Chapter 7
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Teachers Pet
Caught the teacher giving hes eyes to a student. Thought, "He pretty cute" and she bit her lip back to him. Chewing on her nails and her pens while she's dreaming of him.-Melanie Martinez
"I think we have everything all set? Loker set up the translator for yours truly. We have the vocal stress reader ready . Anything else we need before we get started darling ?"
Sitting down next to Gillian pulling his chair right next to her.
"let's teach you how to introduce yourself before we get started" taking a sip of her coffee before looking at him.
With a devilish smile Cal spoke in his best French accent "Bone juur mea Doctor Lightman humana lie detectór"
Laughing so hard she almost spit out her coffee she brought her hand to her mouth covering it.
"that was truly something to be heard" continuing her laughter.
He could not help but laugh along with her. God I missed her laugh. I missed this.
"Its afternoon in france so we will start with that, say bon après-midi…Good afternoon"
"You know this is doing wonders for my naughty french teacher fantasy luv. We need a ruler for the full vision of course" wiggling his eye brow in a very suggestive matter a full grin spread on his face.
"focus. Or your gonna fail the final exam Mr.Lightman" flirting back with a coy smile.
"Ei ei" moving closer into her personal space . I could get used to this sexy french teacher fantasy. Not that my mind needs any more ammunition imagining things. Especially after last nights dream.
"Neva been good at the written test but I'm phenomenal at the oral" watching as a blush formed on her cheeks. Biting back a grin as she looked away closing her eyes in slight embarrassment.
"bone aprez medee" he made his best attempt at the sentence.
"Close, bon not bone. Lay your tongue flat in your mouth" putting both of her hands on the side of his jaw , looking at his mouth. "and open your jaw more. Its not sharp or tight like English."
Getting flushed by her touch, he could not help but look at her mouth in return. Imagining pressing his lips to hers. S he's teaching you french not how to French kiss mate. Focus. he tried again.
"bon après-midi" her hand remaining on his jaw.
"Very good Mr.Lightman" she smiled proudly her hands staying on his face."now repeat after me Je m'appelle Docteur Lightman"
I love when she says my name normally but french is even hotter. Her hands are so soft and warm . He tried to cool his thoughts and pay attention and not think about how close she was, how she was touching his face so intimately.
"Je m'appelle Docteur Lightman" he repeated.
"now all together, remember flat and loose tongue. Bon après midi je m'appelle Docteur Lightman" Looking at his mouth making sure he followed her direction.
"Bon après midi je m'appelle Docteur Lightman" he stated as close to perfect as he could muster.
"A Mr.Lightman" smiled proudly removing her hands from him. "let's get started" grabbing her head phones placing them on her head.
Sadden from the loss of her touch, hiding the disappointment from his features. he grabbed his own head phones in front of him putting them on his head.
Calling the first employee of the day Henri Roche.
"Bon après midi je m'appelle Docteur Lightman" Cal introduced himself looking to Gillian who smiled proudly and gave him a nod.
"Et je suis médecin nourricier" - and im doctor Foster. Gillian introduced.
"Merci beaucoup d'avoir pris notre appel M. Roche, j'espère que vous nous entendez bien ?" - Thank you so much for taking our call Mr.Roche , I do hope you can hear us ok?
"Parfaitement Docteurs Lightman et Foster, M. Lavigne et Elizabeth m'ont informé que vous alliez contacter notre équipe. Puis-je demander de quoi il s'agit ?" - Perfectly Doctors lightman and Foster, Mr. Lavigne and Elizabeth informed me that you would be reaching out to our team. Can I ask what this is in regards to?
"Nous avons juste quelques questions sur Lavi. Depuis combien de temps êtes-vous employé de Perry Lavignes ?"- we just have a few questions about Lavi . How long have you been any employee of Perry Lavignes?
"Ça fait douze ans maintenant" - going on twelve years now
"Quel est votre rôle chez Lavi ?"- what is your role at Lavi?
