Page 20 of Rocking Cedarwood

Chapter Six

The next morning, Niall drove to the school. Knowing he had one day left until the teachers were given summer break helped him wake up. He’d also be able to see Michael. If that wasn’t a reason to head to school, then nothing was. He pulled into his normal parking spot and looked for Michael’s car. He didn’t see the vehicle and decided to head into the building. No point in waiting on Michael. He wanted to get his final paperwork done and finish locking down what needed to be put away in his classroom.

He busied himself with filling out the order for his supplies for the fall. Every so often, he glanced out of the door and looked for Michael. By ten a.m. he finished looking. He had to turn in his paperwork.

Niall wandered down to the office with the supply order. He placed the papers on the desk. One of the receptionists left her chair.

“I’ve got something for you.” She shuffled papers on her desk. “It was just here.”

“Well, here’s my order for supplies. Mostly office stuff—paper, pens, chalk and so forth.” He folded his hands on the counter. “If you find whatever it was, you know where I am. I’m either in my room or the cafeteria in the meetings.”

“No—I found it.” She picked up an envelope. “A courier delivered this.” She strode up to the counter. “I forgot there were still couriers working. I thought they’d been phased out. I hope whatever this is, it’s something good.”

“Me too.” He turned the envelope over. His name had been typed on the front. He slid his finger under the flap and opened the item. Three pieces of paper slid out and fluttered onto the counter. A ticket? His heart raced. A ticket to see Bandit and the Blackhearts. Holy shit! He turned the other papers around. He recognized the gold lettering. A backstage pass?

“Is it something good?” The receptionist pointed to the ticket. “Oh, you’re seeing the Blackhearts? I love that Bandit. He’s sexy.”

He hadn’t expected her to say that. But he had to admit, she had good taste. “I like him, too.”

“A backstage pass? Wow. Someone really likes you.” She smiled. “Who sent them?”

“I don’t know yet.” He winked at her and gathered up the contents of his envelope. “I’ll keep you posted.” He wondered who’d sent the ticket. Just one. Why wouldn’t they want him to go with someone? Maybe them?

When he returned to his room, Michael sat behind his own desk and twiddled with his phone.

“Hey, you.” Niall knocked on Michael’s door. “Anything good on your phone?”

“No.” Michael switched off the screen and shoved the device into his messenger bag. “Nothing important. How about you?”

“My order is in, the grades are done and I got one hell of a surprise when I went to the office.” He held up the envelope. “A ticket to see Bandit. I’m stoked. I hadn’t even tried to go online. I forgot about it.” He chuckled. “What a great fan I am…I forgot about them.”

“Things happen.” He folded his arms. “So you got a ticket? That’s awesome.”

“And a backstage pass.”

“I know. That’s why I needed to duck out and take that phone call. A friend of mine works at the arena and he pulled some strings. I hope you like it.”

“I love it. Thank you. Wow.” He rushed into Michael’s classroom. “I’d love it if you’d go with me, but they only sent one of each. Did you get a ticket on your own?”

“Niall.”

“Were they sold out already?” He gripped the envelope. “Maybe?”

“I couldn’t get the time off. Sucks.” Michael left his chair. He rounded his desk. “But I can meet you afterward? How about that?”

“I’d rather you were with me at the concert, but hanging out after could be a lot of fun.” Niall nodded. “Well, it’s about time to head to the final meeting. I’m going to put these back.” He turned on his heel and made his way across the hall to his classroom. Part of him wanted to be angry that Michael couldn’t accompany him to the concert, but the rest of him understood. He’d see Michael afterward—better that than nothing.

“Wait.” Michael chased after him. His footsteps thumped on the tile floor. “I’ll go along with you to the cafeteria.”

“Cool.” He stuffed the envelope into the inner pocket of his bag then closed the snap. “Do you want to pick a place to meet after the concert?”

“How about we meet out front? Kind of an old-school old-movie romantic sort of thing.” Michael sighed and smoothed his hand over Niall’s chest.

The simple gesture sent heat through Niall’s system and made him wish they had more time before the meeting. “That works.”

“Since it’s the last day of school, we can have fun tonight before I have to leave. I changed my schedule just a little and don’t have to go until tomorrow morning” Michael kissed him light on the lips. “I thought about you last night.”

“Did you?” The idea made him hotter all over. “Good things?”

---