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“Who is Spencer?”
“Oh, um, Ms Wilson.” I nod my head towards the front and Olive turns and gives me an incredulous look.
“Mav, please tell me you didn’t…” She trails off as she looks at Spencer again and back towards me. I don’t know why, but I don’t want Olive getting the wrong idea about Spencer, so the lie falls off my tongue before I can even stop it.
“Well actually, yes, but she’s different. We’re actually dating.” Olive’s eyes shoot up as she stares at me in disbelief. Yeah, I can understand why she finds that hard to believe. Spencer glances up and her cheeks instantly flush which actually makes my lie a little more believable. I never lie to Olive, but deducing Spencer to all of my other hookups just doesn’t sit well with me.
“Really? But did you have to pick Patrick’s teacher? What happens if you break up?”
“I didn’t know she was his teacher and she’s a professional. She would never take it out on Pat.”
“I hope you’re right. But, even though I don’t love that you’re dating his teacher, I’m so proud of you for getting back out there.” She gives my hand a squeeze and I feel like an even bigger pile of shit. But, if it protects Spencer’s image, I’d do it again. Just then Spencer wraps up her speech and the kids race back to their parents.
“Mommy! What are you doing here?” Pat races over and gives her a big hug.
“I thought I’d surprise you. Want to go grab some ice cream?”
“Yes!”
“Are you coming, Mav?”
“Nah, I’ll meet you back at the house.” Olive gives me the evil eye before they both give me a squeeze and head out.
Spencer is caught off guard when she turns back to the classroom and sees I’m the only left. I can’t stay away so I make my way to the front as she backs into her desk.
“Hey Spence. You look stunning. I loved watching you with the kids. I can tell Pat is going to have one kick ass year.” She flushes but can’t stop the hint of the smile pulling at the corners of her lips.
“Thank you, Maverick. I really do love what I do. I’m excited for the new year.” Her words sound excited, but I can tell she’s holding something back.
“What was that? Why did you hesitate?”
“How did you even pick that up?”
“I don’t know, but it was easy to tell that you’re excited, but something is weighing on you.” She blows out a breath before dropping her head towards her chest.
“Honestly, I thought this year would be better and the pity party would be over, but now I have to see Brant and Jasmine all the time since our classrooms are so close, and all of my coworkers are walking on eggshells around me. I can’t have another year go this way.”
I can’t help but step closer to her. I can see how much this is stressing her out, and I want to make it better. I grab her hands and give them a gentle squeeze and then rub my thumbs over the top of her hands without dropping them. I’m shocked when she leans her head on my chest and takes a deep breath.
And then it hits me. Maybe I can save my skin and hers with a proposition to be my girlfriend. I know she’s gonna take some convincing, but maybe I can talk her into fake dating me. It’s the only way I can think of protecting my ass while finally getting Spencer to agree to spend some more time with me. I can also prove to Aileen that I am a stable presence for Pat and Spencer can show everyone she’s moved on from the asshat ex of hers.
“Okay, so this is going to sound crazy, but I need you to keep an open mind.” Her brows furrow but I know she’s paying attention. I slide my hands up her arms as she shivers. Yeah, if she says yes, this could work out amazingly for the both of us.
“Okay, I’m listening.”
“What if we date? I may have a little past with Aileen…”
“My assistant principal?”
“That’s the one, but it’s not as bad as you think. She changed the terms of our arrangement without talking to me about it and then was not too happy when I ended things. But now she’s questioning my ability to care for Pat.”
“That’s ridiculous! Anyone with eyes can see how much you love and adore him.”
“Thanks, Sweets. Anyways, you could help prove that I’m not a liability, and I could help convince everyone that you’ve moved on and to quit treating you with kid gloves.”
“Mav, you don’t want a relationship. Why would you think dating would be a good thing?”
“Sorry, I missed the most important part. It would be fake. I know you want to settle down and find your forever man, but this could at least get people off your back and show that you are ready to move on.”
