Page 60 of Chocolate Cherry Cabin

“You chose a great school. They’re well-rated for their elementary education program,” Naina said. “Do you have your résumé or portfolio ready?”

Portfolio?

“No, not yet.”

“Well, when you’re ready for a job, let me know.”

“It’ll probably be a few years before I’m certified....”

“Oh.” Naina looked taken aback. “I didn’t realize you had that much upgrading to do.”

“That’s if I’m accepted into the program.”

“Oh. I must have misunderstood.” Her cheeks pinked. She was no doubt thinking about how Hannah had sworn up and down that she was going to become a doctor and then hadn’t. Naina herself was the kind of woman who made plans, set goals and then burst past them ahead of schedule. She didn’t veer, she didn’t waver. She didn’t fail.

Hannah struggled not to shoot daggers at Louis, who had all the kids hanging on his every word. That man really needed to learn to keep his nose out of her business. Not only was she now feeling as though she’d just entered an impromptu interview wholly unprepared, but he’d put Naina in an awkward spot, too.

“I’ve only just applied, but I’d love to work at the elementary school when I’m done.” Hannah pulled her sweater sleeves over her hands, wanting to disappear.

“Do you know which grade you’re hoping to teach?” Naina asked, her tone a little less enthusiastic and a bit more professional now.

She shook her head. “Not yet.”

“Well, we’re often looking to cover maternity leaves or in need of a substitute teacher here and there. We’ll get your name on the list when you’re ready.”

“Thank you.”

Completely unprepared.

* * *

He was in trouble now. Louis had caught the angry looks Hannah had been shooting his way earlier, and now she’d called him into the small staff room off the barricaded playroom.

Still dressed as Santa, he had been sitting on the floor surrounded by shreds of wrapping paper that Hannah had given up collecting after he’d suggested the kids rip up every little bit and throw it around like confetti.

Yeah.

He was that guy.

Naturally, the children adored him. Hannah…not so much.

Was it his fault he got caught up in their enthusiasm?

He’d thought he’d been doing her a favor, keeping them happy. There’d been no fighting or whining. And he did have a game to play when it was time to clean up the paper later. He wasn’t planning to saddle her with a mess.

“What’s up?” he asked, as he joined her. She closed the door and he glanced through the window that allowed them to peek out at the kids.

Hannah licked her lips and straightened her red Christmas sweater.

“You okay?”

She reached out and straightened the cushion over his flat stomach that was filling out his costume. She was tugging it like she wanted to rip it off him. And not in a good way.

“You told Naina I was going back to school,” she said, still focused on his Santa suit. Her tone was flat. Dangerously flat.

“Yeah. It came up.” He removed her hands before she ripped the red fabric. “She sounded excited.”

“How did something like that come up?”

---