Page 14 of Perfectly Complicated
I turn to the kids, forcing a smile. “Okay, everyone, rehearsal is over early today. Line up at the door and we’ll head to the front of the school where your parents are waiting.”
As the kids scramble to the door, I turn back to Rourke.
“One more thing…” I whisper hotly. “I never agreed to work with an egotistical hockey player who ruins Christmas for everyone. So here’s how this is going to work: you show up next week with a better attitude, or I’m calling Principal Callahan and telling him you’re not a good fit for this project. Got it?”
Instead of waiting for his answer, I gather my things and herd the kids out the door, leaving him standing alone in my classroom, looking like he’s finally realized he might have actually screwed up.
FIVE
Janie
As soon as I drop the kids off to their parents, I make it exactly ten steps down the hallway before I lean against the wall and close my eyes. I just left Rourke in charge of the script. Have I lost my mind?
I can’t let him ruin the pageant. I’m the first new director in thirty years. And our arts program is in desperate need of funding. This isn’t just about tradition; the ticket sales from our Christmas pageant fund our arts programs for the year. Principal Callahan has already sent out press releases about the pageant to the local newspaper. If this fails, it’s not just disappointed kids I’ll have to deal with. It’s my reputation, my job, and the school’s budget.
Why didn’t I just kick him out like he seemed to want me to do?
I pinch the bridge of my nose, letting out a breath. Finding another Santa this close to Christmas will be next to impossible. I’d already begged every man in town before the principal found Rourke. I literally asked the mailman, the grocery store manager, and three random dads at pickup. All declined.
Down the hall, I see Rourke emerge from my classroom. I don’t wait to see if he’s looking for me. Instead, I dart toward thejanitor’s closet, shutting myself in with the scent of pine cleaner and old mops.
After a few seconds, footsteps stop outside the door. “Janie?” Rourke knocks. “You in there?”
I press my body against the wall, and accidentally bump a broom, which crashes to the floor.
“So that’s a yes, then?” he asks.
I close my eyes. “I’m busy, Rourke.”
“Busy hiding in a janitor’s closet?” His voice is closer to the door now. “Could you at least open it?”
“No.”
“Fine,” he says with a sigh. “Then you’re going to have to listen through the door. Look, I’m sorry. I really messed up back there.”
“Spectacularly,” I mutter.
“I know. Can you come out? Please?”
I cross my arms, even though he can’t see me. “Not until you apologize for humiliating me in front of my students.”
“I’m trying to. But I want to apologize to your face instead of the door, which isn’t nearly as pretty.”
Why does he have to be so charming when I’m still mad at him? This is exactly why I don’t get involved with men like Rourke Riley. They’re charming and confident and completely oblivious to the damage they cause. And when they come crawling back with all smiles and apologies, I’m in no state to resist.
I crack the door. He has his hands in his pockets, and a sad puppy-dog look on his face, which isn’t helping my heart.
“I shouldn’t have said those things to you back there,” he says. “It’s not your fault the script is bad. I’m sorry.”
“You’re not wrong about the script,” I say slowly. “But you traumatized children who’ve been looking forward to this for weeks.”
“I know.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I’m an idiot.”
“At least we agree on one thing.” I pause. “Why are you even here if you dislike Christmas so much?”
“It’s required. My team has a mandatory community service requirement this year. I can’t quit without losing a lot of money and getting benched. And missing games could cost me my starting position.”
“So you’re not here out of goodwill,” I say, frowning. “You’re here to fulfill an obligation.”
