Page 58 of Halo

I swat her playfully. “Oh, I somehow doubt that—”

“He most certainly did,” she interrupts. “He asked if any other teachers were coming.”

I snort. “That is not asking if I was coming—”

“But you're his son's teacher. I don’t think he even knows any other teachers. I think that was just his way—”

“Oh, Chels …”

“Is he still there on Tuesdays when you get off?”

I suck in my bottom lip. It's been a few weeks since Nick admitted to coming up to the bar for the sole purpose of making sure I made it to my car safely. It's become something I look forward to every shift. I'm starting to wish he'd actually get out and walk me to my car.

Chelsea snorts. “I'll take that as a yes.”

I blush, quickly taking a sip. “But if he was interested, he'd do something … right?”

“You don't think he's making it clear?”

“I don't know. Maybe? He does all these incredibly sweet things, but then …” I shrug. “But to be fair, I think he's focusing his attention on Grady—which he should be.”

Chelsea nods. “Speaking of, I was dropping off some worksheets to Mrs. Koch during intervention block, and Grady was in there with her. Let me tell you … he was flying through his sight words.”

I beam, my gaze drifting back over to Nick, who's now demonstrating a dance to his son. “I'm so proud of how far he has come in such a short amount of time. You can tell someone's practicing with him."

“Ms. Harrison!”

Vera and Birdie Santiago rush into the kitchen, soaked from the slide and dripping all over the tile. They throw their arms around me, and I laugh, welcoming the cold, wet squeeze as I hug them back.

“There are my favorite birthday girls!”

Chelsea gasps. “¡Ay, niñas! Están empapadas.” She waves them back outside.

Julian, Chelsea’s husband, steps inside, wearing an apron that says King of the Grill, Ruled by Women. “Querida, we're ready.” He turns to me, promptly wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Hey, sweetie! Good to see you!” He presses a chaste kiss to my head.

“Thanks for having me over.”

“You know you're family! Please make yourself at home. We've got burgers and dogs ready on the grill. If you brought your suit, there's an ER trip waiting for you in the backyard, running up my water bill.” Chelsea and I giggle as he continues. “We even have some board games, if that's more your speed. Maybe some cards—”

“I wouldn't trust this one with a deck of cards.”

My pulse quickens at the handsome drawl. I turn around. “Mr. Crawford.”

“Ms. Harrison.” He smirks, his eyes roaming across my body as the noise dulls around the edges. A rush of warmth blooms in my belly—and I wince, the unfurling sensation swallowed suddenly by a sharp cramp.

“Hi, Ms. Harrison!” Grady's sweet voice filters through as he hugs my leg.

“Well, hey there, buddy.” I pat his back, holding him close. “Is that … a hot dog bun?”

He smiles proudly, holding it up.

Nick rubs his forehead, giving a bashful smile.

“Do you need me to get you a hot dog for your bun, little guy?” Julian offers.

Grady grimaces. “Don't call me little.”

Julian raises his hands in surrender. “Of course. My apologies, big guy.”