. Her family was already well aware of her return to the city. They were happy to have her back. No matter what had gone down between them in the past, family was family.

She had a few tests to take for her classes and that was that. Goodbye, Stanford. Goodbye, California. And goodbye, Ian. It was time for her fresh start back home. It wasn't the end of the world.

It was the last day before winter break, and like Professor Grenshaw had said the other day, Ian was going to be in her class on the look out for a new intern. So she'd have to see him, as much as she didn't want to. She knew that seeing him would bring back feelings that she really wanted to put at the back of her head.

When she made it class, she immediately saw Micah who gave her a wink and a naughty smile. And when she sat down, he quickly went to go sit next to her. But she didn't mind. Yeah, they'd made out and everything, but that was just a drunken night that they decided to let go. She didn't feel embarrassed or anything. They both just made a joke out of it.

"So..." he said. "Everyone at the firm found out about your breakup."

Skylar rolled her eyes. "Of course." She was well aware that a lot of people at Rinaldi & Associates did not like her, and believed that the only reason she got the internship was due to the fact that she was sleeping with Ian. And, honestly, maybe because Ian had liked he'd given her the internship. Maybe he never really believed she would make a good lawyer.

"And Ian had a meeting with everyone. He was really pissed." Micah chuckled a little. "Said he didn't think his personal business involved anyone else. Shut everyone up. But honestly, since you left he's been acting like even more of a prick. I mean, it's not like he wasn't a prick before, but it's like the pole up his ass was shoved even deeper."

"Oh my God!" Skylar groaned. "Shut up, Micah!"

But he just laughed. "You can't tell me he doesn't act too serious."

"He's a serious man!" she exclaimed defensively. "He's not gonna be cracking jokes the entire time."

"Okay, sorry," he said. But there was still a smile on his face. "Just thought I'd let you in some juicy gossip."

"Yeah," she said bitterly. "Gossip that involves me. I already know half the firm doesn't like me. I guess it's a good thing I quit."

It was funny how she and Micah had disliked each other so much earlier. She'd even slapped him at one point. And somehow they ended up making out at a party, and now they talked like they'd been friends for a long time. And Skylar felt comfortable with him. Micah wasn't the total as.shole he let on to be.

And then class started.

And then that dreaded moment happened.

The moment when Ian Rinaldi walked into her class. He looked as handsome as ever, dressed smartly in a charcoal gray suit and blue tie. And her heart almost pounded out of her chest.

Ian was there. In the same room as she was. Just a few feet away. Tempting as ever.

His beautiful green eyes scanned the room, and soon enough they were locked on hers. And for a few seconds it seemed like time had stopped. All she wanted was to run up to him and kiss him, and kiss him, and kiss him...

That didn't happen. Instead his eyes roamed to Micah who was sitting very close to her, looking at her with a huge smile on his face as he said whatever he saying to her. And his face hardened...and he looked away.

"You shouldn't look that happy to see him," Micah teased.

"Can I really help myself?" she whispered back.

"Well, he was looking at you like he wanted to rip that dress off you," he said. "Not that I blame him. Red looks really good on you."

"Oh, shut up, will you?" She was starting to get annoyed.

Professor Grenshaw introduced Ian to the class and explained his visit, then the class began.

"He probably thinks that I'm hitting on you," Micah said. "Probably wants to terminate me."

"I'm trying to listen to the professor," she reminded him.

Micah ignored her. "Little does he know I already shoved my tongue down your throat." That was followed by an annoying little chuckle.

"Get away from me," she said, but she nudged him playfully. "He shouldn't care either way."

Micah scooted closer to her, their legs touching. "Do you wanna make him jealous? 'Cause I'd be glad to help."

"No. I don't. Now get away." There was no point in getting Ian jealous. They were done. That was that.

And finally Micah shut up.

As Professor Grenshaw spoke, she couldn't help but sneak glances at Ian. He really did look dreamy and beautiful. And she missed him so much. But he was probably doing a good job at keeping her at the back of his mind. Maybe he'd already completely moved on with Christina. Not that she blamed him. After tough situations, life always moved on.

But it was hard no to think of what could've been. They could still be together, happy and all. He'd still be spending some nights at her place, or she at his. And instead of the awkwardness they both felt, he could have been sneaking mischievous glances at her instead of the sad glances they shared now.

Towards the end of the lecture, Professor Grenshaw decided to inform his entire class of something. And that 'something' was not something Skylar wanted him to announce at the current moment.

"I'd just like to inform all of you that a wonderful student is leaving us," he said. "She's transferring to the University of Chicago, which I can is great, but my bias will always think Stanford is the best. Anyway, lets all give Skylar Grant a warm goodbye. Dear, it was great to have such a talented young lady in my class. We will all miss you."

She smiled because that was the only thing she could do. Some of the other students came over to her and gave her a hug, wishing her well. It was nice to have a warm moment with everyone, but the one person she didn't want to find out about her transfer so soon was in the room, and she didn't know what to do.

As she went up to Professor Grenshaw to say goodbye, she could feel Ian's eyes on her.

"Good luck, dear," the sweet man said. "You're a bright young lady and you have a great future ahead of you."

