answers, as if he’s resigned himself to something, but I’m not sure what. But when I process his actual response, I cringe.
“So I guess you didn’t need that job lead, then.”
He takes a deep breath. “The business venture isn’t coming along quite as quickly as I’d hoped, so I might need that job after all.” He sinks deeper into the seat. “I never said thanks for that. And for everything you’ve done for Sherm. You’ve been really great for him.”
My heart is pounding, and I will it to slow down. I don’t want to feel this attracted to someone who may or may not be married. I want to ask him about the woman. I want to ask him why Sherm won’t speak to him. But, surrounded by chattering nine-year-olds and eavesdropping teachers, it doesn’t seem like the right time.
“You’re welcome for the job lead, and as far as Sherm, he’s a pretty amazing kid. I really enjoy having him in class.”
He nods and lowers his eyes. “He is a great kid.”
“Did you know the house you’re living in is called Widow’s Leap?” I volunteer to keep the conversation going.
A little of the wariness that’s melted away over the past week creeps back into his expression.
“Not to be nosy. I just happened to notice the address in Sherm’s school record. We used to tell ghost stories about that house when I was growing up. I knew someone had bought it and fixed it up when I was away at college, but I haven’t been past it in years.”
“Where did you go to college?” he asks.
“Clemson. I graduated just before my mom died.”
The corners of his eyes crease. “Sorry.”
“Me too,” I say on a sigh.
“How long ago?” he asks.
“Ten months,” I say, my heart squeezing into a knot.
His gaze grows distant. “It gets a little easier, but you never forget.”
I tip my head back against the seat and close my eyes, trying to stop the heartache, because it’s not the forgetting that’s the problem. I’m having trouble remembering. Her spirit abandoned me, and now I’m letting her memory slip away too. I hate myself for it.
We get back to school just at the afternoon recess bell, and the kids unload and run onto the playground to brag to their friends about the trip.
“This was interesting,” Rob says. “Thanks for inviting me along.” It seems like there’s more he wants to say, but he bites his lip and watches Sherm and Macie head to the playground.
“I appreciate you risking your life for the good of the class.”
He laughs, but then his expression darkens and his eyes drill through mine. “Lucky guy.”
“What?” I ask in a fog, losing myself in their depths.
“Your date.”
His words are like a bucket of cold water to my face. I feel my mouth open and close like a fish as I struggle to find a reply, but nothing comes.
He turns for his car. “I’ll be back for Sherm after school.”
I watch him go, then I head to my room and pull out my phone, scanning through the pictures. They’re mostly of Rob, I find. My heart beats a little harder when I find one of him climbing out of the water, his T-shirt and swim trunks glued to his body. I blow it up, and my heart rate quickens more as I scroll from his face slowly down his hard body.
God, he’s gorgeous.
I jump and nearly throw my phone across the room when the door opens. Sherm passes through to the bathroom. When he comes out a few minutes later, I’ve got myself mostly together.
“What did you think about the manatees? Cool as sharks?” I ask him.
He shrugs. “They’re totally different.”
“Five extra-credit points if you can tell me three differences.”
“Manatees are mammals and sharks are fish,” he says, ticking off one finger. He uncurls a second finger. “Manatees are herbivores and most sharks are carn—”
“That’s good, Sherm,” I interrupt, holding up a hand to stop him. “Heard enough, thank you. A plus.”
He giggles and starts for the door.
I swallow. “Sherm? Tell me about your ring.”
He stops and fingers the small lump under his T-shirt. “It’s for Mom, so we don’t forget.”
I remember Rob telling me about his sibling’s Civil War names. “Do all your sisters and brothers have rings?”
He nods.
“Do you see them very often?”
He squints at me like he doesn’t understand the question.
“Do you and Rob visit your brother and sisters sometimes?” I clarify.
He blinks as though he’s still confused. “Lee moved into my room.”
“Your sister?” My