"Je travaille sur le développement. Perry enverra ses croquis et je commencerai par envoyer des tissus, des motifs et des textiles qui correspondent à sa vision."- I work on development. Perry will send over his sketches and I will start by sending over fabric, patterns and textiles that work with his vision
"Êtes-vous satisfait de votre rôle chez Lavi ?"- are you happy with your role at Lavi?
Hearing a long pause the man finally answered with "oui je le dirais" - yes I would say so
Looking up at the vocal stress analysis Cal watched as the graph charted.
"Well that's a lie" Cal whispered to Gillian who nodded in agreement.
"Comment décririez-vous le fait de travailler pour M. Lavigne ?"- how would you describe working for Mr.Lavigne? Gillian continued her Line of questioning.
Another long pause came from the man before speaking. "Perry est un homme brillant, un véritable artiste" - Perry is a brilliant man, a true artist
"Well he does believe" that Cal stated with a nod.
"He's talking about him as a man not an employer though " Gillian whisper back before continuing the interview.
I didn't catch that, brilliant she is. Impressed by her he could not help but grin at her as she continued.
"Comment est-il en tant que patron?" How is he as a boss?
Pausing again hearing a deep breath "C'est un super patron" - He's a great boss…
"lie" Cal stated louder then intended
"…l'artiste sont des passionnés. Perry est un homme très… passionné."- … artist are a passionate lot. Perry is a very…passionate man.
"pourriez-vous élaborer?"- could you elaborate?
Hesitating to answer "il peut être prompt à se mettre en colère si les choses ne sont… pas parfaites. C'est un vrai perfectionniste."- he can be quick to anger if things are… not perfect. He is a true perfectionist.
Steeling a glance at eachother thinking about the mans choice of words. Cal made a note on his file.
"avez-vous déjà volé de l'argent sur votre lieu de travail ?" - have you ever stolen money from your place of work?
"excuse-moi?" - excuse me? his voice breaking with total surprise and out rage.
" Monsieur Roche…. Certains fonds ont été découverts comme ayant été égarés…. Au sein de Lavi. On suppose que les fonds ont été détournés."- Mr.Roche…. some funds have been discovered to have been misplaced…. within Lavi. It is assumed the funds have been embezzled. causing a pause on the other side of the phone. They could hear an inhale and exhale before he spoke next.
"Je n'ai jamais pris ou égaré des fonds à mon travail ou dans n'importe quel lieu de travail Dr.Foster…" I have never taken or misplaced funds at my work or any place of work Dr.Foster…
"far as I can tell hes telling the truth…. without reading his face of course" Cal whispered to Gillian.
"… Perry est très particulier quant à qui il fait venir dans son équipe. Ainsi qu'à qui il fait confiance. Nous sommes tous avec Lavi depuis de nombreuses années. Nous sommes une équipe très fidèle. Honnêtement, je ne pense pas qu'aucun d'entre nous ferait une telle chose. "- …Perry is very particular about who he brings on to his team. As well as who he trusts. All of us have been with Lavi for many many years. We are a very loyal crew. I honestly don't think any of us would do such a thing.
"Truth again darling"
"entendre qu'il manque des fonds est assez surprenant" - hearing there is missing funds is quite surprising he exhaled.
"Well that's a lie…interesting that is" studying the graph infront of him that rose with his last statement.
"let's mark him down for more questioning" Gillian tapped his folder with her nail.
"Merci beaucoup pour votre temps, M. Roche, si vous pouviez vous abstenir d'en discuter avec les autres membres de l'équipe avant nous, ce serait grandement apprécié."- Thank you so much for your time Mr.Roche if you could please refrain from discussing this with the other team members before we can that would be greatly appreciated.
"Compris, docteur Foster. Passe une bonne journée" - Understood, Doctor Foster. Have a good day. He spoke before hanging up the phone.
"One down 14 more to go" Gillian spoke before taking her head phones off and standing. "Tea?"
"that would be lovely" watching as she walked to the door to leave before adding "we can continue our French lessons when you return" hearing her laugh as she exited.
Hours and many cups of tea and coffee later they sat at the computer monitors both exhausted. Taking off there head phones.
