her cider.
A couple bumps into me at the next stall, not apologizing for being so wrapped up in each other they don’t notice me. My heart gives another feeble pang. The man’s cologne smells similar to the earthy one Connor wears. With a polite smile, I sidestep the pair to check out the crystals and gemstones on the shelves. Maisy makes a sound like she found one she likes, and gets lost in a conversation with the vendor about crystals for empowering and boosting yoga practice.
I tune it out as I poke at the pretty stones on one of the tables. The basket at the end of the row stops me. It’s full of moonstones, reminding me of Connor once more.
Gulping the dregs of my drink, I slip outside to toss the cup, putting him from my mind. I bump into someone.
“Sorry!” I put my hands up to brace myself and catch my balance.
“Thea.” Mr. Coleman gives me a handsome smile. “It’s so good to see you outside of class.”
“Mr. C.” The high-octave surprise in my tone has him tipping his head. My bag suddenly weighs a thousand pounds with Connor’s file inside sitting like a brick. All the accusations float up to the forefront of my thoughts. They test the impression of the cool, kind teacher I thought of him as, small fissures running along the facade. An uncomfortable pitter-patter moves through my chest. I edge back a step, putting more distance between us. “Uh, hi. You’re here, too.”
“I am. The holiday bazaar in Ridgeview is one of my favorites in the area. I’m a real sucker for the mulled wine.” He chuckles and reaches out to pat my shoulder. “I hope your break is going well.”
He pauses when I flinch and step back again. Henry flashes in my mind and my skin crawls.
Maisy saves me from answering, slinging her arm over my shoulder. “They had such a good deal on rose quartz!”
“That’s great,” I say in a strained voice. “Well, bye Mr. C. Enjoy the market.”
I feel his eyes on my back as Maisy and I keep walking. Can’t I get one afternoon away from my problems?
Apparently not, because every couple-oriented ornament, holiday song, and activity at the market bombard me the further we go. Damn Connor for owning my thoughts. One of his hugs would feel so good right now.
“Oh damn, look how long the line is.” Maisy motions to the bathrooms, where she pulled us after the last stall. “Don’t wait up.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”
“It’s fine. Go ahead.” She points at me with a sly smirk. “Keep your eye out for a good prank gift for me.”
“We can meet up by the tree display in the middle when you’re done,” I offer.
“Perfect.”
Leaving Maisy, I tuck my hands in my coat pockets and continue browsing. I’m looking at a vendor with wooden holiday ornaments when I spot Mr. Coleman again at the next booth, enraptured by the jewelry. The necklaces in particular have his attention.
Uneasiness whispers in my mind. Connor swore he was dangerous.
I abandon the laser-cut ornament with baking tools dangling beneath a pie to sneak closer, observing Mr. Coleman’s actions. He touches the jewelry with a meticulous focus, stroking each pendant. It brings up the memory of the necklace Henry planned to send me. After selecting one, he stands in line to pay.
A woman runs the stall, but she hands off Mr. Coleman’s necklace to her teenage daughter while another customer asks her for help. I bite my lip as Mr. Coleman’s eyes light up. He leans closer to the daughter, talking to her. She’s flustered but peeks at him shyly as she packages his purchase. His hand brushes hers as he takes the bag.
The corners of my mouth turn down. Glancing around, I follow him, keeping several feet behind so I can duck out of sight.
Mr. Coleman meets up with a girl from Silver Lake High, a sophomore, I think. She doesn’t seem wary as they chat, but I can’t stop watching. He gives her a serene smile, all his attention focused on her. Whatever he says makes her giggle.
She kind of looks like me. Similar shade of red hair, same white coat I have on today. I swallow as Connor’s voice fills my mind.
He’s so focused on you at school.
Maybe it’s because I’m used to him in one setting and now he’s out of that box that has everything feeling so off. It’s not that he’s doing anything crazy, but now