As we head back to the truck, I ask, “So how do you know my name?”
“I know people.” She shoves her hands in her coverall pockets. “And Google. I saw your ID when you gave it to Gary.”
“Clever.” I smile. “Nothing incriminating on there?”
“Not that I’ve found yet.” She winks at me, and I almost trip over my foot at the sight.Pull yourself together, Geer.“But I’ll find something. We all have issues.” She jokes, but it feels forced. There’s something about her tone that weighs on me. “Anyhoo”—she pats me on the shoulder—“thanks again!”
I set the chickens in the bed of the truck and cover them with a blanket from the backseat. Her clear concern for the safety of these birds is somewhat amusing but also confusing.
“Not a problem. I promise I won’t—”
“I know. You have a very trusting face.” Her cheeks go pink with her words.
I nod and shove my hands in my pockets as awkward silence fills the air. The next thing for me to do would be to leave. But I have this weird desire to stay and keep talking to the pretty chicken lady. “Well…I guess I should go.” Probably for the best anyway. Since history tends to repeat itself, the only thing I would probably get from this girl is heartbreak.
“You’re our new math teacher, right?”
“Umm, yes. How did you—”
“I work at Glendale. Got an email about you yesterday. I teach science and coach volleyball.” She lifts her chin up proudly and reaches out to shake my hand.
“So you didn’t actually Google me?” I shake her hand.
“Oh, I 100% did. It was just a wonderful coincidence that you were at the store today.” She chuckles at herself. “A little hazingopportunity just presented itself. Couldn’t pass it up.” She gives me a wink, her thick lashes fluttering with the movement.
“So this entire—”
“Yep, I knew who you were the moment you scooped up my chicken.” She smirks.
“My chicken, you mean.” I smirk back, and her head falls back as another laugh bubbles out of her. It’s an entrancing noise, and I can’t help but laugh with her. I’m enjoying talking to this girl a little too much. Her laughing slows, and her smile widens as she looks me up and down. What could possibly be going on in that head of hers? And why do I have this desperate need to know?
“I think we’re going to be good friends, Malcolm Geer.”
Chapter one
Kate
Sweet mother of pearl.
What have I gotten myself into? Three years. I gave up three whole years of nightly sweatpants and ice cream forthis?As I shift uncomfortably in the heels I borrowed from Ellie, I can’t help but question every little decision I’ve ever made in my life. The unnatural angle of my feet is so painful I’m even starting to question my sanity.
A little too New York for my taste, Ellie.
“I guess I shouldn’t have assumed that the first time I got back out there I would be swept off my feet, right?” I muster a laugh and take a sip of the complimentary Mai Tai. “But doing it this way is fun too! Like pulling off a Band-Aid, don’t you think?”
The gentleman across from me—Larry,per his blue name tag—does not respond.
“Maybe not a Band-Aid,” I backtrack. “More like chopping off—”
A buzzer blares, cutting me off and rescuing Larry, based on the exaggerated sigh of relief he gives before power-walking to the next table. “It was nice meeting…” I trail off when I see himeagerly approach the pretty blonde’s table ten feet away. She’s wearing a bright-red, low-cut dress with a slit up to her hip bone, unaware of my existence as she laughs and swoons over the very perky Larry.
Where was that perkiness two minutes ago, Larry?
Glancing at the clock, I realize I only have to endure this night for thirty more minutes. I’ve been here for almost two hours, and what do I have to show for it? A half off coupon to the Hot Dog Hut down the street and a phone number written on the back of a parking ticket.
“Hello there.” A bald man wearing a white turtleneck approaches my table. “How you doin’?” Using aFriendspick up line? Do better, my man.
Summoning all the energy I left behind in my early twenties, I inhale, slow and deep, focusing my attention on the potentially harmless man with a shiny head in front of me.