"four employees down: Boucher, Blanchet and Desrosiers all showing no knowledge of any missing funds. Expressing total shock at the idea of embezzlement." Looking down at her folder notating it.
"Henri Roche was not surprised by that news. Not being able to see this bastards face is dampening my brilliant skill set"
"We will note his file and question him again. If anything he and the rest of the employees will all be in New York soon enough and you can use your brilliance on him then" she smiled at him.
"Betta brush up on more French before. What do you think Fosta? I always wanted to be the teachers pet" wagging his brow as she shook her head grinning at him. "Maybe il be able to understand what Perry and you are flirting about by the end of all of this" he teased.
"you don't need to know French to read the employees… you just want to know what Perry says don't you?" tilting her head to the side as she carefully observed him.
"Can you blame me? You know I'm the jealous type"
Cocking an eyebrow "I'm sure Zoe would be thrilled hearing that" Teasing him with a smug grin.
"oh not this again luv" he huffed. She's not going to let the Zoe stuff go without a fight.
"oh? You get to tease about Perry, a client…Knowing full well I would never do something with a client. While you and Zoe… where some how both late this morning and you didn't get much sleep last night?" giving him a knowing look.
"IL have you know Zoe was NOT the reason I didn't sleep well last night" you where actually. You and our talk last night that I can't get out of my bloody head.
"Cal…every time she comes into town you go back to her. She has a tether on you" exhaling with a huff of disappointment "I just don't want to see you get hurt again"
"its not like that, we…all have needs some times darlin." Answering solemnly.
"There's other options to fulfill needs Cal"
"Ei ei" giving her a cheeky grin leaning in close to her.
Putting her hand on his chest halting him "Not what I meant i…." Smiling trying to choose her next words carefully, her hand still remaining firm on him.
"You're the one who brought it up luv if I knew that was an option-" looking at her suggestively. Looking down at her small delicate hand on his chest. Causing the warmth to spread through him again.
"not what I meant and you know it" she interrupted chuckling at his antics. Removing her hand from his chest.
"It's getting late we should call it a day." Closing the folder and placing it on the desk, Gillian stood "Elizabeth has requested a few employees from the New York team to come down this week for interviews." Walking towards the door,Cal stood walking to join her . Turning to him adding "They are Americans so no need for French lessons tomorrow" Smirking at him.
"Here I was getting excited for our second lesson" following her as she made her way to her office. "hungry?"
Feeling her stomach growl "starving actually" she admitted.
"How about you come over, I make dinner and you can give me my next French lesson?"
"Why not, you could use it" she answered playfully adding a chuckle.
They finished dinner together, he had missed nights like these. Not as common as they once were. Him making dinner as she watched admiring his cooking skills. Refusing to make her his usual beans on toast. He always made a point to cook an actual dinner for her. He loved watching her, eager to eat what ever he cooked up. He washed dishes as she sat at the kitchen island drinking a glass of wine.
"It feels so empty here with out Emily" taking a sip looking around the barren house.
"She should be on spring break soon, she said she might be coming over to visit if nothing better came up. Her words" rolling his eyes with his daughters statement with a light chuckle.
Gillian joined in with his laughter as he finished cleaning the last dish, grabbing his glass of wine sitting next to her.
"now…. How do I say you're a lying French bastard?" he joked watching her face.
Covering her mouth, laughing so hard she closed her eyes he laughed with her. "tu es un bâtard français menteur, but I highly recommend you don't say that to anyone"
"Two es an bastárd français menteur, got that one"
"close enough" she shook her head with a smile.
"Now how do I say… stop looking at my partner like a piece of meat you blimey French devil?"
Looking at him questioningly before answering searching his face as she spoke "that bothers you doesn't it?"
"bloody right that bothers me!" that came out way to fast and sounded way to jealous. "I just mean…he should be respectful" he tried to cover his Jealousy with an even tone of concerned respect for his partner.
"mmmhmm" taking a sip of her wine not believing a word of what he said. "he hasn't been disrespectful, hes flirtatious yes but that just seems like who he is. Just like someone else I know" giving him a pointed look. "It's natural to look at people. I don't see you mad that he looks at Zoe."
