Page 21 of Napkins and Other Distractions
It’s Theo, with his mop of sandy blond curls, sounding happier than he has in, well, as long as I’ve known him. Apparently, dating the cute-as-a-button first-grade teacher will do that to you.
“Of course, Theo, and remember, Kent is fine when students aren’t around.”
“I know, and … ”
Brodie, a small first grader with jet-black hair pops into my office. Completely hidden by Theo’s frame and without making eye contact or uttering a word, Brodie grabs the trash can and hands it to Theo, who promptly empties it before returning it to Brodie.
After the “fire-alarm incident” last year, Brodie’s plan to earn points to help Theo has worked like a charm. Something tells me that Sheldon and Theo’s budding relationship helps them communicate about everything, including Brodie.
“Brodie, how are you today?”
Silence.
“You must’ve had a good morning to be helping Mr. Berenson,” I say.
Theo taps Brodie on the shoulder and raises an eyebrow.
“Yes, sir,” Brodie says in a faint, raspy voice.
Vincent’s eyes dart between his laptop and the conversation, and I realize I’ve forgotten my manners.
“Mr. Berenson, Brodie, this is Vincent. He’s helping me with some new software.”
Theo shoots me a look. I mentioned a date with Vincent to him weeks ago, but I’m not sure he remembers.
“Oh, Vincent. Yes, Kent’s mentioned you.” He remembers.
“Really? What has he said about me?” Vincent asks.
“Thank you, boys.” I fumble, moving to close the door. “But we have important work to do. Say hello to Mr. Soleskin for me.”
A huge grin sweeps over Theo’s face, and my heart warms, knowing the universe and our exploding classroom numbers brought these two together.
“He seems like a sweet guy,” Vincent says.
“Theo? He really is. Took him a while to come out of his shell, but he’s got a heart of gold.”
“And the kid helping him?”
“Brodie. He earns points for staying safe in the classroom. Theo’s his reward. Sheldon, that’s Brodie’s teacher, is Theo’s boyfriend.”
“And the kids all know?”
“They do. They’re ecstatic about it. You can’t help but fall in love with Sheldon. Younger students want their teachers to be happy, and Theo makes Sheldon happy.”
Vincent purses his lips and nods, seemingly impressed by the level of acceptance here at Lear.
“I’ve worked hard to cultivate a school community where everyone is welcome and celebrated.”
“It really shows,” Vincent says, grabbing his travel pack of wipes and cleaning his hands, keyboard, and screen.
“I’m glad,” I say, pleased my diligence has paid off. “How about you? Are you out at Hopscotch?”
“Oh yeah. Geoff couldn’t care less. I don’t think anyone at Hopscotch gives it a second thought.” Vincent folds the dirty wipe and tosses it into the empty trash can. “Geoff’s more concerned about my mishaps at work than my sexuality.”
Vincent’s wiping ritual happens a few times a day, almost on the hour, and the growling in my stomach notifies me it’s almost lunchtime.
“Hungry?” he asks. The right side of his mouth turns up, and the urge to lean over and nibble his lip needs to stop right now. Thank you very much.
