Page 74 of Thinking It Over

For better or worse, I was committed and in this for the long haul. Venturing away had made me uncomfortable.

But the boxes of my room were packed up, and it looked like I was officially unemployed.

I swallowed hard, breathing through my unease, which truly wasn’t as bad as it could have been. And despite my concern of being foolish, knowing I wasn’t moving away settled something in my heart.

Lizzie popped her head around the corner. “Bar in twenty?” she asked.

Smiling over at her, I nodded. “Yes. I’m pretty much done here.”

“See you in a few then,” she said as she ducked on out.

Most of the staff were meeting in a bar for end of year drinks. I hadn’t planned on going, but Lizzie had corralled me into attending, stating she at least wanted to buy me a drink on my last day. The thought had made me sad but didn’t prevent me from finally agreeing to spend some time with her and the rest of the staff, a few of whom I now saw as friends.

My phone buzzed with a text. I pulled it out of my pocket and smiled instinctively.

Austin: Just getting Tyler in the car, and then Billy’s driving me in. He’s going to head to the park with Tyler for a while and wear him out before heading back home.

Me: See you soon. X

Austin had been in and out of the school whenever he could since being home, while balancing his responsibilities for Tyler. He was incredible, seeming to handle everything like a pro. Not that he didn’t get stressed and admit to me in the darkness of night when in bed just how unprepared he felt. I was happy that on this, I could reassure him.

Looking around the classroom once more, I shrugged, content with my lot. Something would turn up, and when it did, I’d appreciate the opportunity even more.

I lugged my boxes to my car and then headed to the bar in town. It was a small place and a couple of blocks off the main street, which made it less busy, so perfect for a bunch of high school teachers to let their hair down without too much interference.

Parking was easy to locate, and a short while later, I stepped inside the building, my eyes taking a moment to adjust to the dark interior. It was a bit like entering a time warp. But the place had a certain charm to it. It was easy to spot the faculty. Not only was the place small, but there was a decent crowd, and if I’d been blind, therowdiness flowing from them already would have been enough for me to navigate my way in the right direction.

A relaxed smiled crossed my lips as soon as I was welcomed into the fold with a few loud cheers.

I laughed. “Did you all have shots waiting for me or something?”

Lizzie arched her brow at me. “Yup. Two each. Your turn.”

I shook my head. “Not for me, thanks.”

“But they’re already there waiting.” She indicated toward the bar top where there were two shots of clear liquid apparently with my name on them.

“I only planned for a couple of beers,” I admitted. “I’m not that big of a drinker.”

Her gaze was intent as she looked me over, and relief settled in me when she didn’t challenge or push it.

Truth was, I wasn’t a big drinker at all. Even when I went clubbing, I got buzzed off the music and the energy rather than the alcohol—not that I didn’t have my moments of one too many. Plus, the thought of having a foggy head with Tyler waking up through the night filled me with dread.

He was the best of kids. Cheeky, cute, kind, and funny. And his manners were better than those of some of the teenagers I taught. But nights were a struggle. Penny helped immensely with him settling and falling tosleep, but the night terrors and him waking, calling for his mom just about broke my heart every damn time.

Frankie FaceTimed him twice a day, Billy was amazing—not that I was surprised, as there was nothing that guy didn’t excel at—and Tyler happily accepted comfort from both Austin and me, but that didn’t mean the poor kid wasn’t lost and confused.

And evidently in pain too.

Frankie was due next week, and it couldn’t come soon enough. Having his dad, who he’d at least started forming a relationship with a few weeks earlier, would hopefully settle the boy even more.

“Beer then?” Lizzie’s question pulled me away from my worry for Tyler.

“Yeah, that would be great. Thank you.”

She smiled and turned her back so she could order my drink while I said hi to Paul, one of the science teachers I’d got to know.

Halfway through my beer and talking animatedly aboutSense8and our joint displeasure when they’d canceled the show, I paused and turned when I felt a warm hand on the small of my back. My smile lifted easily when my gaze landed on Austin. My eyes flicked to his, and a burst of pleasure fluttered around inside me when his gentle browns met mine.

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