WhatLiesBeneath by Margo Diamond

jeans and long hair were enough to keep her from
walking out in defeat. It had taken a while for the truth to sink in but Amanda
loved him too much to give up without a fight.
    Earlier, she’d slipped over to the display featuring his
book and publicity clips. Her face burned with shame when she found out exactly
how wrong she’d been about him. Artist, photographer, world traveler,
historian, author. What other dimensions did he possess?
    Incredibly talented lover.
    Her ink slinger was a definite hit with the women. Jealous,
watching their flirtatious smiles and calculated hair tosses, she consoled
herself with the observation that the grim expression never left his face. If
anything, her world-class bad boy seemed uncomfortable with so much female
attention.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?”
    The university president tapped a microphone. Jericho stood next
to him on the short dais.
    “Thank you for coming this evening. It has been an honor to
showcase the debut publication of Mr. Jericho Creegan.”
    The president continued after a smattering of applause. “I
had hoped to announce Mr. Creegan would be joining Benbine University as an
adjunct professor, but we have not been able to lure him away from his other
professional pursuits.”
    Dismay rumbled up from the crowd. Everything Amanda thought
she had known about Jericho had been proven false tonight, so the prospect of
him teaching didn’t surprise her.
    “That’s the bad news. The good news”—the president slid a
quick glance at Jericho, who nodded—“is that Mr. Creegan has agreed to serve as
a consultant for a new program yet to be publically unveiled.”
    An expectant hush fell over the audience. Jericho nervously
pulled at his bow tie so it sat crooked. Amanda’s heart fluttered.
    “The Contemporary Studies program will offer Benbine
students a comprehensive and objective perspective on topics and trends
relevant to our local and global communities. The courses will be developed by
non-traditional academics, such as Mr. Creegan. Let’s give him a warm Bennie
welcome.”
    Shouts and catcalls rang out over the enthusiastic
handclapping. Jericho shook the president’s hand and hurried off the stage. She
saw him duck into a back hallway and took off after him.
    The corridor was dark except for the faint red glow of an
exit sign. At the far end, Jericho crouched on his toes, hands dangling between
his knees, tie trailing on the floor.
    “Congratulations.” A lame way to start the conversation, but
she had to start somewhere.
    “Go away.”
    He no longer sounded angry, just tired. She took it as an
encouraging sign.
    “Not until I’ve apologized.”
    She stood in front of him but he didn’t look up. Okay, so he
wasn’t going to make this easy.
    “I’ve been wrong about so many things I don’t even know
where to begin. I’m sorry for making decisions we should have made together.
I’m sorry for making assumptions about what kind of person you are. I’m sorry
for not having enough courage to trust you.” Her throat tightened. “I’m sorry
for not giving us a chance. More than anything, I’m sorry for hurting you.”
    Jackknifing to his feet, he said nothing and tramped off.
She didn’t know whether to stay or follow him. After a few steps, he stopped.
She stared at his back, mentally begging him to turn around.
    “Just tell me one thing.” His voice had hardened again.
“Why?”
    The question confused her. “Why what?”
    “Why would a rich, classy woman like you want to screw around
with someone like me when you could have any guy in the world?”
    “What do you mean, a rich, classy woman like me? And why
wouldn’t I want someone like you?” Her temper was starting to flare.
    He laughed but there was no humor. “Oh come on. The big house.
Your fancy college job. And the pearls. Those goddamn fucking pearls.” Pivoting
to face her, he shouted, “No one wears pearls nowadays except debutantes and
old,