"Thank you, Professor," she said.

"If you need any recommendations for internships or anything, you let me know, okay?"

"Of course," she said. "I'll miss you."

Of course Professor Grenshaw had never been aware of her relationship with Ian. So he did the worst thing he could have done. "Ian, come over here. Aren't you going to miss your intern."

Ian looked at her, and his face was unreadable. His green eyes locked with hers and he said, "Of course I'm going to miss you, Skylar. You should have told me you were leaving, I would have recommended you to a great firm in Chicago."

She made herself stay strong and show no emotion. "It's no problem," she said. "I'll figure it out. Professor Grenshaw said he'll write me a recommendation letter, so it's all figured out." In other words, she didn't want any of his help.

Before he could say anything else, she excused herself and left the class with Micah. And as she stepped out of the class, she took in a deep breath of air. That had been intense. Why did Professor Grenshaw put them in that situation.

"You okay?" Micah asked.

"Lovely," she said sarcastically.

"Is he mad you didn't tell him?"

"He had no reason to be mad," she said. "He's no longer a part of my life."

"I guess," he said.

She knew that the exchange with Ian in class wasn't going to be her last. And she was readily expecting him to show up out of nowhere. And that he did. It was during her lunch break, she was sitting at one of the tables outside, sipping on her iced coffee.

Ian sat across from her looking every bit the Adonis he was.

"Hello," she said.

"Can we talk?" he asked.

"That's what we're doing," she said. It was better off to be distant and cold than to show him that she still wanted every bit of him.

"Are you leaving because of me?" he asked.

She sighed. "There are several factors that influenced my decision to go back to Chicago."

"Enlighten me, then," he said.

"Okay. California is not for me-"

"That's bulls.hit, Skylar, and you know it."

"Are you gonna let me explain?"

He motioned for her to go on.

"As I said, California is not for me. It's really not. I miss Chicago, it's my home. I miss Kyle, he's my best friend and he's always been there for me. I feel homesick, Ian. I really do. And yes, maybe you're a factor. Because as long as I'm here, I'll know you're not that far away. And I'll feel pathetic for thinking of you. If I go to Chicago, it's a fresh start. And yes, I'll still miss you, but it'll be easier. And I'll focus on school, and maybe someone new. My life needs to move on. I'm not doing that here."

"I thought you were doing quite well with Micah," he said bitterly.

Skylar felt disgusted. "What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded.

"I saw the way you two acted," he said. "He whispered something to you, you laughed like a little school girl, he inched closer to you and you teased him. I mean, it's okay that you moved on. There's no need for you to act like you actually miss me. If it's not Micah, then Jason is surely there to help you, right?"

That was low. Her eyes stung with anger, but she held her tears back. She was too angry at the moment. "Wow. Is that really what you think of me, Ian? Micah is an arrogant as.shole, but you know what? He's been there for me, and I've made it clear to him that I want nothing with him except friendship. But I guess it doesn't matter what you think, now does it?" She stood up because she didn't want to be there with him anymore. "As for Jason, he's a good friend. And he was there for me the night you broke up with me. He hasn't once tried to make a move on me. And I wouldn't tolerate it if he did. I guess it really was the right decision to break up with me if you think I'm some lowly slut that sleeps around with all these guys."

"Skylar, I didn't mean it like-"

"Then what did you mean?" she demanded. "Your words were pretty damn clear. Is that what you thought of me while we were together?"

"I said those things because I'm jealous that those two get to spend time with you and I don't, Skylar," he explained, standing up as well. "I miss you, damn it. I don't think of you as a slut. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met, and I love you."

That was when the tears started to fall. She was angry. "No. You don't get to say that," she spat out. "Not anymore. You don't get to decide to break up with me and then say these things. Do you enjoy playing with my emotions? Because I don't like it, Ian."

They were making a scene. Some people were watching from afar interested in their little lover's quarrel. She didn't care. She just wanted to get away from him.

Ian stepped forward and grabbed her arms. "Skylar, please don't think that. I'm so sorry, baby. I'm so sorry."

She pulled away. "Please don't touch me," he pleaded. "I need to go."

"I mean everything I say," he went on. "You need to believe me. I will never love any other person the way I love you."

"Stop it!" she screamed. "Who do you think you are? You can't say these things the day before I leave. You wanted this to end, and that's that. Let it be. Let me move on in peace."

"I'm saying this because I don't want you to leave thinking that I never valued you enough," he said. "Skylar, I mean it."

"Let me go, Ian," she said. "I can't do this right now."

"I know that you and I can't be together," he said. "Not after everything that has happened. I know that, Skylar. But I don't want you to leave. I know that makes me selfish, but damn it, I don't want you to go. Please tell me what I can do to make you stay."

"If you love me, let me go," she said slowly. "It's better for me to go. It benefits both of us. You need to go back to Emily and try to make it work with Christina. You have a family, and I'm not a part of that. And I know you will always put Emily first, and that's okay. I understand. But I have to do what's right and move on. You're not making this any easier."

"Skylar-"

"No. I'm not gonna do this. This is it, Ian. We're over, and that's okay. But my life has to move forward."

There was no going back now.