Teaching math to twenty sleepy first graders will be better than thinking about an imaginary situation where someone I can’t stand ends up dating the man I can’t stop thinking about.
Honestly, Lizzy, get a grip.
I scrub a hand down my face and call for my class to line up. They’re loud today, probably due to the weekend approaching, and I’m not sure I have the energy to deal with them. Some days I wish teaching including playing a movie and sitting at my desk.
As we start math class, Walker raises his hand to do one of the problems on the board. I smile as he works through it with ease, praising him for his hard work.
“Great job. I can see you’ve been practicing,” I tell him as he takes a seat.
“Yeah, I’ve done lots of problems at home.”
“And no calculator.” I smirk at the comment his uncle said.
“No way, Ms. A. I told Uncle Nate I gotta learn it by myself.”
“Ms. A?” I chuckle at his nickname.
“Yeah, that’s what my uncle calls you at home.”
My laughter catches, turning into a choke that has me sputtering. Nate calls me Ms. A at home with his nephew? I smile at the idea that he has a nickname for me.
The vision of him sitting beside Walker, helping with his homework makes that flutter in my belly grow wilder. I’ve read single dad romance books and those are always swoon worthy, but a hot uncle seems to be my cup of coffee—tall, dark, and steaming.
“Ms. Andrews?” one of my students says.
“Huh? Yes?” I shake my head and look at her.
“Can I do number three?” Her bright eyes shine with excitement.
Stephanie loves math the way I love coffee. The girl could volunteer to do all the problems and she’d be happy. Just don’t ask her to play kickball during recess.
“Of course.” I hand her the marker and focus my attention back on the class.
I can’t wait for the day to be over so I can go home to take a long bath.
“Roy told me that one of his deputies is working at the school.” My mom’s eyebrows lift as she looks at me.
My long bath got axed when my mom called me to have dinner at her house. My stepdad is traveling for work, and supposedly she made more food than necessary. I know that it was her plan all along to get me to go over, using an abundance of food as an excuse.
“Yes.” I nod slowly and exaggeratedly.
“I’m glad you’ll have someone on campus to keep you safe.”
I sigh, shaking my head. I love my mom, but she’s definitely one to worry about every little thing. I can understand where part of her concern comes from, but at some point she needs to let go and enjoy life a little more.
My dad passed away when I was a little girl. I don’t remember much about him except for the pictures my mom has saved. I wish I did, but the mind of a five-year-old is limited in the memories she keeps.
My mom, on the other hand, has memories imprinted in her soul. I sometimes wonder how she got remarried, but Gary is great for her. He’s patient and kind and understands her, and I’m grateful she has someone like him in her life.
“I know you worry about me, Mom, but my workplace is safe. This entire town is safe.” I smile softly, reaching for her hand. “Life happens and it sucks sometimes, but we need to celebrate what we’re given.”
She sniffs, looking away and reaching for the bottle of wine. “Want some more?” She holds it up.
“Sure.”
She fills my glass.
“What are you doing this weekend?” She smiles at me over the lip of her glass.