“I’ve never forgotten you, but I can see how it felt that way. There’s a few things I have to do in person, then I’m coming straight back. I will text you when I get there and when I’m leaving. Can I call on my way back?”
“Sure.”
“Baby, your face has your emotions all over it. I’m coming back, okay? I promise.”
“Yeah, I know. I’ll see you when you get back.” I forced asmile. This was stupid. We couldn’t live in this bubble forever. He’d have to go back to work eventually. “Thank you for telling me.”
His jaw flexed as he cupped my face, his gaze lingering on my lips. “Send me some photos from today, okay?”
“I will.”
He kissed me once, twice, his lips lingering before he sighed. “I don’t want to fucking leave you. This is hard for me too, okay? No part of me enjoys this, but it has to be done. So I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
“Tomorrow it is.”
He released me and walked out but paused at the doorway and stared at me. His mouth opened and closed. Then he tapped the door and walked.
“Wait!”
He immediately ran back, hope on his face.
“Drive safe, okay? I’m gonna miss you.”
“I will.” He smiled—this one genuine. “I love you, Laney.”
“You too.”
He put a hand on his heart, smiling as he walked backward and right into the hallway wall.
“Damn it!”
“Smooth.” I snorted. “So sexy.”
“Shut it.” He rubbed his side, but the amusement was clear on his face.
“Have an amazing time today. I can’t wait to hear about it.”
This time, when he walked away, my heart wasn’t as heavy. Maybe this time would be different. That bead of hope that I held on to for dear life flared, taunting me.It’s never going to be different. He’ll win you over but then disappoint you.
I pushed the voice away. We were trying for a month. It was only December 6. We had time.
“Laney freaking Whitfield! Get your face over here!”
“No way! Laney!”
It was reassuring and strange to see so many high school friends as teachers. These kids had no idea who their teachers used to be, but it was a wonderful cycle of life. These teens wouldn’t get away with anything, not with Tessa Farmington and Travis Cornerstone as their teachers. Tessa had been the queen of mischief, Travis second in line. Throw in Matt, and these were my three closest friends growing up.
“You look amazing. It’s not even fair.” Tessa hugged me hard, putting all her body weight on me. She smelled like a walking snickerdoodle and she passed me to Travis so we all ended up in a weird group hug.
“Look at you all fancy with your camera and shit.”
“Stop, Travis! She’s a big deal now.”
“Guys, I’m not a big deal.” I shoved them off me, the strong smell of Travis’s cologne making my stomach roll. It wasn’t that it smelled bad, it was just too much. “I can’t believe you both ended up in the classroom. That is wild.”
“If you stayed on social media, you’d know.” Tessa arched a brow. “Ms. I’m-going-to-leave-my-hometown-and-disappear,” she added.
I blushed.
