“That’s exactly the kind of example we need.The type of thing that gives people motivation and hope.”
“I just spoke to Knox, and he gave me the dates for when he’s already occupied.We just need to find an afternoon that works for everyone.”
She smirked slightly.“Interesting that you’re on a first-name basis with him.”
Oh, she wasn’t letting this go, huh?
“Yes.As I’ve said, we’ve been friends since college.But I hadn’t seen him for almost a year before we spoke the other day.”I decided not to give her any more details because it was none of her business.
“Just look at the schedules, and you decide.Do you want him to talk to your students specifically?”she asked.
“Did you have something else in mind?”
“I’m thinking now that the rest of the kids are going to miss out.What if we put all of the classes in the gym and ask Knox Sterling to speak to everyone at once?”
I nodded.“That’s a fantastic idea.”
“Let me see when’s the gym free.”She clicked on her computer.“Darn, not any time this month.”
“How about this,” I said.“He can come to my Tuesday or Thursday class at two thirty.And if he’s still open to it, and the kids react well, then I’ll talk to him about coming back again to speak to the entire school.”
She hesitated and clicked around her screen for a few moments before saying, “Yes, let’s do that.I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity just because our gym is fully booked.We need to lock that man down so he’ll pay us more visits.Maybe bring those successful brothers of his as well.”
“We’ll see,” I said vaguely.She ran the school with an iron fist, but she was a bit pushy at times.That was probably why she’d managed to obtain all sorts of funding for the school beyond the tuition fees the parents paid.
I was about to call Knox after I left her office, then realized I had to hurry to my class or I’d be late, so I just shot him a quick message.
Amy: Tuesday or Thursday next week at 2:30 works.We can talk later.I need to start my lessons now.
Knox: Call me when you’re done.
Damn.I’d hoped we’d settle this through texting because I wasn’t ready for yet another one of those awkward conversations.
I pocketed my phone as I reached my classroom.
“Good afternoon, class,” I said, stepping in.
“Good afternoon, Amy,” they chanted back.
I loved working with teenagers, and I insisted they call me by my first name.I could help them see their potential, and once they figured out what motivated them, I felt like I’d done my job.
“We’re discussing Shakespeare today.”
They collectively groaned.
“Do we have to?”one of them asked.
“Since it will come up in your final next week, yes.Look, I don’t blame you.He’s honestly not my favorite, but it’s what you have to do to get your diploma.”More groans, so I added, “And, although it’s considered classic literature, it does have many life lessons that are beneficial today.”
There was a round of “Okays.”I was hoping they’d at least give it a chance.
One of the boys then asked, “So, whatdoyou read?”
“Oh, this and that.”I couldn’t tell them I preferred romance when they had to read classic lit.“I read a lot of commercial fiction.”
“You’re joking.”
“No.Much of it is fun and can be inspirational too.Whatever’s popular, I read it,” I said.“Whenever a big new blockbuster adaptation hits theaters, you can bet I’ve read it before I go see it.”
