She did as he asked, moving slowly, wondering how much Marroney had accused her of. Marroney looked like a smaller version of himself. When she took a seat, she could have sworn she saw him push himself farther away. This was going to be great.
Dr. Hill moved around her so he was standing to the side of the desk, in between her and Marroney. He crossed his arms in front of his chest. The dads always talked about how attractive Dr. Hill was, often joking that they were going to leave each other for him. “I’m sure you’ve already figured out why you’re here.” He leaned forward and put his fingertips on the desk in front of her. “It has to stop, Julia. I’m going to assume for propriety’s sake and to save myself a headache that you’re just having some fun at Mr. Marroney’s expense. But following him around town? Breaking into his house? Unwanted physical assault? Even you have to see how inappropriate that is.”
Marroney practically flinched at the euphemistic reminder of the tickling incident. With all that had happened, she’d almost forgotten about that ill-conceived initial flirtation in the Chili’s bathroom. How the hell had she let Dave talk her into that one? Marroney looked downright scared to be in front of her, and Julia felt a little sorry for what she’d put him through. She poked fun a lot, but she genuinely liked the oddball. “Sir, in my defense, the cupcakes were a gift for Teacher Appreciation Day.”
“That’s in May.”
“I’m so appreciative, I couldn’t wait that long.”
“That’s enough,” Dr. Hill said. “Mr. Marroney would be within his rights to press charges against you and file a restraining order, but he was considerate enough to come to us first and ask us to intervene. You should be thankful he did, because a police record could jeopardize your graduation, not to mention your collegiate future.”
Julia wished she could record the conversation so Dave could laugh with her about it. He’d joked about her getting a restraining order. That she’d come close to actually getting one was, in her opinion, a smashing success, and maybe even better than hooking up with a teacher. Julia’s mom would have a good laugh about this. It wasn’t exactly playing keep-away with a security guard’s lunch in Singapore, but it was tinged with just the right distaste for authority.
“You’ve clearly crossed the line, and I need your word that it stops now. I want you to apologize to Mr. Marroney for the discomfort you’ve caused.”
Julia raised her hands up. “No, you’re right. Mr. Marroney, I am so sorry for all the discomfort I’ve caused. I never meant for it. Quite the opposite, really.”
“Ms. Stokes.”
Marroney was looking down, a thin sheen of sweat visible on his forehead. Maybe it was her imagination, but she thought she saw his lip quivering beneath his mustache. He rubbed his hands over each other like he was trying to calm himself.
“That time it legitimately just came out wrong. I never meant to make you uncomfortable, truly. I was having a bit of fun, and I’m sorry I took it so far. I was mostly kidding.” Dr. Hill raised his eyebrows at her. “Entirely kidding,” she corrected, even though deep down, there was something she found appealing about Marroney. It wasn’t a physical attraction like she’d joked about with Dave, but something had made her pick him over every other teacher. “I promise to no longer cross any sort of lines or give you any baked goods or recite any kind of poetry in your honor.”
“Mr. Marroney, is that enough of an apology for you?”
“Let’s just put the matter behind us.” He tried to sigh, but it came out more like a wheeze. Julia fought the urge to settle things with a hug. He really looked like he was near tears.