Glen stutters out tsks, like an old engine that won’t turn over but can’t quite form a word. Obviously, his ego got deflated, and he takes a minute to regain his composure before he finally hmphs and heads out.
Gia places a perfect hand over her mouth, suppressing airy giggles. Not wanting to risk Glen circling back to find uslaughing at him, I wave her inside my classroom. “Come on in here.” She flashes me a sweet smile, sending a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but follow her every step with my eyes, captivated by her graceful movements as she disappeared inside. I might have let out a giant sigh of relief that she didn’t have a permanent limp. I dart inside right behind her, and we burst out laughing once the door closes.
“Thanks for saving me from whoever that was.” She dramatically stares in the direction Glen went.
“It’s Glen. He does the nightshift and gets a little carried away. I’m sorry you had to deal with that.” My smile lingers, but I pause and remind myself to breathe. Even though I had just spoken to her the other day, it’s the first time I’ve seen her in years, and she’s stunning. A rush of excitement and nervousness spirals together. Her intense eyes lock onto mine. With the chalkboard as her backdrop, I can’t help but feel like I’m sixteen again, staring at her. “I, ah, saw your car in your dad’s driveway. How’s he doing?”
“He’s good.” A single lock of dark hair falls in front of her shoulder as she thoughtfully shakes her head. “And thank you for rescuing him. I’m sorry I didn’t make it back in time to help you. I had no idea things had gotten that bad, but I’m cleaning stuff out today. That’s actually why I’m here.” She peers down at the cardboard box she’s holding. “I’m trying to donate some of Rocco’s football trophies. I don’t care to ever see them again, but I promised Dad I wouldn’t throw them out. I know Rocco and you had a falling out, but he does still hold the school records. I thought the kids might want to see them. Do you think there’s room somewhere for them?”
A deep heartburn sizzles in my chest, and I twitch at Rocco’s name. Having lived in his shadow the entirety of my football career, I thought after I left the NFL, I’d finally break free from it.
That didn’t happen.
Even now that I’m coaching a winning football team, I still get asked almost daily about Rocco.
I’m never going to get away from him.
But yet, this isGiaasking for a favor.
I’ll do anything for her.
“Sure. You came to the right person.” I tilt my head thoughtfully and reach forward. “I’m the head football coach now. I can put it up in the locker room.”
Not that I really want to have to look at Rocco’s dumb stuff, but if it makes her happy, I’m doing it.
A relieved sigh falls from her throat. “Thank you. I was getting nervous for a minute, thinking I might end up hauling it back to the house.” A smile blooms on her lips, lighting up the whole room with her radiance, and reminding me how she always had that ability to spread joy just from the expression on her face. People just felt welcome around her. “One box down, at least a hundred to go.”
Pulling my gaze from her smile, I force myself to walk the box over to my desk, pushing a mountain of still-needed-to-be-graded papers over. Doing my best to sound relaxed. I call back over my shoulder, “So, how long will you be in town?”
“Through tomorrow.” She scratches at her earlobe, appearing a little extra fidgety than I remember her being. “I’ll have to head back in the evening because I work Monday, but I’m hoping to be able to get through the garage before I leave.”
I throw my head back, forcing a sarcastic laugh. “Good luck with that.”
“Right.” Her smile is still growing, which makes mine larger, too. It’s been years since I’ve seen her, but this feels so different than previous times I’ve chatted with her. In the past, Rocco was always loitering near, with his nostrils flaring.
Rocco isn’t here now.
This may be my only chance to spend some time with her.
I cocked my eyebrow. “Do you have time for me to show you something?”
“Ah, yeah.” She nods, her eyes widening, becoming even more captivating. “Please do.”
With my index finger, I point behind her where a fish tank lines the back wall, and it is home to one of the coolest creatures on the planet.
“You finally got a real axolotl?” She steps forward, all the features on her face are etched in anticipation. “It’s exactly like the one you gave me but waaay smaller.”
She remembers the gift.
My heart rockets into my ribcage.
Swiping my tongue over my bottom lip, I force my lips to keep moving. “I’m impressed you still remember what they’re called. Most people have no idea they exist.”
She’s standing in front of the fish tank now; her button nose almost presses glass. “I wouldn’t either if it weren’t for you. That stuffed animal is one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever gotten.”
I turn my head, doing my best to hide the heat on my cheeks.
“Oh, look how cute he is!” She gushes as she pushes her finger on the glass, and he swims right to her. “I can’t believe he’s in school.”
