Page 37 of Max Bannon

I was a disaster.

I kept busy. Teaching helped. The fourth graders were obsessed with volcanoes right now, and I’d somehow agreed to let them build one. Junior delivered the baking soda himself, giving a speech about chemical reactions and warning everyone to do it outside.

After school, I walked to the general store and smiled when someone mentioned they’d seen me with “that Navy fella.” I tried not to blush when they said we looked good together.

Tried not to ache.

Tried not to miss him.

Back at the cabin, I curled up on the couch with tea and my laptop, pulling up the lesson plan for the week. I opened my messages, mostly out of habit.

And saw his name.

MAX

You still hog the covers when I’m not there?

I snorted, then typed back quickly.

TESSA

No. I just pretend you’re still under them.

Three dots appeared.

MAX

Careful. I’ll book a flight back just to check.

I stared at the screen, smiling so hard it hurt.

TESSA

How’s Italy?

MAX

Loud. Fast. Smells like garlic and money. I hate it.

…I miss you.

I clutched the phone to my chest for a second before I responded.

TESSA

I miss you, too.

MAX

Frasier caught me looking up flights. Said I looked like a love-struck idiot.

He’s not wrong.

I laughed into the silence of the room.

And suddenly, it didn’t feel so quiet anymore.

The days were full,but the nights?

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