A quick bite before visiting the Doctor

"I do appreciate what you did for me Bridget. I still can't really believe that I've been granted tenure! I keep pinching myself, even with all the crazy conditions I agreed to it still feels like a dream. But if I'm being honest, I don't know how I feel about you and your mother telling the Dean about our relationship behind my back. We should really have talked about it and made that decision together."

Over the phone, I filled Bridget in on everything that happened that morning (and I mean everything) and naturally she revealed the part she and her mother had played with making the arrangements. I had mixed feelings about this - I couldn't helping feeling a little betrayed by Bridget and her mother. Telling the Dean about our relationship felt like a huge gamble with my career, and they didn't even consult me. Still, I had achieved something very few academics my age do, and like the Dean said it wasn't just as a favour to keep me around. I should be proud of reaching a significant career milestone. Plus Bridget was so sweet and concerned, it was hard to stay mad at her. In the end, I erred on the side of forgiveness, but I couldn't help being a little pouty on the phone.

"I know Ave, I'm sorry. Why don't you let me take you out to lunch and we can discuss it." I agreed and Bridget texted me the details of a restaurant called "Dream Gale".

I drove to the restaurant Bridget had selected and parked outside. The restaurant was in the trendy part of town where old run down warehouses, factories, and industrial shops had been converted to bars, restaurants, galleries, theatres etc. Entering the restaurant, I was told that our table was in the courtyard. A cute young waitstaff led me out the back to a beautiful courtyard that was surrounded by four brick walls. I was struck by how beautiful and welcoming the space was. There were tables laid out casually under the shade of a large tree, the industrial brick was contrasted with walls of flowers, the open air ceiling was laced with lines of fairy lights (which were currently turned off as it was daytime) and there was small stage and dance floor area. It felt like an oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of a busy city area. Noticing my eyes dart around taking it all in the waitress explained that at nights they sometimes had live music that played for guests, or people would book the space for parties and events.

Bridget was already seated at our table and was perusing the menu. Walking up behind her, I took advantage of the fact that no one knew who we were and placed a kiss on her neck. Turning to face me, and chuckling, Bridget returned the kiss. "It's good to see you too Ave, it's been hard being away from you this weekend!" Immediately, my heart melted and any residual anger I felt faded away.

Bridget and I had a lovely time enjoying each other's company and doing the sorts of the things couples would normally do whilst out together; holding hands, playing with each other's hair, whispering in each other's ears, and generally engaging in public displays of affection.

At some point I heard someone clear their throat as if to get my attention. "I'm sorry to interrupt Professor, but I saw that you were seated here and wanted to come say hi!" I looked up and standing before us was Zayne, Jack's friend and a student at IDU.

"Zayne, Hi! It's good to see you again! I haven't seen you since Rorke's birthday bash!" Bridget got up and gave Zayne a hug before insisting he take a seat at the table with us. I was a bit uncomfortable with a student learning about my relationship with Bridget, but she gave me a look as if to suggest "shush now, it'll be fine. trust me." I greeted Zayne and shook his hand.

We enquired about what Zayne was doing here, it didn't seem like he was eating with anybody. "Oh this is my restaurant! Well I don't own it, but I'm a manager here." That's right, I recall him telling me about his job. I was impressed, for someone so young to be managing such a fancy restaurant was quite an achievement. I admired his hustle, and I saw a lot of myself in him and conveyed this to him.

"That's quite kind of you Professor, thank you so much. And I'm glad you like the restaurant, after all we'll be seeing you back here soon."

"What do you mean?" I enquired.

"Oh I assumed you knew. The Dean called me a short while ago to confirm her booking for a charity dinner she's hosting later this week. She said that you would be helping out as entertainment for the evening. I figured you'd be playing some music or something like that?"

"Oh, yes, of course." I bluffed. Truthfully, I had no idea what the Dean had planned for me but I didn't want to come across as uninformed in front of a student. Looking around, I began to feel a bit nervous about the dinner. The Courtyard looked like it could fit at least 250 people, and although the space was technically private the open air ceiling was somewhat concerning.

I was lost in thought imagining what sort of entertainment ideas the Dean had in mind and I wasn't paying attention to what Zayne and Bridget were talking about.

"Don't worry Bridget, I'll keep your secret. I won't tell anyone about you and the Professor dating. Plus, I owe him, he was quite helpful last week with our biology class. Truthfully, I've always hated Biology but I did so much better that week, and it really motivated me to study over the weekend." I blushed, remembering that the last time Zayne saw me was when I was stripped in front of his class by Prof Suther and publicly spanked by his classmates. With that, Zayne announced that he needed to get back to work and left.

"Bridget! This is what we just talked about! You shouldn't be telling people that we're dating without asking me first! The Dean might be ok with it but I don't want people gossiping about us, or assuming the worst. I sound like some creepy professor taking advantage of a student."

"Firstly, relax. You're not taking advantage of me. I'm perfectly capable of making decisions for myself, and I chose to date you. You didn't prey on me!" Bridget seemed a bit offended by what I said. "But, you might have a point. I don't want people assuming that I'm getting good grades by sleeping with the teacher. Let's agree not to tell any of the other students or staff, except for those who already know, unless we absolutely have to. But this only works if you act like a single man - publicly, I don't care what you need to do to sell it, you have to act like a bachelor. That means you can't seem like you have someone waiting for you, or someone to check in with. People at this school are smart, if they suspect you're dating someone they'll be able to connect the dots back to me." It seemed a bit strange that Bridget was telling me to do whatever was necessary to act like a single man, but I agreed. It was a good plan.

Later, outside the restaurant we were about to kiss and part ways when we bumped into a group of Bridget's friends. This included Ingrid and Scarlet, who of course knew about our relationship and gave us a cheeky look, and three or four others girls. Immediately, Bridget and I shot apart and tried (perhaps poorly) acting normal. Bridget introduced me to the rest of her friends "Avery is my math professor, we just bumped into each inside and we're saying good bye." Ingrid and Scarlet rolled their eyes at this poor attempt at a cover up.

One of Bridget's friends, Monica Reyes, spoke up. "Actually, Professor, I've seen you before. Though it's nice to finally learn your name." Odd, I was sure I'd never taught Monica in one of my classes. And if she'd been in one of the classes I'd modelled for, she would surely have learned my name when I introduce myself. "I work at a security company downtown in between classes. We remotely monitor CCTV footage for a range of stores across the city, including the University's store. I saw you last week trying some clothes on." I turned bright red, for the second time today I was reminded of my embarrassing mishaps last week. Monica must have seen me in the store room getting measured and felt up Merta and Hannah! This explains why she was looking at me as if she was mentally undressing me. She recounted the incident to the rest of the group, but mercifully she left out the bit about Hannah measuring my dick. Instead, it was distressing to learn that she and her colleagues had all seen that footage.

Scarlet at this point interrupted "Professor, aren't you late for an appointment with the University doctor?" How did she know about that I wondered. "Monica and I were actually headed there ourselves, we're pre-med students so we have to spend some time volunteering at the clinic and learning basic procedures. It would be great if you could give us a ride." I didn't really have a choice, I could say no but that would come across as rude, so I agreed.

We parted ways with the rest of the group and approached my car. Scarlet jumped into the front seat, and held the back door open for Monica. Before getting in, she leaned in and whispered to me "You're going for a physical right? I wonder if i'll get to see that eight inch dick of yours again!" Seeing the surprise on my face she continued "Oh yeah, the cameras pick up audio as well..."