“Let’s do it. I have all afternoon.”
I walk Troy through his paper, pointing out areas toimprove and things he got right. I can see his confidence building as he makes notes.
Troy drops his pen, staring over at me. His brown eyes are assessing.
“You’re really good at this, Angie.”
“My pops is a math teacher. I enjoy helping people like this.”
“My dad was a high school football coach.”
“Really?” That surprises me.
“Didn’t have that in your book of knowledge about the Hollins family?”
“As much as my dad talks, some things I didn’t think were necessary for me to listen to.”
“Like about my family?”
I nod. “I’m learning I also need to form my own opinions.”
“So you’re forming your own about me then?”
“I’m learning a lot about you. Things I like.”
“See? I can teach you a thing or two too, Angie.” Troy gives me a winning smile. One that I have to do my best to ignore so the feelings in my belly don’t overtake me.
One thing I’m learning about Troy?
I like him. My opinion of him was based solely on what my dad told me about Troy’s dad. All I knew about Derek Hollins was what a dirty player he was and how he treated my dad. I never heard what he did when he suddenly disappeared from the league.
Troy was starting out in the negative with me.
Derek Hollins’s son? No.
Hockey player? No way. Not ever.
In my mind, there was no redemption for him. Troy has shown me otherwise.
He’s more than a hockey player. From what I’ve seen,he’s nothing like his dad. Or maybe his dad has changed. I don’t know.
Because I now realize I know very little about him or his family.
But I’ve also realized that’s something I want to learn.
I need to get this study session back on track.
“How about we go back to me teaching you?”
“What, don’t like being in the hot seat?”
“Am I that obvious?” I don’t look at him, a blush creeping up my cheeks.
“Only a little.”
“In that case, do these five problems and I’ll check your work.”
He chuckles as he pulls his notebook toward him.
