I must look at the clock on the wall every ten seconds because it gives me something to look at other than Michelle’s beautiful ass in that pencil skirt.
It’s hard not to wonder how someone lifts themselves up from a job stripping to teaching in less than five years’ time. If she could do it, maybe there is hope that I can overcome my circumstances too.
With a good babysitter and a plan, I could easily have a degree under my belt in five years.
Michelle dims the lights a bit and turns on a projector that’s attached to her laptop. She’s pulled up a financial statement and is talking through the different parts, what information appears, and what each thing means. It’s like a puzzle the way she explains it, translating things like fixed assets and long-term liabilities with examples that actually make sense. She relates everything to real-world situations, and I’m so caught up, before I realize it, it’s after eight and she’s turning on the lights and motioning to the clock.
“Everyone, I’d like five extra minutes to talk with our visitor over the break. Enjoy your break.”
Most of the students grab their phones but leave their backpacks on their desks. I’m kind of surprised they’re just going to leave their stuff, but then again, this isn’t LA. This is Star Falls, so maybe stealing backpacks isn’t a problem on this campus?
I’m still in my chair when Michelle rushes up to me, a huge smile on her face.
She pulls the chair of the kid sitting next to me close and sits beside me. “So, Eden.” She’s literally beaming, and again, I cringe a little at how damned pretty she is. “I am so glad you stayed until the break. I wanted to make sure you didn’t have any questions. What did you think of class? Is this what you expected?”
I nod, not sure what I expected. “It was really interesting,” I say honestly. “Not confusing at all. To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect. I was trying to keep an open mind, but this was really interesting.” I hesitate a second before saying what’s on my mind because I don’t want to seem like I’m sucking up to her, but then I just say it. “You’re actually a really good teacher.” I rush on awkwardly, worried I sound like I’m judging her. “Not that I didn’t think you would be. I just mean if I’d had teachers like you in high school, I probably would have gone to college.”
She nods, presses her lips together, and hums in agreement. “You know, that’s exactly why I want to teach.” She motions to the whiteboard. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but they pay us next to nothing to teach. I don’t do it for the money. I didn’t learn from my family how to manage money or build wealth. I learned by getting into debt and nearly killing myself to dig out of it. I want to help save as many people—and frankly, as many women—as I can from going down that path.”
She’s quiet then, as if expecting me to admit that I’m here to manage debt. I don’t have any, but that’s not because I learned how to do anything the right way.
I take a deep breath and admit just a little of what I feel safe sharing. “I have a small trust. A structured settlement. It won’t last forever, so I’m hoping to learn how to be responsible with money so I can make good choices with the funds I have while they are coming in. And then, I’d like to find a career that I can enjoy once I’m able to work full time. I’m raising my daughter alone at the moment, her father isn’t in the picture, and…”
And that’s where things start to devolve in my brain. Vito, what he is to me, how long we’ve been dating… But Michelle reaches out and lightly touches my arm.
“Hey,” she says gently. “I get it. And listen, about the elephant in the room. I’m so glad you came to class tonight. I’m sure if you’ve talked to V about me at all, you know I used to dance.” She laughs and shakes her head as if stripping brings up fond memories. “I can’t tell you how many clients I have now who six, seven years ago used to stuff singles in my thong.” She covers her mouth and full-belly laughs. “Now they hand over their entire portfolio for me to manage.” She shrugs like it’s not a big deal. “An honest living is an honest living, and I’m not ashamed of my past career. You shouldn’t apologize or be ashamed of your circumstances either.”
She points up at the clock. “I need to hit the ladies’ room before the break is over, but I’m serious. Vito and I were married, but that was a lifetime ago and this is a small town. I knew I’d run across him or one of the Bianchis eventually. I’m just so glad he has you and your daughter. Vito is…” She looks down at the desk, a brief look of sadness on her face. “A good man, through and through,” she says. “No matter what happened between us, I, for one, have zero hard feelings.”
I gather my things and stand with her. “I’m sorry I can’t stay for the whole class,” I say. “It’s already past my daughter’s bedtime.”
“No problem. You go ahead.” She pushes back her chair and gives me a dazzling smile. “You have my cell and my email. Make an appointment anytime you want some informal advice or guidance. Or if you need help managing the trust you have. This isn’t a sales pitch. I’m happy to help you if I can. Give my best to Vito.”
She gives me a wave and then heads into the hallway, her high heels clicking until I can’t hear them anymore.
I grab my phone and punch in a text to Vito.
Me: I’m ready. Meet me out front of the building?
Then I gather my things and head outside into the cool, dark evening. I need a few minutes to compose my thoughts.
Butterflies of stress flap a thousand little wings in my belly, and my phone buzzes with a response from Vito.
Vito: I can’t wait to hear everything. We’ll be right there.
Just seeing his words makes me realize how excited I am to share everything with him.
I stare off into the darkness, keeping a look out for a stroller. The butterflies in my belly are flapping their wings, but I feel a lot lighter and more hopeful just seeing Vito’s text.
Maybe it’s time to stop fighting the story and let my future write itself for once.
* * *
Juniper falls soundasleep within minutes of us pulling out of the college parking lot, so Vito and I don’t talk much on the drive back to the hotel.
He drives, and I stare out the window, lost in lots of fast-moving thoughts.
When we get back to the hotel, I lift Junie out of the back seat and carry her inside. I put her to bed, then join Vito in the living room. He’s standing in the kitchen, tapping a text into his phone when I get back.
