“No,” Theo and I said simultaneously. He handed me his dish and I slid it into my lunch bag along with mine.
“You sure?” Derek asked.
“I’ve got it.” Theo headed for the door. “Thanks, man.”
I followed close behind him. “Have a good afternoon!”
We went upstairs to my classroom, and I unlocked the door. The art room smelled like crisp paper with a hint of graphite and the lingering scent of acrylic paint. Student artwork decoratedmost of the wall space from ceiling to floor. In the back was a large metal cabinet filled with art supplies, a stack of folding easels, and my desk, which probably dated from the 1960s. Adjustable-height tables with tall stools provided workspace for my budding artists.
Theo leaned against a stool. “So, do you have any plans for the weekend?”
“Not really. Just the game tonight. You?”
He shook his head. “Not unless we decide to infiltrate the art gallery again.”
“I hope not. I don’t think we’ll get that lucky a second time.”
“Probably not.”
“Oh, actually, I do have one thing. I’m meeting Sean at the Timberbeast on Sunday to deal with some paperwork for the lease or something.”
His expression hardened. “Can’t he just email it?”
“Maybe. But to be honest, I think I need to do this. I’m going to see him in person eventually. This town is too small to avoid him forever. If I do it on my terms, then I won’t be worried about accidentally running into him.”
He nodded slowly. “I can respect that.”
“Thank you.”
“What time?”
“Six. I’m sure I’ll be in and out. It’s just some paperwork.”
“Noted.” He stood. “I should get to my classroom. I’m torturing them with a pop quiz.”
“Right after lunch? You’re so mean.”
He grinned. “It’s like three problems. They’ll be fine.”
“I probably won’t see you before the game, so good luck tonight.”
“Thanks, Pen. You’ll be there?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Awesome.” He grinned again before leaving, and the things that smile did to my insides could not be healthy.
With a deep breath, I set about prepping for my next class.
Theo stayed with the team after school, while I went home to change and grab something to eat. I put on a pair of jeans and a tank top, then reached for Theo’s hoodie. He hadn’t said anything the last time I’d worn it. That probably meant he didn’t mind.
Or he hadn’t noticed.
Either way, I pulled it on. It was going to be cold, so I made sure to grab my hat.
When I got to the stadium, an excited buzz of energy filled the air. The game hadn’t started, but the crowd was already loud, and the scent of popcorn wafted from the concession stand.
I walked up the steps and went straight to the railing in front of the stands. Theo was on the sideline, talking to Coach Lewis. A few seconds later, he looked up and a big grin stole over his face. He reached out his fist and I did the same, long-distance fist-bumping him. We spread our fingers wide and made a little explosion sound.
