––––––––
Before I know it, it’s10 a.m., only ten minutes more before we have to pile all the kids into the auditorium.It’s only then I realize my heart has been thudding nonstop for the whole of last week, but now it’s positively going to fly out of my chest.
I force myself to breathe, to be composed.I’m in charge here.This is my domain.They are not going to throw me on my desk, part my thighs, and touch me.
I gasp so loudly that twenty sweet, innocent faces look up at me.But their attention on me only lasts for a second before they rush to the window overlooking the front parking lot.
Immediate mayhem breaks out as a trio of sports cars pulls into the parking lot.
Did they really just do that?Could they have picked any flashier cars to make a statement?I fold my arms and glare at the cars, then I glare harder as each of them emerges.I guess I should be grateful they’re clothed, in their bespoke suits, looking like freaking movie stars.
By the time I see Melody rush out to meet them, I’m at risk of grinding my teeth to dust.
Do they have to make such a spectacle of their entrance?They could have arrived in one car, for goodness’ sake.
Okay, fine.I wanted them to personally deliver child-friendly snacks.I should have known this is how they would show up.My fault.I’ll know better for next time.Nope, there is never going to be a next time.
I get my classroom aide, Louise, to escort the kids to the auditorium, and I head out to meet them.There’s no way I’m allowing them in without inspecting the snacks beforehand.
I have no idea what Melody was saying to them, but they clearly looked like they were enjoying her company.Well, they can have each other.
“Ms.Quinn,” they each say as I approach.
“Gentlemen,” I say, and I hope they can hear the sarcasm in my voice.
“We brought snacks, as instructed,” Jude says.
“Congratulations on doing the bare minimum.”
“Genevieve, that is so rude,” Melody admonishes me.
“Yeah, so rude, Ms.Quinn,” Levi adds.
“Melody, I think Mr.Hamilton is looking for you.”Mr.Hamilton is the principal, and no, he’s not looking for her.
Melody groans, gives them a seductive goodbye, and looks forward to sitting next to them in the auditorium.
“Let’s see what you brought,” I say, folding my arms.
“You don’t trust us?”
“Not one bit.”
“How does someone who tastes so sweet be so bossy?”
My cheeks turn red, but despite that, my glare is on point.They should be turning to corpses any time soon.
“Okay, okay,” Alexander says, and they each pull out a big pink box from their cars and flip the lids.
Inside are the most spectacularly looking cupcakes, s’mores, and caramel popcorn in little gold boxes.
“You did not make this.”
“You said homemade.We brought a baker to our home.It’s homemade.”
My sigh is so loud it could start a tsunami.
“Wait, is that liqueur I smell?”
