Page 100 of Banter & Blushes

Kaia brings her presentation to a close by explaining our team colors, pointing to the Sun Kings logo on the front of my jersey and explains the difference between our uniforms for home and away games.

The rest of the class claps as their teacher steps forward.

“Let’s show our appreciation to Mr. McKennan for joining us today.”

Thank yous ring out in random fashion with a mix of genuine interest and pure boredom.

I grab the stack of T-shirts Coach gave me to give to the students and help Kaia hand them out. The kids go nuts for them, chattering with excitement as they hold them up. Kaia has it under control, so I sit back down on the small chair I used earlier to demonstrate lacing up my skates to take them off, all the while anticipating the possibility of seeing Mia gain.

After I stow my skates in my duffel, I offer the puck I brought to their teacher. “Thought you might like a puck.”

She smiles. “Thank you. My son will love it. He’s a big fan.”

“Great. Next time you come to a game, flag me down so I can say hey to him.”

Her eyes light up. “He’d love that, too.”

I nod. “Mind if I ask a question?”

Her expression turns puzzled. “No, of course not.”

“I thought I saw someone I know earlier. Her name’s Mia. She has blonde hair and blue eyes.”

“Yes, Mia Popovic. She teaches second grade here.” She tilts her head as she studies me.

A rush of anticipation shoots through me. That means she’s here somewhere. I glance at the clock on the wall. “What time does school get out?”

“Three.” She gives me a knowing look. “But I’m almost certain Mia has bus duty today.”

Heat rides up the back of my neck as I flash her a sheepish grin. “Thanks.”

After I tell Kaia goodbye, I grab my gear and head out to my car. I have exactly an hour until school’s out—enough time to go home, change, and pick up some items for an idea I have.

And then I’ll come back and wait for Mia so we can finally have our face-to-face.

CHAPTER 14

MIA

By the time Iris finishes and dutifully washes her hands the way her mother showed her—complete tutorial included—recess is almost over. I’m still on guard, searching the grounds, the parking lot, and the hallway for any evidence of Ethan as I gather my students to go back inside.

An hour later, the bell rings, and the children file out to leave. Like the dutiful—aka boring—teacher that I am, I stack the papers I’ll spend the rest of the afternoon reading and grading until Sophie can pick me up. I had to have my car towed to a repair shop, which promised me it would be ready by tomorrow. Until then, I’m dependent on my best friend.

I toss my planner into my bag so I don’t forget to take it with me. After Sophie and I grab a bite later, I’ll go home and start transferring things over from the old one to the new one I already purchased. And finish grading papers, of course.

A typical example of my low-key weeknight routine that I happen to enjoy because I love teaching. And I love my students. So what if I’m boring? Maybe that’s all I need. I don’t need a boyfriend. Or a husband. I can do life with my best friend Sophie and her little pink-studded dog. I’ll just get a cat.

And maybe I’ll even name him Ethan.

I join the throng of students waiting in the pickup area. As usual, Iris comes and stands next to me. I don’t know why she seems to think I need companyevery time I have bus duty. Or maybe she does this with the other teachers, too, because it makes her feel safe.

As I crouch down to help a student pick up the contents of their overturned backpack, I catch a flash of red from the parking lot beyond the pickup area, and I gasp for the second time today.

It’s him. Ethan. He’s leaning against an old Ford Mustang, arms crossed, and wearing sunglasses that make him devilishly attractive.

Backpack restored, the student rushes to her bus as I stand.

Iris tugs at my shirt, then points. “Is he your boyfriend?”

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