Page 32 of Pretty Relentless

“Good afternoon, Vic. Did you have a good Christmas?”

He nods, his eyes dancing with excitement. “I got a new game system for my room.”

“That sounds like a great gift,” I reply, making sure I give my former student my complete attention.

Vic glances over his shoulder and says, “We’re getting ready to leave now. I just wanted to say hi.”

“I’m glad you stopped by. Enjoy the last of your winter break.”

“Thanks, Miss R. Bye!” he hollers, taking off to join his parents and younger sisters. Both of the young girls wave as they pass, and I give them friendly smiles and return their waves. I’ll have the middle daughter, Evelyn, next year in fifth grade.

“Kids love you.”

I look over and find Gavin’s smiling eyes watching me. My cheeks start to heat up at the compliment, and I do my best to shrug it off. “They make it easy. We have great kids in our school system.”

“Except Damian. He’s a nut,” Annabelle chimes in, still enjoying her lunch.

I want to argue, but she’s not wrong. Damian doesn’t come from the best home life and often acts out in class. He’s getting better about it, especially since he knows it won’t be tolerated, but he definitely pushes the boundaries in class. I don’t have to send him to the office nearly as much as I used to, which is a huge plus, but it does happen on occasion.

We finish up our meal, and I pull out my wallet to pay.

“I’ve got it,” Gavin insists, grabbing the check as it’s deposited on our table.

“I can pay half,” I reply, pulling out some cash.

He looks up with a penetrating gaze that makes my heart skip a beat. “I said I’ve got it. Thank you for joining us, Miss Rutledge.”

Trying to ignore the purr of my professional name on his lips, I divert my eyes and dig a few smaller bills from my wallet. “At least allow me to pay the tip.”

He seems like he wants to argue, but eventually nods. “Fine.”

I set ten dollars down on the table, tipping well over twenty percent, but that doesn’t matter to me. Lanita is a senior in high school this year and will be looking forward to college in the fall. A few extra bucks won’t completely cover those expenses, but every little bit helps.

As I stand to put on my coat, I feel his hands as he helps. Gavin holds up my coat while I slip my arms into the sleeves, and even though it’s warm in the restaurant, I know that’s not the reason I’m feeling a bit flush. Having him close, smelling his clean scent, does something to me. It instantly makes me think about the feel of his lips against my cheek, which only causes my blush to burn even darker. I’ve always hated that particular trait of being a redhead, and it still holds true today. I blush way too easily and often. There’s no hiding my emotions.

Annabelle slips her hand inside mine as we walk through the restaurant. Some of the tables have cleared out, but there are several still occupied. We wave or say hello to everyone we pass, and there’s no missing the questions they have in their eyes. They’re all curious as to our relationship status, especially with Annabelle’s hand tucked inside mine.

The rumors will start soon, if they haven’t already.

I notice Gavin staying a few feet behind us, as if sensing my uneasiness and worry. I know I shouldn’t care about everyone else and what they think, but I can’t help it. I’ve always been that person, the one who wants everyone to like them andnever tries to cause a problem. That’s why the whole incident from several years back is always fresh in my mind.

It’s a reminder.

It’s why I have rules.

“Have you seen this one, Miss Rutledge?”

I turn to Annabelle, who’s pointing at a movie poster for the originalGhostbustersmovie from 1984. “I have. It’s one of my favorites,” I tell her.

“I want to watch it. I’ve seenGhostbusters: Afterlifeand can’t wait for the next one to come out on DVD.”

“I’ve not seen that one yet either.” When she seems shocked, I add, “I’ll have to add it to my to-be-watched list.”

“Yes, definitely. Paul Rudd is in it, and my mom says he’s the hottest man on Earth.”

I glance at Gavin, who shakes his head.

I mean, she’s not wrong.

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