5. Flirty Student

Beth hadn't been teaching Raine for two weeks. The first reason, Beth knew, because of her impudence, Logan would have fired her without a word. Second, this is reinforced by the absence of calls from Mam Runs or Raine. Third, Beth had no intention of returning to Logan's house. She is focused on his work at the outlet and is looking for a new private Math student.

She liked Raine, very much, but she didn't like Raine's father. Logan was too cocky, too wild, and . . . too lustful, Beth thought with a shudder. All the things that happened to her…and all the gossip about him flashed through her head. Logan is indeed very well known in the company he works for, as the male player number one. He is a ruthless billionaire, he is known to have some other business...and is known to have his share at the company. He works in technical programming and computer only for his passion.

But since she never sees Raine and Logan again, for some reason, Beth felt empty in her life. She felt something was missing, somehow. Several times she was daydreaming while serving a customer, until Mrs. Zeezee, the Area Manager, reprimanded her.

'Oh my God, what the hell happened to me? And what had the widowed man done to make me like this? Ah maybe just because of guilt, for the incident that Raine went to see her mother.'

Beth smiled broadly at her area manager and promised to focus, she also promised to recalculate all the sales reports for the month. 'Agh... unpaid overtime... this is what it's called!'

***

A month had passed since Beth had stopped teaching Raine. Now, Beth is private tutoring a handsome twenty-year-old boy. This guy is handsome and quite smart, but his behavior makes Beth want to throw him with a marker, or a brick... Or if she's as strong as the Hulk and can lift heavy objects... she wants to bury him with a big boulder, she's been holding out for the fee all this time. He pays for a great amount of money.

Like now, when Beth was explaining Math theory, the guy just smiled broadly as he watched her. Every now and then he blew long-distance kisses, making Beth irritated.

"Are you listening to me, Mr. Zain?"

"Yes, of course."

"So, retell the theory, Mr. Zain."

With confidence, Zain recounted what Beth had told him. Ninety percent correct.

"Smart," Beth said happily.

"Then, as my reward, one kiss on the lips, Beth." Zain touches his own lips with his index finger.

Beth glared at Zain. "If you continue like this, I will stop teaching you, Zain."

Zain pushes his lower lip, pouting, sulking. "Okay, I'm sorry, Beth."

"It's good that you understand." Beth straightened her stationery, then said goodbye.

Zain escorted her to the front porch, much to Beth's dismay. "I'll take you to the bus stop, Beth. It's getting late."

"No need," Beth said quickly.

"Beth, come on, I just wanted to be nice. Ride a bike... It will be faster."

Beth glanced at her watch and thought quickly. "Okay."

"Okay!" Zain darted inside to get the motorbike keys and said goodbye to his parents, then immediately started the motorbike.

Arriving at the bus stop, suddenly a red car stopped in front of Beth and Zain.

"Beth."

Beth was surprised to see Logan. Okay, she shouldn't be surprised because this is indeed the housing complex where the man lives, so at any moment he's bound to run into the widower by accident.

"What is it?" Beth asked still standing by Zain.

Logan got out of his car and walked over to Beth. He pulled the girl's arm away from Zain. "Starting tomorrow, please teach Raine again," he said matter-of-factly.

"No, just call another teacher," Beth said as she let go of her hand, but Logan wouldn't let her.

"Raine really wanted to see you. Sorry, I've been keeping her from contacting you, because I need time to think things over," Logan whispered in Beth's ear--the man bowed.

Beth fell silent. Raine's tiny and adorable face flashed in her mind. She didn't want to look at Logan when she said, "Yes, but on one condition."

"What?"

"I'm willing to teach Raine, but I hope you don't touch me or show up while I'm at your house."

"I understand." Logan let go of his grip. "That boy... your boyfriend?" Logan pointed at Zain with a flick of his head.

Beth glanced at Zain. They were quite far apart, so Beth didn't think Zain could hear their conversation. "You could say so," Beth replied.

Logan smiled sincerely. "Okay, tomorrow afternoon Raine is waiting for you at home."

After Logan left, Beth breathed a sigh of relief. There's a feeling of pleasure sneaking in, and slightly covering an empty hole. This is . . . very strange, Beth thought thoughtfully. And... why is her heart beating so fast?

"Beth... who is that?" Zain asked, he looked curious. "I think I've seen him a few times around here."

"He's... uh... the father of my private student, his house is around here."

Zain looks relieved. "I thought that guy is your boyfriend."

"No!" Beth answered quickly. "Okay, the bus has arrived. Thank you for dropping me off. See you again next week, Zain!" Beth patted Zain on the shoulder and got on the bus.