A cackle escapes me, and for once, I’m genuinely looking forward to when I’ll see him next.
CHAPTER 15
VIVIENNE
A wide smile spreads on my face as I walk around the classroom, observing the state of pure concentration these kids have taken on.
Some hold their breath as they dip their string designs into the borax solution; others squint into their beakers, wondering how these crystals are made.
It’s a simple science activity rooted in how temperature differences influence solubility. And while these children may not know that, watching them—sort of—do chemistry is widely entertaining.
It’s the only reason I kept coming back to volunteer with Tiny Thinkers Science—a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing children to the world of STEM.
A vibration sets off in my pocket, and I don’t have to check my phone to know who it is.
Nate and I have been texting almost every day for the past week. And while I still tease him with my reluctant front, I’lladmit, I’ve started looking forward to the next crazy thing he’ll say.
Nate:Thinking of you, part two.
I swipe my thumb over the invisible image he sent to reveal a selfie of him holding a stuffed animal. But it isn’t your ordinary bear or cute penguin—it’s a life-sized goose.
Nate:I’ll drop it off at your place so you can cuddle with it when I’m not there.
I bite down my smile as I craft my response.
Vivienne:I’d rather cuddle with a cactus than with something that reminds me of you.
Nate:Bullshit.
Vivienne:That isn’t the worst option either.
Nate:Why won’t you stop denying your feelings and admit we’re a good match?
I’m seconds away from typing back when two little feet pop in my periphery.
“What do you think of this, Ms. Vivienne?” Alex, who’s undoubtedly the cutest kid in this group, asks as he holds up his crystal creation. “It’s a star!”
I crouch down to his eye level with a smile. “That looks amazing!” I lay on the enthusiasm even though, to me, it looks more like a deformed Shrek than anything. “You did such a great job! Where are you planning on hanging it up?”
His lips purse as he focuses on his design, an index finger tapping against his cheek. “I’m going to put it on the Christmastree!” Alex jumps in excitement, his light-up sneakers casting a display of red, blue, and green on the ground below.
He must have just taken his string out of the borax solution, as a bit of it flies out and lands on the tip of his nose.
I reach to wipe it, only for tiny fingers to grab my wrist. Alex drags my left hand closer to his face, twisting it as he eyes it suspiciously.
“What is that?” He nods to the diamond.
“That’s an engagement ring,” I say.
“What’s an engagement ring?” He tilts his head to the side, wide eyes awaiting an answer.
I mentally facepalm.
Of course, a five-year-old wouldn’t know the significance of an engagement ring. The thing is, I’m not sure I can explain it myself when I’ve avoided dating for so long.
“It’s a promise ring,” I settle on. “You give it to someone when you love them so much you plan to spend the rest of your life with them.”
Alex frowns, his head dipping low as his mood shifts to something sadder. “Do you think I would have gotten an engagement ring if my mom and dad were still alive?”
