"It's Skye, isn't it?"he asks.
I haven't told anyone who my new sub is out of respect for her privacy, because I know she has friends at the club.
"How did you know?"I ask him.
"She's friends with Summer and Gemma, and she just had a freak out at lunch today," Carter says.
“Of course she is.And she isn't answering my calls.I think she blocked me,” I say.
"You're kidding,” he says.
"I wish I was.She looked like she'd seen a ghost.I nearly dropped the syllabus.I didn't know what to do, so I went through the lecture like normal, but she ran out the second class ended.She won't answer my calls, and she won't text back," I say
"Shit," Carter mutters."Yeah, that's a mess."
"You think?I've spent the entire summer with her, Carter.Weekends at the club, phone calls, messages every day.She's not just a sub I've played with.I like her.Really like her.I was thinking of trying to convince her for more."
"I know," Carter says."It's obvious."
That gives me pause.My friends haven't said anything about it.They barely talk about my....relationship with Skye.I'm honestly surprised they haven't hounded me more.
"I was thinking about what it might look like outside the Club.More than just scenes.I haven't felt like this in a long time."
"So, what are you going to do?"
"I can't risk my job.And she shouldn't have to risk her degree.If anyone finds out, we're both screwed."
"True.But if you like her, really like her, there are ways."
"Like what?Transferring her out of my class?That alone could raise flags."
"It's not impossible," Carter says."You would have to talk to the dean.Keep it aboveboard.It's messy, but it's not the end."
I slump into my chair."She's not talking to me.I don't even know if she wants to keep seeing me now."
"She's freaked, man.Give her a little time.This morning turned her world upside down.Let her process."
"I've been trying to reach her all afternoon."
"Skye's smart.She'll come around.But you'll need to be honest with her when she does.No games.No hiding."
I nod, even though he can't see me."I didn't even get to eat lunch today.Spent the entire break in my car, spiraling."
Carter laughs."I believe it.But seriously, breathe.We'll figure it out.You and Skye, if it's real, it'll survive this."
"I hope you're right."
"I am.I've been in your shoes.Maybe not exactly, but close enough to know.You've got it bad, Gage."
"Yeah.I do."
"She even told Gemma and Summer about what happened," Carter adds."She admitted everything."
Blowing out a breath, I fight the urge to ask what she said, to know every detail."So, she's really freaked out."
"Yeah.But she's talking to the people she trusts.That's something," he says.
"She looked like I had shattered her world.And I hate that.I never wanted to be the cause of that look on her face."