The class cheered as he set the box on my desk.
“Sam, can we? I’m starving,” Devon said.
“Didn’t you eat breakfast?” I asked.
“I got up ten minutes before class started. I didn’t have time.”
“Line up, take one, and return to your desks.” I reached inside the cabinet and took out some napkins.
“Why are you bribing my students?” I asked him.
His eyes diverted to the whiteboard, then back at me, as I gave him a sweet smile.
“Interesting lesson,” he said, and the class started laughing. “It seems biased.” His eyes narrowed.
“I think it seems accurate,” I said, folding my arms.
The class erupted into laughter again, and Weston looked at them.
“Do you all agree with these statements?” he asked them.
All of their hands shot into the air.
“We were comparing you to Gatsby, but now I think you’re probably more like Mr. Darcy.” Devon laughed.
“Excuse me?” His brow arched as he stared at me.
“Ignore him.” I waved my hand.
“I think I’ll stay for a bit and try to defend Mr. Darcy.”
“Boo!” The class screamed in unison.
Weston stared at them and narrowed his eyes.
“Welcome to public education, Mr. Castile. If you’d like to stay, you may take a seat in the back.”
The bell rang. “You are to read the first four chapters tonight. We will be discussing them tomorrow,” I said as they collected their phones from the basket.
“I have a feeling that’s not the only thing we’ll be discussing tomorrow.” Devon grinned. “I’m looking forward to it, Sam.”
“I’m sure you are, Devon.”
Weston walked over and grabbed a cinnamon roll from the box.
“Seriously, what are you doing, Wes?”
“I came to tell you that Mr. Avila is staying put and his rent will not increase for the next five years. You can thank me by having dinner with me tonight.”
“I can’t.”
“Why?” he asked.
“I just can’t.”
“You can. We’ll go anywhere you want. Name a place.”
“Anywhere?” I narrowed my eyes.
