Page 35 of Hello Single Dad

Cohen nodded sadly. “Ollie’s adjusted so well since he came out his freshman year, and the divorce two years back, and he seems to like his new stepdad, but this silent treatment is so not him.”

I kept my face even, taking in the new information about Ollie’s orientation. As far as I knew, he wasn’t out at school, but kids were mean. If someone had found out, or even guessed, maybe that was a contributing factor.

I flipped open the file and took out emails I’d gotten from a couple of his teachers and printed out. “Mr. Davis, his videography teacher, says he’s been very withdrawn in class the last two weeks. And Mr. Aris, the math teacher, says Ollie’s missing five assignments. He’s worried if Ollie doesn’t start submitting his work soon, he’ll really hurt his GPA.”

Worry covered Cohen’s face, etching into every handsome inch, and he rubbed the short stubble along his jaw. “Has he been getting picked on by any of the kids? Have you seen anything different at lunch?”

“I haven’t noticed anything,” I said, “but that doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Maybe even online. How about his relationships outside of the home? Has he stopped speaking to friends? Broken up with a boyfriend?”

He shook his head. “He hasn’t told us about a boyfriend, and his friends haven’t come over lately, but he usually spends more time with them on the weekends when he’s with his mom.”

I frowned and looked back down at my files. “None of the notes mention anything happening here at school. Let me call his mom, and hopefully we can figure something out.”

“Thank you,” he said. “Really, I just didn’t know what to do.”

“This was a great first step.” I reached across the table, putting my hand atop his to comfort him, but just the contact made my stomach swoop. I pulled my hand away and straightened my shoulders. “Thanks for coming in.”

He smiled, not moving to stand. “I’m glad I did. And now that I know how to get a hold of you... maybe we can plan that lunch?”

“I-I—” My heart fell. “I can’t.”

His eyebrows drew together. “Why not? I really thought we hit it off.”

“We did.” Ugh, I so did not want to say this, but I had to. “It’s just that dating parents is strictly against the rules at the Academy.”

“You’re not serious,” he said.

“It’s in the bylaws. The concern is that it would lead to unfair treatment of the students.”

Cohen shook his head in disbelief. “So the only way we’re allowed to get Ollie special treatment is through extra donations?”

My rueful smile came easily. “Seems like it. Money talks.”

“But...” He tapped his fingers on my desk, the pattern mesmerizing. “What exactly constitutes dating?” he asked.

I refocused my gaze on his face. “What?”

“Are parents not allowed to meet with teachers outside of school?” he asked with a neutral expression. “For instance, if you were a man, would I be allowed to have dinner with you?”

“Well, there’s nothing in the handbook against it.”

He lifted his eyebrows. “So it’s only kissing that’s off limits?”

My cheeks heated. “Amongst other things.”

“Then have dinner with me.”

“Cohen...”

“You said you didn’t want to date. And I don’t either. As a concerned parent, I’d like to speak with you more about possible solutions... And as a friend, I’d like to get to know you better.”

I fought my growing smile. “I’d like that too. As a friend.”

“Friday?” he asked.

“In Brentwood,” I said, writing my number on a sticky note and handing it to him.

He took it and winked. “Crossing into the enemy’s territory, are we?”

---