Alisha tilted her head. “So-so.”
“Your dad?” Lily kept an eye out for any potential customers swooping in for the last of her brownies.
“Out of intensive care,” Alisha said. “But he’s not been allowed to come home yet. He’s having a lot of mobility issues. They’re not sure if he’ll ever fully recover.”
“Oh, Alisha, I’m so sorry.” Lily curled a hand around Alisha’s forearm, though she knew the words did little. “Are you sure you want to be back here?”
“Honestly, I was going stir crazy being stuck in that hospital,” Alisha said. “And I’ve been doing some work at home for the past few days. It’s a relief to have something to keep my mind busy.”
“That makes sense.” Lily didn’t do well when she was idle.
“How have things been while I’ve been gone?”
“Fine. I managed to finish the last topic with your AP class.” Just about. Lily hoped what she’d done with them was up to Alisha’s standards.
“Yeah, I just had them. They gave you a glowing review.”
Lily felt a flutter of relief. They were a good class—smart, unafraid to ask questions to make her think, which was one of the best parts of the job—but covering for another teacher was never easy, especially when that teacher was beloved.
“How would you feel about continuing to take them on your free period once a week? They’ll just be going over everything they’ve been taught, but I can’t think of a much better way to get you ready to have the class next year.”
“I’d like that.” Lily’s smile threatened to take over her whole face. “If you’re sure you’re okay with it.” Lily didn’t want to steal Alisha’s classes from her, no matter how much she might enjoy it.
“I’m okay with anything that involves less work for me,” Alisha said. “I’m swimming in it at the minute.”
“If there’s anything else I can do to help, let me know.”
“You might regret saying that, because there was something I wanted to ask you.”
Lily waited, sure whatever it was, she’d be quick to agree. But then:
“As I’m sure you know, the D.C. trip is fast approaching.”
She didn’t, actually. In fact, Lily had forgotten about it—a throwaway comment, in a department meeting months ago. Lily remembered being surprised Eva wanted to go, before realizing a return to Georgetown on the school’s dime was probably her idea of heaven.
“With my dad being in the hospital—and the amount of care he’s going to need when he’s out—I don’t feel entirely comfortable going away for the week.”
Lily’s stomach plummeted, because she knew where this was going: Washington D.C., a group of rowdy teenagers—and Eva.
“I was wondering if you’d be willing to take my place. I know you were worried about not feeling ready, but they’re good kids. And a couple of sophomores are going so you might know them. It’s a great opportunity, and it’s not all chaperoning—it can be fun, too. There’s a lot of downtime.”
That’s exactly what Lily was worried about. “I—I don’t know. Wouldn’t Mei or Andrew be a better choice?” Anyone. Anyone other than Lily.
“I could ask them,” Alisha said, but her lips were pursed, and Lily could tell she didn’t like the idea. “But I think you’ll be a better fit. We’ve already got the chemistry labs booked for the day there—I’m sure you’d do an even better job than I would, of showing them what the subject has to offer.”
Lily had never been good at disappointing people. Especially people in a position of authority. She hated it. And with Alisha looking at her with hopeful eyes, asking her for a favor, Lily knew she should say no. Knew Eva might murder her if she didn’t.
But Lily didn’t know how to.
“O-okay.”
Alisha beamed so wide it was almost worth it. “Thank you, Lily. I don’t know what I’d have done without you these last few weeks. I’m so glad you’re part of our department.”
Warmth flooded Lily’s chest—it was nice to feel like she belonged, that she was doing some good—but a chill crept in once Alisha had excused herself and left Lily alone.
Lily thought of a week with Eva and felt her stomach churn in knots. God, what would Eva say when she found out? She’d be furious. Lily gulped, and forced a smile when someone approached the table.
“Could I have two brownies and a muffin, please?”
