“It’s looking better if one of those coffees in your hand is for me.”
“Then I guess you’re in luck. Not only do I have coffee for you, but there’s a warm apple cinnamon muffin in the bag too.”
They made it into the building, both greeting staff and faculty as they headed toward Adam’s office. Once inside, Adam made quick work of closing the door and grabbing his coffee and muffin from his friend.
“So, to what do I owe this morning’s visit, Sheriff?”
Michael smiled at him with something akin to pride in his eyes.
“I know you’ve technically been on the job for a couple of weeks now, but I wanted to drop in and celebrate the fact that you’re home.”
Michael’s sincerity touched something inside Adam, making warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the temperature of the coffee or muffin.
Michael and their best friend Derrick meant the world to him. Even when he was away in New York, they never lost contact and always managed to play significant roles in one another’s lives.
“Thanks, man, that means a lot to me.” He took a sip of his coffee, letting the light and sweet brew settle on his tongue.
“How’s the new job going?” Michael waved his hand around the spacious office. “Considering you walked in here late, I’d say it’s good.”
“I wasn’t late. I was at the high school dropping in on the principal.”
“Everything all right on that front?” Michael paused and took a generous sip of his coffee. “Or did you have to start cracking the whip already?”
Adam laughed out loud at that one. “Cracking the whip on Diane Keller? She’s been a rule follower since we were in kindergarten. If there’s one person I don’t have to worry about slacking off or doing something that’s gonna land me in front of the school board, it’s her. The only issue that arose is, she said the PTA was making some rumblings about the budget cuts I’ll be implementing soon. I would’ve been here earlier, but I ran into Janae on my way in.”
“Janae Sanders?”
“Do we know any other?”
“How’d that go?” Michael’s question caught him off guard. Adam wanted to think it went well, but having been away so long, not having any idea who Janae was now, he couldn’t gauge whether she’d just politely entertained him or if she felt the same spark of attraction he did.
“It was all right.” He tried to make his answer as nonchalant as possible, deciding to use that to segue away from the topic of one “fine as hell” Dr. Janae Sanders.
Michael caught on and dropped the subject. “So, you good here? You’re liking it?”
Adam shrugged. “I wasn’t sure what coming home more than two decades later would be like. But knowing you and D are in my corner makes it less daunting. I’m slowly getting my sea legs, so to speak.”
“You’re our brother from another mother. No way we wouldn’t have your back when you came home. Speaking of, you need any help next weekend with set up for the reunion?”
The reunion. Adam hadn’t let himself think about the event other than the administrative side of it. Next weekend, he and a good portion of his former high school classmates would gather to celebrate twenty-five years since their graduation.
He hoped that, along with Michael and Derrick, and his other friends Cree and Vanessa, that number might include Janae too.
“Vanessa and I took off for that entire weekend, so we’re at your disposal.”
Adam waved a dismissive hand. “Nah, the alumni association has got everything pretty much covered. Just bring your lady and enjoy yourself.”
Adam took a strategic bite of his muffin before continuing, giving himself something to do so he wouldn’t seem so eager.
“Speaking of ladies, you know if Janae plans to attend?”
Weren’t you supposed to be steering clear of the topic of Janae?
Michael chuckled, raising a suspicious brow in response to Adam’s question.
“Subtle, Adam. Real subtle.”
Adam simply shrugged, giving up the pretense. “Well, is she?”
