I cup the side of her face and lean over the console, placing my lips over hers in a soft kiss. Pulling back, I rest my forehead against hers. Closing my eyes, I wish so much that I could be more for her. I kiss her forehead, then pull away and open my door.
She doesn’t get out, and I don’t look back as I walk over to my truck, unlock it, and climb inside. I ignore the two crosses as they come into view.
Gwen is still at the top of the embankment when I pull out. Through the windshield, I can barely make out her expression, and the sad look she’s wearing almost has me pulling over and stalking back to her. I pull away, and I try to keep my eyes on the road and not the rearview mirror, but they slide there before I can stop them.
Why in the hell does it feel so wrong to see her driving away in the opposite direction?
Chapter 17
Gwendolyn
The bell rings, and as typical with kids, they immediately start rising from their seats and are quiet no more. I clap my hands three times to get their attention.
“Before you go, stop by my desk and grab a field trip permission form,” I tell them sternly. “It needs to be signed and returned to me no later than Friday or you won’t be allowed to come along with us to the zoo.”
I get “yes ma’ams” and “okays” from several of the students before they continue stuffing papers and books in their bags. I stand by my desk with the stack of forms in my hand.
“Good job on that test, Joey.” I smile and hand a form to the black-haired boy in front of me. “I knew you could do it.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Crews.” He beams at me.
“I expect all your tests to be just as good.” I laugh when he wrinkles his nose. “You did great on this one, so you know it’s possible now. You just have to work at it.”
He looks doubtful, but gives me a nod as he walks away. When I first came here, Joey’s grades were horrible. I’ve been working closely with him, and I’m pleased to see they’re improving.
I watch as the last student leaves, and start straightening my desk. I slide a stack of papers I’ll be taking home to grade in my messenger bag, and shut down my laptop, placing that on top of the papers.
After looking over the room and making sure everything is in its place, I sling the strap of the bag over my shoulder, grab my keys from the top drawer of my desk, and leave the classroom. I make the short trek down the hallway to Valerie’s room, Daniel’s teacher. Kelsey is already sitting at a desk doing her homework, with Daniel doing the same at the desk beside her. Valerie stays after school every day because her husband is the principal and they drive in together. When she found out I had two kids in the same school, she insisted on watching them during the few minutes it takes me to close down my classroom.
“Hey, Val.” She also insisted I call her Val, saying all her friends do. “Any plans for the weekend?”
This is the first week back to school after the holidays, and as much as I love my students and my job, I’m ready for the weekend to begin. The first week back after a holiday or summer break is always stressful because the kids are hyper.
“Michael’s taking me to the movies tonight, but other than that, my butt is staying home and relaxing.” She huffs, rolls her chair back, and stands. She looks as tired as I feel. “What about you?”
“Grading papers tonight.” I cross my eyes, causing Val to laugh. “Then I was thinking about taking the kids for ice cream tomorrow. And I mustn’t forget the dreaded grocery shopping.”
“Yes,” I hear Daniel hiss. “Ice cream.” I grin, and don’t need to look over to know he fist-pumped the air.
“Any word yet from the realtor?” I ask, and lean a hip on the edge of her desk.
“No,” she grumbles. “She told me it might be a few days and to not hold my breath, as the owners can be quite stubborn.”
I frown. Val and Michael have been looking for months for the perfect house, since the owner of the one they are renting recently notified them he’s decided to sell. Although their current rental is perfect for them now, Val said it’s not ideal for the future because it’s only a two bedroom. They decided not to buy their current place, but look for something bigger because they’ve just started trying for a baby. Val needs an office because she writes part-time, and they want at least two children.
“How long has it been on the market?”
“Two years and counting,” she answers, exasperated.
“If they were smart, they’d take your offer.”
“Yeah, well, the realtor said they’ve declined multiple other offers. They are stuck on their figure, even though they’ve been advised it’s way over the value.”
“I’ve got my fingers crossed for you. But if they don’t accept it, don’t get discouraged. It took me and Will a year to find the right house.”
She sighs. “Yeah, I know you’re right, but Gwen, this house is perfect. It felt like home the minute I stepped inside.”
I smile and reach over to squeeze her hand. “Then I’m sure it will all work out.”