“No one blames you. It was so close last year, even going into overtime.” Jessica leaned back, looking a little hurt that I’d pulled my hand away.
I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Maybe I’d grown too lax in allowing physical interactions between us. Not much beyond hugs and arm brushes, but I also didn’t want to make a big deal about things either.
“Oh, plenty of people blame me.” I had many emails that proved so. Sam, the man who ran the only bakery in town, had cornered me the following weekend and let me know I could no longer buy his maple bars if I didn’t win next time. I never was sure if he was joking or not.
“As I was saying…” Helen Sparks, one of the fourth-grade teachers, cleared her throat. She was a no-nonsense spinster sort and had scared me to death when she was my fourth-grade teacher. I could still feel her eyes boring into my soul as she gave me papers covered in red that said DO OVER. Her last name of Sparks I always thought was fitting. She seemed moments away from combusting.
Maybe that’s when I would officially be a grown up, when I looked at Ms. Sparks and did not feel fear.
“There will be one more mandatory group meeting where we go over the finalizing details, but you will mainly work with your assigned teacher, and often.”
I glanced at Ms. Faith, and her cheeks turned bright red as she stared at the table. How would it be, working with Danny’s teacher? We hadn’t parted on good terms, but I knew Danny liked her, and although Danny was blunt for some people, he was an excellent judge of character.
Ms. Sparks scowled then turned her piercing eyes on Ms. Faith. “Ms. Lyons, have you been able to get your two assigned volunteers?”
“It’s Faith, and not yet. I have sent out emails, but?—”
“No excuses.” Ms. Faith shrank in on herself, and I tried to shoot her a commiserating smile. She didn’t see it.
Why didn’t she mention I was a volunteer?
“Adam, why are you here? This is an elementary fundraiser, are you a volunteer?” Ms. Sparks turned on me.
Jessica’s hand shot into the air. “He can help me!” She bounced in her chair.
I panicked and looked at Ms. Faith.
“Adam has offered to help with my class since his son is a student of mine.” Her eyes flicked to me.
I nodded, grateful that she had spared me an awkward situation. A small smile formed on her lips before she focused down on her papers again. When she blushed, I could see her freckles better.
Ms. Sparks sighed. “Very well.”
Jessica looked between Ms. Faith and me, her eyebrows drawing together.
“But, Adam.” Ms. Sparks pushed her glasses up her pointy nose. “I know life has been hard with Cassie and whatnot, so don’t tell Faith that you can do something if you can’t.” She raised her eyebrows.
I leaned back, still shocked that everyone in town felt they knew all the pieces of my failed marriage and that they didn’t hesitate to comment on it. I wanted to tell her to butt out, and that I was an adult. Instead, all I managed was a nod and a “Yes, Ma’am.”
“I’m right here…” Ms. Faith muttered as she gestured with upturned hands. I pursed my lips against the naughty smile I didn’t want Ms. Sparks seeing form on my face.
“All right, teachers, I suggest you use the rest of the hour to set up schedules with your volunteers and organize. At next month’s meeting I would like a list of the class’s chosen business topics and any materials you require.” She waved in dismissal.
Principal Dotty rushed in, flustered and with flushed cheeks. “I’m so sorry, my timer was set, but it didn’t go off. What did I miss?” The new principal missed most things. Her wide eyes took in the room, and her head lowered.
Ms. Sparks, Dotty’s aunt, rolled her eyes and power-walked toward her. “Dotty, you missed everything.” She growled.
Everyone stood and wandered around the round tables. We had seen this family situation play out before. I nodded at Jessica, stood, and walked over to Ms. Faith. Standing over her made her shoulders shrink more, but I couldn’t do anything about my size. “All right, where to?”
“Um.” It came out barely above a whisper. “We can go to my classroom?” She gestured about my height. “But I think we learned you won’t fit at the tables.” She grinned at her joke and looked around the room. “Maybe we just find a table in the corner?”
I was glad to see she wasn’t afraid to tease me. I needed toapologize, and all apologies are better with food. I snapped my fingers. “I know, let’s go get pie. I need to apologize for our last meeting.”
Her left eyebrow raised. “You already did in your email. Also, I wasn’t exactly the picture of controlling one’s emotions. I’m still so embarrassed.” Her cheeks turned pink, and I couldn’t stop my answering smile.
“Yes, well, I wanted to apologize in person, and all apologies are more sincere with sugar. Let’s go grab a slice at Merritt’s. You can bring the planner”—I gestured to the stack of papers in front of her—“and I can get out of this building.”
She shrugged. “No arguments here.”
