“It usually looks better than this,” she said.
“No, I like it,” he said.
“I had to take most of my stuff down already.”
He nodded. “Where do we start?”
“With these, I guess,” said Erin, pointing to the jumble of desktop computers, monitors, and cables piled on one of the large, sturdy tables.
Every load they placed on the rolling cart and transported to Erin’s new classroom reduced the furnishings in her old room until the only things remaining were large pieces, like storage cabinets and tables, that wouldn’t be moved. By lunchtime, the only task remaining was to remove the last posters from the walls.
“I like that you’re into posters, too,” said Andy, carefully unsticking the corners of the classroom rules poster.
“Comes with the territory,” said Erin.
“If I were a teacher, I would make so many posters.”
Erin laughed. “I bet you would. I bet there wouldn’t be a single square inch of wall space left.”
“And if the students acted up, I would make my eyes glow red to terrify them into being good.”
“Probably not the best approach.”
Andy went on, caught up in the fantasy of being a demon/teacher. “And everyone would ask me how I kept my class in line, and I would just smile mysteriously.”
Erin couldn’t help but smile at the mental picture of Andy trying to control a bunch of misbehaving children. “Sure. And when the principal asked you why the students ran screaming out of your class, you’d have a perfectly good explanation.”
Andy considered this. “Good point. Okay, no red eyes. How about giving the kids a stern lecture about the state of their souls?”
“That would not go over well.”
“Damn it,” said Andy. “I’m all out of options. Guess I’ll have to leave the teaching to the professionals.”
“That’s probably for the best.”
“You ready for lunch?”
“I didn’t pack anything,” she said. “I guess we can drive through somewhere.”
“Ha! Drive through somewhere? Not on your life. I’m not going to Taco Hell or some other substandard eatery.”
“Oh? Is that so? Well, then, what do you suggest, Mr. Demon Foodie?”
“Stay put. I’ll be right back.” He threw open the classroom door and jogged off in the direction of the parking lot.
Erin busied herself with the remaining wall decorations.
A few minutes later, Andy returned with a large wicker hamper.
Erin ran to the door and held it open for him. “What is that?”
“Just a little lunch.” He set the hamper on an empty table.
“Are you serious?” She flipped open the lid and peeked inside, catching a glimpse of sandwiches, fruit, cheese, chips, cookies, and little bottles of soda.
“I put it together while you were getting ready. Do you like it?” He turned his garnet-flecked brown eyes to her, seeking her approval.
It was charming. She resisted a sudden urge to kiss his cheek.
