her mouth because I was too busy observing the way she coated her lips with slippery gloss, a hint of red mixed with shiny clear. “That’s why you look so nice.” My words were soft and my stare into her eyes was even softer. Not only were they not my words, that wasn’t my tone either. I had no idea where that even came from.
Rydell’s face instantly went from relaxed to strained, eyebrows darting quickly to the bridge of her nose. “You want to go to the hub? I’ll show you a few things we’re required to do.”
I’m sure had I read the tedious email Miss Day had sent two days before, I would have known about the hub and the orientation with parents and kids. We trained on where to put in grades, notes to parents, schedules, and yet more political bullshit that made zero sense to me, like signing all emails with, ‘We the people of St. Augustine.’ What the fuck was that even supposed to mean?
I didn’t even make it through a whole day without flirting with her, crossing a line I was warned not to cross, and I couldn’t help it. It was all Wendi’s fault. Had she not instantly made her off limits, I wouldn’t have felt so drawn to her. I couldn’t help it. She was so pretty, plain pretty with a sexy, yet subtle style and a body. Woah, that body.
The next two hours were spent in meetings, the first one about the importance of values, and during the second I was fighting with my eyes to stay open. Wendi and my orange friend, Jonas, joined us in Rydell’s class after that, and we waited for parents and their kids. My kids. My kids for the entire school year.
Rydell helped me out with the first few sets of families, but then ducked into her own class, wanting to get the hell out of there as well. It was okay though, I did just fine, and the kids loved me. It was actually rather easy. I was more intimidated by the parents than the kids, but nothing major. I ended up telling the kids they could call me Mr. J when not one of them understood how to pronounce the D in my last name, other than that, I adapted. Oh, and the stupid pants I chose to wear. I either stood with my hands in front of me, or seated, sure they were going in the trash as soon as I got home.
“All done?” Rydell asked, as her head popped through the door between our rooms.
“One more, you?”
“I’m done, but I’ll wait around.”
I didn’t have time to protest, and I guess I didn’t really want her to leave. I liked her, everything about her, and she was pretty to look at. I greeted the family of five as they entered my class. “Hello, I’m Mr. Jandt, but you can call me Mr. J. You must be Rowan,” I said, extending a hand to my student, then her parents - her hot mother first. Damn…I followed the chain down to the next two little ones, positively sure the blonde girl in my class was adopted. She looked nothing like her younger brother and sister. Nonetheless, they were a nice looking family with money. Their Monday evening attire was a dead giveaway. Rowan and I hit it off right off the bat, and I knew we’d be cool together. She was so pleasant and smart. I presumed that’s why she skipped the first grade, but I wasn’t surprised once she read to me. Definitely a third or fourth grade reader. Like I knew what third and fourth graders read.
The kids played in a corner for a few minutes while the dad drilled me like a staff sergeant, asking me questions about my education, my experience, past jobs, marital status. I didn’t lie, and he didn’t like me. That much was evident. I told him how I had been busking on Third and Broadway since I had graduated from Vanderbilt, but this was my first job since I had earned my degree. That didn’t impress him either. Just when I thought he would ask about the balance in my bank account the mom stopped him. Finally.
“Oh, my God, Pax, leave the poor guy alone. Don’t mind him. He’s just a little over protective sometimes. I’m sure you’ll get along fine with Rowan, she’s a sweetheart, and I’m sure you won’t have any problems with her.”
“I’m sure