Page 25 of Always Been Yours

“I think that’s amazing. I know I have no right to say this but I’m proud of you, Viv.” A light flush quickly works its way up her neck and face, but she tentatively preens at the praise.

After a few seconds of her assessing me, looking for any hint of mocking, she breaks out into a grin.

Not just a grin.

A smile.

A beaming smile.

A smile brighter than the sun and more beautiful than the sunset over the ocean.

“Thanks, Grady.” Her voice is soft, a little breathy. “Applications are due in January but the principal from the private school where I used to be a teacher’s aide, knows one of the advisors at UCAH. She’s going to meet with me. Give me tips and stuff like that.”

I nod, leaning back in the chair and setting her iPad on my desk. “For what it’s worth, my mom has mentioned more than a few times that she thinks you should move higher up on the faculty ladder.”

She chuckles and shakes her head. “She tells me that often, same with Knox.” I catch the very second realization dawns on her. She lightly places her hand on my forearm. Our eyes both drop to the contact. To my delight, she doesn’t remove her hand rightaway.

“He’s your assistant coach. Have you met him yet?”

“No, I haven’t. I’m going to try to meet up with him later this week.”

“He’s kind of the best.” She slips her purse over her shoulder. “I think you two will be a force to be reckoned with. And maybe start to sway some of the other coaches’ attitudes.” She shrugs, acting like the pushback I know they constantly give her isn’t frustrating. “I need to get going, though.”

“Your planner didn’t have anything else planned for another hour.” I test my luck. She doesn’t sit back but she doesn’t stand either. “I was actually hoping that you had some ideas about what I could do with my classroom.”

She gives me a curious look. “You want my help with decorating?”

“Yeah.” I lean back and cross my arms. “I don’t think rainbows and stars will translate great to a high school history course but other than a couple maps on the walls I’m clueless.”

She gets comfortable in her chair, not planning to leave so soon after all. With her signature smirk—part mischief, part sass—and a silky voice, she says, “Didn’t seem like you needed any help decorating your room the other night.”

I know my cheeks are warm again, mostly because Vivi is the only girl who has ever made me blush. I don’t let her win this round though.

“Have you been thinking about it?”

“No,” she huffs too quickly. “But black is a bold choice for your walls.”

“I like a dark room to sleep in. And it feels cozy and intimate, somehow. You should try it out.” It takes me a few seconds to recognize the insinuation I made.

I look at her, expecting her to get annoyed or maybe even laugh in my face. “Not my style. Much more Calypso’s.” I know she’s just deflecting, but for once, I’m appreciative. “As far as your classroom… I agree that rainbows aren’t your thing. You should go to Golden Age and look for some globes and vintage maps.” I recognize the store name as the small antique shop that opened while I was living in Phoenix too.

“That’s a good idea.”

“I know. Write it down.”

Chuckling, I grab a pen from my desk and a notepad from the drawer. I make a note of her suggestion and motion with my pen for her to go on.

Mon, Aug 8 at 4:26 PM

Hey, the girls were hoping to FT you again tonight.

Arielle

Yes, of course! I was going to see what your plans were after rehearsals.

Does 7pm my time work?

Yup. Can’t wait to seeyou :)

---