Page 30 of Uproot

I hug him back, so happy to see a smile on his sweet face. “Morning Edi! I love your Ninja Turtles outfit,” I say, taking in his new shorts and t-shirt.

He beams up at me, holding out his shirt with both hands. “Thank you! Uncle Beckett got me a matching lunch box too! Look!” he says.

He takes off his backpack and places it on the table. He moves Ruffy to the side and takes out a colorful lunch box with all of his favorite characters posing on it.

Joy fills me seeing someone finally taking care of him and making sure he has a nice, packed lunch box just like he always wanted.

I look up at Beckett to see him already staring at me with those electric blue eyes. I smile and look back down at Edison. “That is so nice, Edi! How about you hang up your bag and lunch, then go pick a station you’d like to start with today,” I say.

He nods and takes off to the cubbies, and Beckett moves to stand in front of me. “Good morning Angel.”

I feel my pulse begin to race hearing his nickname for me, and I fold my hands together in front of me. “Good morning, Beckett. How are you?” I ask.

“I’m doing good, all things considered,” he says, holding out the paper bag to me. “Edison asked to get up early and go to Coco’s this morning for breakfast, so I got you a bagel sandwich too. I’ve noticed you’re not really into desserts, or sweets besides your coffee, so I went with this option. I also got you the skinny vanilla latte with a double shot of espresso that you ordered on Saturday.”

I take both, shocked by his thoughtfulness, and good memory. He obviously has been paying more attention to me than I realized. “Beckett..this is so nice of you,” I whisper, fighting back tears. I’m still feeling sensitive from my mothers critiquing this morning, and his kindness is making me emotional.

“Are you alright?” He asks, giving me a worried look.

I nod, trying to laugh and disguise my feelings. “I am! This is just so sweet,” I respond.

He nods but looks unconvinced. He glances over at my desk where my tea is sitting, “Did you eat breakfast? I can get you more and bring it back if you’d like something more substantial?”

I set the items down on my desk, and move to stand behind it, fixing my hair absentmindedly. “I actually did eat breakfast, but thank you,” I respond, meeting his eyes again.

“Did you bring lunch?” he asks, his eyes moving over the papers, tea, and computer on my desk.

“Oh no, I normally just read, or lesson plan during lunch period,” I respond. I feel like he is always paying attention to the fact that I don't eat that much, which is sweet, but a bit problematic for me.

He frowns at me, “You don’t eat lunch? That’s not good, Selah. You eat breakfast very early, and then don’t eat again until after school every afternoon?” he questions.

I open my desk drawer, taking out a protein bar, and a package of nuts, “I snack throughout the day,” I say, trying to smile confidently. “Plus I drink tons of water. I’m ok, Beckett.”

He watches me put my emergency stash away, thankfully dropping the subject. He comes around my desk and my eyes dart around the classroom before looking up at him.

“Missed you yesterday,” he says quietly, his eyes moving over my dress.

“Y-you and Edi did?” I stammer as I breathe in his delicious cologne.

“No.Idid, angel,” he responds. He holds my gaze for a moment letting his words sink in before he backs away. "I'll see you later."

I swallow hard and watch him walk over to Edison. He bends down to see what he’s doing, listening closely as Edison explains his Play Doh creation.

Something tugs inside of me when he turns and gives Edison a hug goodbye. Edison looks so small and adorable wrapped up in Beckett's muscular arms. But most of all he looks content.

I always felt so bad that Edison never had a parent to bring him to school, or show up for special events, and now he has probably the best advocate possible on his side. I wonder how different his life would have been if Beckett would have known about him sooner.

Beckett stands up and catches me watching them. “Have a good day, Selah,” he says, giving me a crooked smile that smooths out his sharp expression.

“You too, Beckett. Thank you again,” I say, holding up my coffee.

I watch him go and the bell rings signaling the start of the school day. I focus back on my students, moving to help them clean up their stations.

We go through our morning lesson once everyone is settled, and I put Beckett out of my mind. But as I finish the coffee he brought me, I can't help it when my mind begins to wander yet again.

I know there’s no use getting involved with a man who will only be here for a few more weeks. Even if he wants me to visit him and Edison in New York, things between us could never work out long term. At this time in my life I can't think of anything thatwon'tbe long term.

No matter how drop dead gorgeous he is.

---