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It’s Monday afternoon, and I’ve just finished the first class of my second week. I love teaching, and I’m kicking myself for not getting back into it earlier. The kids are adorable and very well-behaved. Being able to teach them to express themselves through art is unbelievably satisfying. One boy in particular, Ryan, is so shy in person, but he paints the most inspirational artwork. I’m in awe of his talent and doing my best to bring out his confidence.
After I’ve tidie
d up the room, I make my way down to the staffroom. It’s empty apart from Kelly, who is sitting at one of the back tables, surrounded by papers. She looks up when I enter.
I’m still unsure about our relationship. She can be really nice one day and a bitch the next. The worst thing is I have no idea which side of her to expect until she’s on me. Like right now. She marches toward me, her usual fake smile plastered on her lips, almost falling over chairs to get to me.
“Hi, Kelly,” I say, my tone neutral.
“Hey,” she gushes.
I step back, her enthusiasm overwhelming.
“How are you finding it? Any trouble with the kids?”
“No, it’s all going great.” I’m either imagining things or she sounds hopeful, as if she wants me to find this difficult. “I’m really enjoying it here, actually. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly.”
Her mouth drops a little at my response, but she recovers quickly.
“That’s great. Support is good. I’ve noticed you and Max spend a lot of time together. Are you friends outside of school?” she asks innocently.
I’m taken aback by her forwardness. She might as well have just asked if we’re sleeping together.
“I wouldn’t go that far.” I laugh, thinking on my feet. I’m still learning my way around the school, and I have no idea if they have policies on interoffice dating. Not that we’re actually dating . . . Besides, what business is it of hers? “He’s just helping me settle back into teaching, and I appreciate that.”
Before she can ask any more questions, I invent an appointment I’m running late for. She nods and waves me off. Once I’ve escaped outside, I take a moment to catch my breath. Holy shit, that was intense. Who the hell is this woman? I make a mental note to mention it to Max.
After I pick up Tilly from Ellie’s, we stop off for takeout. Tilly insists on pizza, so I order and pick it up on the way home.
“Stop it,” I say as Tilly lifts the lid of the pizza box sitting on her lap, sending a waft of steam onto the windshield.
“I was just checking they got it right,” she replies, her head high.
I laugh. “Uh-huh. Is that why I saw you put a piece of pepperoni in your mouth?”
“It was falling off,” she protests. “Anyway, we’re home.”
We pull into the driveway, and I reach for the pizza and carry it inside while Tilly dances around my feet, begging for a slice.
“Wash your hands and I’ll dish up,” I say, setting it down on the kitchen counter. She scrambles off to the bathroom as I prepare our plates and pour us each a glass of juice.
After dinner, Tilly and I snuggle on the sofa watching TV until it’s time for bed. Like every night, she tries to fight for more time, but I hold my ground. Before I know it, she’ll be a teenager and I’ll regret giving in.
I wait fifteen minutes after I’ve tucked her into bed before I call Max. Usually, if it’s going to be a bad night, I’ll know in those first few minutes. Tonight she was out like a light, and I’m pretty sure nothing will wake her.
I carry a glass of wine over to the sofa and stretch out. Reaching for my phone, I punch in Max’s number, my stomach fluttering at the thought of talking to him. We chat about everything and nothing and before long, two hours has passed.
“I love how we never run out of things to talk about,” I chuckle.
“Yeah, and I’m not usually a phone kinda guy. My family can vouch for that,” he jokes. “And I didn’t even ask you how your day went.”
“Really good, actually. I’m loving it.” I pause, wondering if I should tell him about my chat with Kelly. “I had an interesting talk with Kelly this afternoon.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, it was really odd, actually. She was very interested in our relationship. It felt uncomfortable, having her ask all these personal questions that really aren’t any of her business. Does she have a problem with me or am I imagining things?”
Max pauses. I knew it.
