“Thank you.”
Without shame, Amari rose and removed his towel. I examined my nail bed as he slipped on the pants and T-shirt. He glanced out the window as if he hadn’t just flashed me again.
“This storm isn’t letting up, so you might as well get some rest.”
“I’m sure you’ve had a long day, too, so feel free to sleep on the other side of my bed.” I spoke the words as casually as I could since I did not expect Amari to do anything with me other than sleep.
He eyed my shiny satin comforter, then looked back at me.
“You sure about that?”
I took a big breath, then exhaled.
“Yes. I may be rusty around sexy men, but I know how to be kind. I’m not nervous about sharing a bed. Although we’ve been somewhat intimate, I know you wouldn’t harm me. Please join me so we can both stay warm.” I rubbed my hands together and blew into them as the fire flickered.
“Where are those extra blankets?”
“Right . . . I’ll get them.” I walked back to my closet and returned with several homemade blankets that had been in my family for years.
“These are old, but they’re thick and will keep us warm.” I unfolded the thickest one and stretched each corner before patting the bed.
“Join me, Amari.”
As a nurturer, it wasn’t in me to be rude to a guest. I also welcomed any body heat offered since the fire didn’t offer as much warmth as I preferred.
Amari scratched his head and slowly moved to the opposite side of the bed, where he stood at the head. I pulled back the blanket and exposed the sheets beneath.
“Do you have an extra toothbrush?”
I smacked my head with my hand. I’d brushed my teeth but forgot to ask Amari if he’d like to do the same.
“Of course. Let me get that for you.” I came back with a travel-size gel toothpaste and a wrapped toothbrush from my last dental visit.
Amari excused himself, brushed his teeth, and returned.
“I’m good now.” He flashed his pearly whites and patted the sheets.
I slid underneath the sheets, with Amari mirroring my motion. When we were comfortable, he propped his hand on his pillow and looked at me.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
I chuckled, then nodded.
“There’s nothing wrong with women being liberated. We can sleep together withoutsleepingtogether, right?”
Amari snapped his fingers.
“That’s where Aspen has gotten that newfound fire for social justice. Are you teaching Black feminism to first graders despite the school system banning it?”
Although Amari appeared shocked, I knew he was teasing me.
“The next generation of kids needs to be prepared for the chaos of life. I want the little boys and girls in my class to value people from all groups. I haven’t done my job as their teacher if they don’t use their bright minds to challenge what they are taught too.”
Amari leaned on his arm and stared at me.
“You, Ms. Ruby Starks, are a fascinating educator, undeniably a master teacher who has so much to offer the world and the young people in it.”
“Thank you.”
