“Not dating but spending time together. As friends.” Playing twenty questions isn’t the best way to get to know someone. At least past a superficial level. “Friends hang out and talk.”
“Fine, but we need to do other work, too. Why don’t weeach create a cheat sheet? Basics about likes, dislikes, job things, and education. That way, we have something to reference.”
“That sounds suspiciously like schoolwork.” I didn’t hate school, but it often got in the way of ballet, which was where I truly wanted to be. The dance studio always suited me better than a classroom.
“If it helps for you to think of it like a homework assignment, then go for it.” Aidan’s forgotten how hard it was to get me to do homework when we were kids. I groan and put my head down on the table.
“Oh, my God. You’re as dramatic as my kindergarteners. Maybe worse.”
“Can’t I do something else instead?”The most I write these days is the occasional email. And those are only on a must-do basis.
“What? Like an interpretive dance?”
“Could I do that instead?” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I already know the answer.
“No.” Aidan gives a stern look. He’s got that whole teacher gaze down. Maybe they teach that as part of the major. I’ll have to ask him later.
“Fine, I’ll write you an email.”
“Great, and we’ll find some more time to hang out.”
“It might be a little bit tough with my schedule.” I bit my lip thinking about the coming weeks. This is always a rough time for dancers in relationships. While the rest of the world is looking forward to holiday parties, family get-togethers, and time off, I’m hunkering down for a long stretch of rehearsals and performances. It means my time is rarely my own, and the time others have off is usually when I’m on.
“Whatever, we’ll work it out.”
I hope he’s right.
CHAPTER 7
AIDAN
The slow march toward winter vacation gets worse every year. People warned me—repeatedly—but I didn’t believe them. After a whole three and a half years of teaching, I not only believe them, but I take it upon myself to warn every new teacher. They probably don’t believe me either.
“Mr. Matthews! Are you even listening?”
The answer is no, but I can’t say that. “I’m sorry, Becca. I didn’t understand what you said. Can you try again?”
She sighs like the weight of the world is on her shoulders. “Can I puh-lease take Goldie home this weekend?” Goldie is our class pet. She’s the seventh in a string of goldfish who’ve held that title—and name. Keeping a goldfish alive is hard. It’s even harder when it’s mostly being done by a group of students who like to attempt to pet her. If I had a quarter for every time I’ve asked someone to take their hand out of the bowl, I’d be able to retire.
“I don’t think it’s your turn this weekend. Did you check the calendar?” Oh, and because I’m a complete sucker, I let the students rotate taking Goldie home for a few days at a time. I know, stupid.
“But I love Goldie.” The whine in her voice is almost enough to convince me.Almost.
“I know, but you get to see her in the classroom every day, and when it’s your turn, you’ll get to take her to your house and introduce her to your family.”
“I guess.” Not the best answer, but I’ll take it.
“Why don’t you head outside? I bet your dad is waiting for you.” At least I hope he is. I don’t want to deal with those pleading eyes any more than I have to. By tomorrow, Becca won’t even remember she asked.
“Oh, we’re getting ice cream!” And…we’re done. One good thing about five-year-olds is that they’re easily distractible. Usually.
As the students file out to the bus and pickup area, I start the clean-up process, grabbing stray items from the ground, wiping them down with sanitizer, and putting them away. Luckily, the room isn’t too much of a disaster. They had music class this afternoon, so they were away long enough for me to do some damage control.
“Hey, you want to get a drink?” Silas peeks his head into my classroom. It’s a standard routine at the end of a tough day. The dark look in his eyes tells me his day was worse than mine.
“Sure, give me an hour to finish up here and get some grading done?”
“Perfect. Usual place?”
