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“Deal. They would love that so much.”
“Me too. Other than the dramatic balcony fall, I was enjoying myself with them. It’s good to see kids excited about theater.”
“It is. It’s one of the things I love about the school I work at. They really pour money into the arts. I think it’s what draws some of our students to the schools. They’re getting more arts education than their counterparts in some public schools, for sure. And to have a school for the developmentally disabled where the focus isn’t just on the basics but on fostering a passion for creativity, well, it’s a beautiful thing.”
Rachel nodded. “I love hearing you talk about your job. I can tell you enjoy it.”
“I do,” he admitted. “It wasn’t always my plan for my life, but I’m thankful it worked out the way it did. Those kids are amazing, and I love working with them.”
“It shows.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to ramble on,” he apologized, looking down at the counter on the island.
“Don’t apologize,” she said, putting a hand on his, the warmth of her soft skin bringing his attention right back to her. “It’s good to see someone with passion.”
“So what have you been doing with yourself?” Zander asked, needing to change the subject from passion, especially with her hand on his. She sensed the tension, pulling back her hand and fiddling with a loose strand of hair in her face.
“Well, I’ve been buzzing through Grey’s Anatomy again and Glee on alternating shifts. Pretty intense around here, you know?”
Zander smirked. “Really?”
“What?” she asked, hitting his arm playfully.
“Glee? Really?”
“Are you suggesting a thirty-something is too old for Glee? Because I think you’re never too old for a fabulous show.”
“I’m saying everyone is too old for Glee.” He shook his head. He never understood the obsession with that show, and he loved theater and teaching.
“Oh, stop. You know you love it. Come on? A musical performance group and teaching? It’s like made for you.”
Zander shook his head. “You know even if I did like the show, I wouldn’t admit to that one. I have to hang on to some of my reputation.”
“And what reputation is that?” she asked, smirking.
“I don’t know if you sensed this, but I’m kind of a tough guy. You know?” He pulled at the shoulders of his T-shirt, pretending to posture.
“I don’t sense that at all,” she said, seriously. “All I see is a guy with a big heart who oozes kindness.”
Zander felt his cheeks warm. “Well, I guess I’m going to have to work on that, then.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being the nice guy, trust me. The bad boys are overrated.”
“I take it you’ve been down that road?” he asked, curious now about her cryptic words.
“Once before. Let’s just say I learned the hard way that love and careers don’t mix, and the bad boy isn’t always the guy to think about forever with. You know?”
“If I had some champagne, I’d toast to that,” Zander replied honestly. “The love and careers thing. I don’t really know about the whole bad boy situation.”
“Well, if you can stay for a little bit, there’s some champagne in the fridge. My best friend, Georgie, and her dog, Tapioca, brought me some over for an impromptu party last night to cheer me up.”
“Sounds like a great friend,” Zander answered as he sauntered to the fridge to retrieve the bottle.
“She is a wonderful friend. The best a girl could have. She was actually quite mad I didn’t call her to come sit with me in the hospital.”
“Well, luckily, I heard you had a rather wonderful guy to fill the job.” Zander turned and shot Rachel a wink that made her giggle.
“No arguments there. Oh, champagne glasses are in the upper cupboard.” She pointed to a corner space, and Zander opened the cupboard to find tons of pink, sparkly glasses. Rachel shrugged. “Sorry. It’s my favorite color. This might not help improve your manly reputation.”
