Page 8 of Swipe Right for Orcs
“Why are you thinking about not going now?”
“I don’t know. What if I say something inappropriate? You know how I can be. And what if he’s just looking for his fated mate or something? What if I am his fated mate and I’m notready for that kind of commitment?” I’m rambling now, the anxiety making my thoughts spill out uncontrollably.
“First of all, I just Googled it. Orcs don’t have fated mates, so you’re good there. They do have mates, but they choose them, and it seems you get a mark if you’re their chosen one. Second, I’m sure he knew you were drunk when you chatted and asked you out, knowing you’re filterless. You should go. Live a little. See what happens. Maybe you fall for a monster or make a new friend. Either way, you’ll have an interesting story to tell.”
“You’re sure?”
“Fairlie. Take your ass to dinner and drinks and see what happens. At the least, you could get some good monster dick and call it a night. Is he hot? Can I see a picture?”
“Yeah, hold on.” I pull the phone away from my ear and find the picture I saved. “There. It’s sent.”
“Fuck me. He’s sexy as hell. Those little teeth should be weirding me out, but they’re turning me on. Does he have a brother? Even a distant cousin will do. I could use a little green peen in my life.”
I laugh, feeling a bit more at ease. “We didn’t cover that last night. I’ll ask him and get back to you.”
“So you’re going?”
“I’m going.”
“Make sure you text me tomorrow. I want every detail,” Merrin insists.
“Promise.” The classroom door opens, and Mrs. Gilmore steps inside, her expression as frosty as ever. “I’ve got to go, Merrin. Talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay. Love you. Oh! Drop your location tonight so I can make sure you’re safe.” She hangs up, and I set my phone down on the desk, watching as Mrs. Gilmore gives me the stink eye while hanging up her sweater. Her disdain is clear, and theweight of her judgment is evident as preparations are made for the kids’ return.
“The students should be back any minute. Do you have the lesson plan ready?” Mrs. Gilmore’s eyes narrow as she sits her purse down behind the desk.
“All set. I haveThe Very Hungry Caterpillar,a lesson, and craft ready to go for the life cycle of butterflies.”
Her eyes roll dramatically. “What’s wrong with a simple erase board and worksheet? You always have to go above and beyond. It’s irritating.”
I take a deep breath, trying to keep my frustration in check. “I want my teaching style to be interactive and engaging for the students. A worksheet and notes on the board might be effective, but it’s also boring. That’s not the kind of teacher I want to be.”
“Aren’t we a little know-it-all go-getter? Enjoy, Fairy. But when they get out of hand because they’re eight, don’t come crying to me.” The jab is obvious. She knows my name is Fairlie, but she’d rather call me ‘Fairy.’
“Okay.”
Before the kids come back, I hurry and open my phone, finally responding to Osric.
Me- Of course! See you tonight. Can’t wait.
I hitsend and sit back in my chair, feeling a renewed sense of excitement. I can’t wait to meet Osric in person. With some perspective from Merrin, the idea of a fresh start with someone new, especially someone as unusual as an orc, makes my heart flutter with anticipation. She’s right, I have nothing to lose. This could be my happily ever after, or at the very least, finally a good dicking. Now, the task of choosing an outfit looms ahead. I’ll need something that balances comfort and style—somethingthat says I’m excited, but also relaxed. I think about the options hanging in my closet. Maybe a chic dress with a little sparkle, or perhaps a smart-casual look that’s both flattering and comfortable.
The door opens once more and Sutton enters, her braids and toothy grin shining as she moves to her desk and sits down.
Mrs. Gilmore stands at the front of the room, looming over the space like a drill sergeant.
Shaking my head at how strict and boring she is, I sneak a quick glance at my phone. I smile again, thinking about Osric and our date tonight. I can’t wait to see where this evening leads and how it might just be the start of something exciting and new.
“Miss Gardener, are you with us?” Gilmore’s voice cuts through my good mood and I glance up at her with one side of my lip curled.
“Sure am. Just checking for an email from teachers' services.” I drop my phone in a drawer of the desk and shut it.
What I said isn’t a total lie.
I put in a request with Teacher Education Services to be moved and I’m hoping to hear back any day now. I’ll miss the kids, but I won’t miss her ass. Miss Woosley down the hall teaches second grade too, and she said to tell them I could just switch to her classroom. So I’m hoping since it’s the same school and grade and the new teacher is willing, that it’s not a big deal.
“Well, now that we’re all back from recess, we can move on to science. Miss Gardener, they’re all yours. Good luck.” She smirks and I flash a fake smile back.
