We stood. “Perfect. Want to meet me at Merritt’s or ride together?”
Her eyes widened. “Um, I can drive.” We walked toward the exit.
“Adam…where are you going?” Ms. Sparks called out.
I felt like I’d been caught passing notes in her class, and my spine went rigid. I cleared my throat.
“We are still planning, don’t worry.” Ms. Faith chimed in and speed-walked to the door.
I held the door open for Ms. Faith, she rushed by me with her arms loaded with papers. Jessica caught my eye and her gaze narrowed at Ms. Faith’s back. I gave her a small smile and closed the door behind us.
Ms. Faith took a slow, deep breath. “Thanks.” She sighed. “She makes it hard for me to breathe.”
“She terrifies me too. All right, Danny is waiting for me in my office. I’ll go grab him and meet you at Merritt’s.”
Ms. Faith’s eyes brightened. “Oh yes, please bring Danny. He’s so excited and will love planning with us.” She shrugged. “Plus, then it won’t look like a date.”
I stopped walking, and Ms. Faith bumped into me with the sudden change of pace. Ms. Faith didn’t think I meant it as a date, right? My gaze flicked tohers.
Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she fidgeted with her ring on her right hand. “I know it’s not a date, but this town has a lot of opinions and well… Ugh, never mind.” Her head dropped as she closed her eyes.
I raised my right shoulder. “I really don’t care what others think.” I added in a flat tone. I lived too long trying to be who someone else wanted.
Well, honestly, that wasn’t completely true. I had found I was starting to worry a little about Jessica, but it was less about me caring about people’s opinions and more I didn’t want her to trust the gossip and think we were more than friends. She was nice to talk to sometimes, and she was a good listening ear when I first came back and needed to work through some things about my ex.
“Must be nice.” Ms. Faith grumbled and rolled her eyes. She sighed. “All I do is worry about others’ opinions.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “I’m going to turn off the lights and grab a few things from my room. I’ll meet you at Merritt’s.” She called over her shoulder, rushing away from me, avoiding eye contact and avoiding me.
I chuckled and tilted my head to the side. I had a feeling I wouldn’t mind spending time with Ms. Faith. I enjoyed watching her switch from shy to bold and then right back.
Chapter Seven
FAITH
Ugh, why had I made that date comment? I knew it wasn’t a date, and I was sure Adam would never consider dating me. So why make it even more awkward?
I rubbed my forehead with my hand. I knew rumors could be vicious and do way more damage than the truth.
Besides, he was a parent of one of my students, which has to be inappropriate. I turned off the lights and did a final walk through my classroom.
I could do this. I steeled my shoulders and spun my ring.
Adam had me at pie, though I would do a lot for sugar. Plus, Danny would be a wonderful buffer, since Adam intimidated me. Nothing about the man was quiet. From his presence in a room to his commanding voice.
I went to my car and drove down Main Street to Merritt’s. I pulled into a parking spot and tapped my fingers on the steering wheel to the Christmas music on the radio.
I loved Merritt’s, but I usually came with Marissa and Rose. They knew my quirks and didn’t care if I sometimes got nervous. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that the next best thing to being brave was pretending to be so.
I looked around the parking lot but didn’t spot Adam’s truck. I would look weirder just sitting in my car though, so I decided to wait inside.
I avoided the mud and ice patches and pulled open the front door. My stupid hands sweat, and my stomach tightened. I glanced around the dining room. There were a few groups of people, but most of the tables were open. One held a group of teenage boys, all laughing and hitting each other.
“Hey Faith, are Marissa and Rose coming?” Jesse greeted me with a smile.
“Um, no.” I shrugged. “Just me, and one of my students.”
Jesse raised her eyebrows. “Okaayy?”
I raised my hands between us. Oh, my gosh! That sounded wrong. “I mean, I’m meeting a student and their parent.” That didn’t sound right either, I closed my eyes. “Not because they are in trouble or anything.”
