Page 62 of Love and Other Chances

“Any special man in your life that I’ll be introduced to at the New Year’s Eve Party?” I ask, eyes sparkling. I’m overdoing the teasing tone so that Amaya will answer me because Ireally do want to know.

“Yeah, right,” Amaya scoffs. “Like I have time to even think about dating. You’ll meet several of my friends but no romantic connections. That’s the furthest thing from my mind.”

Amaya outlines our plans for New Year’s Eve at the Power and Light District tomorrow, listing off the friends who will be there and emphasizing theonly friendsdesignation. I’m excited to meet more of Amaya’s KC circle so I can better picture her life when she gives updates on our weekly calls.

The next day, Amaya and I video call Lana to catch up, but otherwise spend a leisurely day hanging out until it’s time to get dressed for the party. We meet up with Amaya’s friends and get the wristbands designating our ticket level. It’s a fun evening hopping from one venue to another and getting to know some of Amaya’s friends. Some are from work, some from church, and others from her women in business group.

I entertain them with stories about College Amaya and laugh at their tales of Grown-Up Amaya. We dance, share good food, and generally have a blast. The only cloud hanging over my head is that I don’t get to share this night with Brooks. Or kiss him at midnight.

At 11:40 p.m., we’re squished in a crowd at the same venue where Brooks and I danced at the silent disco. I pull out my phone and take a selfie to text to him.

Wish you were here

He hearts my photo and then sends his own selfie. Will, Jason, Sarah, Catherine, and Bailey are all smiling in the photo, standing in a crowd in Center Square.

BROOKS

Wish you were HERE. No, I’m glad you’re having fun with Amaya. Wish we could both be in both places. Or teleport back and forth. Why doesn’t that technology exist yet?

Valid question. Also, I love that Bailey is hanging out with you guys! Tell everyone hi from me!

BROOKS

Can’t wait to see you tomorrow

Chapter twenty-four

After having the greatest time with Amaya, I drive home to Brooklyn on New Year’s Day. As sad as I was to say goodbye to her, it wasn’t a secret how eager I was to get back to a certain someone.

Brooks and I have dinner at an Italian restaurant in Center Square, catching each other up on the remainders of our winter breaks. He has to go back to work tomorrow for two professional days prior to students returning for second semester. Thankfully, the bruise on his jaw has faded completely. I would have feltreallybad if he had to explain that to his colleagues, much less his students.

“Tell me about the master’s classes you’re taking this spring,” I say before taking a bite of a breadstick.

“I have two classes again this semester. One focused on ethics and one about leadership in curriculum. Not quite as interesting as the community relations class, but still important topics I need to know about,” Brooks answers. “The ethics class is virtual, but the curriculum class meets in person on Monday nights. Will your schedule stay the same for the Bible studies you lead?”

“Mostly. Except Rachel is taking over the Friday morning group this semester,” I reply.

“Which means you can get a little more beauty sleep, Aurora.” Brooks winks.

“It’s not my fault I was born to sleep in. Some genetics can’t be altered,” I tease back. “I’ll miss being with those girls, but I’m glad that Rachel feels like she has the capacity to meet with them again.” I push pasta around my plate, dropping my eyes. “I did a lot of writing in theguided journal you gave me. It’s helped me dream more concretely about teaching.”

My eyes flit back up in time to see Brooks pause mid-chew. “Yeah? You’re thinking more seriously about teaching?” He can’t hide the spark of hope in his eyes, and I can’t stop the increased temperature of my heart in response to that spark.

I bite my lip and twirl a finger through my hair. “I wouldn’t say I’ve made an official decision, but the journal has been really helpful to get my thoughts organized. And I can’t stop thinking about it. Imagining myself in a classroom with small groups of kids, teaching them multiplication strategies or reading comprehension foundations. And it makes me feel . . . calm when I’m picturing it. Calm but eager at the same time. That has to mean something, right?”

Brooks’ intent gaze breaks into a droll smile. “I’ll throw a dose of reality at you—there’s practically nothing about education that could be described as ‘calm.’ It might be the dictionary antonym of ‘calm.’”

I laugh in response, and Brooks props his chin in one hand on the table. He slides his other hand across the tabletop, reaching for mine. I happily meet his request, lacing my fingers with his.

“All jokes aside, I do think that any student needing a little extra help and attention would hit the jackpot to wind up in your class. And the fact that you feel drawn to it could certainly mean something. But that’s ultimately up to you to discern,” Brooks says. “I’m not an unbiased advisor.”

His thumb gently traces mine, lulling me into a hypnotic state.

“Need any to-go boxes over here?” Our waiter’s voice jolts me to full consciousness again.

“Yes, please,” Brooks and I respond at the same time. He hands his credit card over to the waiter in exchange for the boxes. We’re silent as we scrape leftovers off of our plates, and the waiter brings back the receipt for Brooks to sign.

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