"Not the same darling "
"How so?" she curiously asked.
"He doesn't look at Zoe…or anyone else for that matter…. like he looks at you luv"
"Like what?" she asked in disbelief
She has to be playing me or has she really not noticed? Her face is showing no sign of disseat not that I can ever truly read her. His mind going a mile a minute, dangerously speaking without thought the words flying out of his mouth-
"Like he wants to fuck you" his words cutting through the room filling out like ugly black cloud.
"Cal!" she shouted, appalled by his vulgarity and suggestion.
Well I really mucked that up. Inhaling sharply trying to think of how to respond. His phone rang, Zoes name on the caller ID.
Gillian looked down at his phone before looking to him "You should get that" her voice flat devoid of emotions.
"she can wait. Foster i-"
The phone rang again interrupting him. They both looked at each other. "You should really get that… and I should get going." Getting up from the kitchen island grabbing her keys and jacket. The phone continuing its ringing.
"Gil i.."
"Speaking with out thinking is always a dangerous game Cal." Looking at him carefully as she put her coat on. Speaking flatly.
Hit that nail on the head with that one she did.
"I can handle myself. Hes a client I would never…"
"you wouldn't….Doesn't mean he won't try…"
"I'm not you" it was almost a whisper but felt like a scream to Cals.
She didn't have to elaborate he knew the true meaning of those words, the poppys, Clara's, numerous other women he had slept with while working together.
"you should know; always the good girl, right?" she smiled solemnly. "I'll see you in the morning" placing her hand on his cheek placing a delicate kiss on it. Walking to the front door letting herself out as he stood watching her leave, rubbing the bridge of his nose as his phone continued to ring.
Hanging up his phone after his call with Zoe, finishing giving her an update on the interviews from the day. He made his way to his bedroom laying down for the night. He picked up his phone staring at the contacts at Gillians name.
Do I call and apologize? She saw how much I regretted what I said after I said it. Is there even a point in saying sorry? She would appreciate a call over a text but what do I say? Sorry my jealously got the best of me. Sorry I hate the way the man looks at you. Sorry it sickens me imagining what he is thinking when he looks at you. Maybe I can just text her and see if she got home ok…
Deciding to Text her 'you make it home ok luv?'
'I did. Already laying down for the night. Thank you for making dinner tonight'
'Any time darling. You gonna read me a romance novel to help me sleep tonight?' hoping his playful text would distract her from his words earlier.
'Having trouble sleeping again Cal?'
'to soon to tell'
'just a call away if you need some help sleeping'. 'Get some sleep Cal, I'll see you in the morning'
Smiling to his phone before sitting it on his night stand and resting his eyes. Trying his best to fall asleep. Tossing and turning for hours turning to look at the clock blinking 3 a.m. with a exhorted huff he rolled on his other side.
"I can't sleep"
"me neither" a soft voice broke the silence in the room. Opening his eyes he saw the back of a familiar womanly curve under the blanket next to him. She rolled over looking at him, popping herself up on her side placing her hand under her jaw. Hair in messy curls, wearing a black lace bra smiling softly to him.
"Another restless night Mr.Lightman?" Gillians voice taking on a sensual tone as she watched him. "We could get some use out of your sleeplessness and do another French lesson"
Reaching out touching her face, he placed his thumb on her lip letting it rest there, Taking her beauty in.
She feels so real, I know this is a dream but I can only touch her like this here.
"Je veux que tu me touches" her seductive voice breaking his thoughts. Her eyes full of desire and want.
"I have no idea what you said Luv but based on the look your giving me I have some ideas" his own voice full of deep desire and lust.
Placing his hand on her cheek, she rubbed her face into his hand closing her eyes. Placing his thumb back to her lip as she let out fall into her mouth licking it softly before letting it cascade back down to her jaw.
"I said….I want you to touch me" leaning over his body kissing him passionately.
A loud beeping waking him as his eyes opened wide, out of breath from the kiss that never was. A bittersweet kiss that could never be real.