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I sit down behind my desk and search for the card inside the flowers, finding it was sent on behalf of the entire school faculty. When I open the card, I find that it’s signed by all of my students. My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude that they care so much about me. Sure, it’s likely that some of them signed it out of obligation, but this act of kindness has Daisy written all over it.
As my homeroom students funnel in, I can tell a lot of them are surprised to see me back.
“Hey, Teach. How are you feeling?” Dominic approaches my desk, seeming more friendly toward me than usual.
“I’m doing a lot better, thanks. How’s the tutoring going with Daisy? Are you understanding the material better?”
I don’t miss the slight upturn in his lips when I ask — I swear to God it’s like history repeating itself. “It’s going good. No offense, but I understand it way better when she breaks it down.”
Ha! Take that, Joey! Can’t wait to rub that in his face later. “No offense taken — I actually expected it to be that way. It’s often times easier for some people to learn from a peer than a teacher. That’s how it was with Coach Brooks when we were in high school.”
“Well, thanks for the extra help. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Will Coach be back at practice today too?”
I guess word has made its way to the students that Joey and I are together. “As far as I know, yes.”
“Cool — thanks, Teach.” He walks away to take his seat.
As the morning announcements are broadcast over the classroom TV, I find myself thinking about Joey. I hope he’s not too worried about me and that he’s able to focus on his work today.
Chapter 37
“Hey boss, how’s Kelsey?” Frankie asks from the desk as I walk into the shop.
“Stubborn as fuck,” I grunt. “She went back to work today.” Frankie laughs hard in response. “What’s so funny?”
“You calling her stubborn. That’s the epitome of the pot calling the kettle black.”
I know that I’m probably being overprotective of her, but she was just in the hospital two days ago. She’s supposed to be taking it easy.
I decide to change the subject. “What’d I miss around here? Anything interesting or problematic?”
“Nothing more than usual.” Frankie shrugs.
I glance through the schedule on the computer to see what’s on the docket and my heart stops.
12:45 – Oil Change – ’21 BMW 8 Series — Grant Davis
“Did you take this appointment?” I ask Frankie, pointing to Grant’s information.
“Yeah, he called yesterday. Is there an issue?”
“That’s Kelsey’s ex. If he’s trying to bring his car here, he’s likely looking for trouble.” Flashbacks of last weekend at dinner flood through my mind, making my blood boil all over again. Whatever game he’s playing, I’m not in the mood for it today.
“What do you want to do about it?”
What I want to do is ask Kelsey to get a restraining order against this fucker so he can’t keep messing with her. She’s been through enough as it is without him piling problems on top of it.
Some might say I’m jumping to conclusions or overreacting, but I’ve dealt with people like him all my life. He’s the type of person who refuses to take the blame for his mistakes, and acts like a victim when someone takes action against him.
“I’ll handle it.” Instinct tells me I should make sure my cameras are working and recording. If I know anything about this asshole, he’s likely to try to pin something on me to get my shop closed down.
I need to tell Kelsey about this, but I’d rather wait until there’s something real to report. Instead, I just decide to check in on her.
Me: Proof of life?
Kelsey: Attachment: 1 image
I open the image to find her surrounded by a bunch of get-well-soon gifts on her desk.
