Because these kids can be brutally honest—hell, they can just be brutal. But they can also be wonderful.
Like right now.
“Totally,” Simon says. “My mom said you’ve survived death, like, a dozen times. That’s killer.”
I wince.
But I don’t interject because Adrian doesn’t look upset.
In fact, he sits a little straighter, his chin coming up. “My mom says that all of this has made me stronger.”
“She’s right,” Colt says quietly.
“Really?” he asks, face filled with hope.
“Really,” he says.
“I agree,” I interrupt. Because the kids are being awesome, but they’re still seventh graders and their ability to tamp down the snark is limited. Better to quit while we’re ahead. “And I think it’s time for everyone to pack up so you’re not late for your next period,” I say before anyone can ruin the niceness of the moment. “Vince, you’re with me.”
Colt’s mouth twitches, but the bell goes right then and any response is lost in the chaos of the kids packing up and hurrying out the door and the short, quiet warning I give my class clown.
But I don’t miss that Colt signs the slip of paper Simon holds up.
And I don’t miss him crouching beside Adrian’s desk, saying something that has my young charge’s face lighting up.
“Bye, Ms. C!” someone calls.
I wave, even as my heart threatens to beat out of my chest.
“Bye, Ms. C’s boyfriend!” someone else calls.
A soft, masculine chuckle.
One I hear because Colt has straightened and walked over to me.
“Hi,” he murmurs.
“Hi,” I murmur back.
“Your kids are great,” he says as they file out the door, leaving the room quiet…for about two more minutes.
Then my next period will roll in.
“Yeah, they are.” I lean back against my desk. “Why are you here?”
He shifts closer, reaching out and taking my hand. “I needed to see you.”
My lips part on a shaky exhale. “Colt,” I murmur.
“Come have dinner with me tonight.”
“I—”
“Just dinner.”
“I—”
“Don’t say no.”
