back and rushes past me, almost knocking me over. I turn to watch him run down the hall and a moment later disappear outside.
“His wife left him a few months ago,” Mrs. Travis says, as I step into the lounge to grab a cup of coffee. “He was cheating on her, and when she found out, she decided to clear out their bank account and freeze everything. I bet his car is getting towed for nonpayment.”
Not feeling comfortable talking about a fellow teacher, even if he is a jerk, I don’t respond, but that doesn’t stop everyone else from continuing to talk about him. After I finish making my coffee, I take it with me to my classroom and sip it while I put my stuff away and get ready for my kids to show up.
When lunchtime rolls around, I grab my Kindle, my cell phone, and a cup of noodle soup from my desk. While I’m waiting to use the microwave in the teachers’ lounge, I read through a group text between my sisters and cousins, confirming that I really did agree to go out with them tomorrow night. As I’m texting them back to let them know I will be there, Gareth texts, but instead of reading it, I just dial his number and wait for him to answer.
“I just sent you a text.”
“I know, but I’m on lunch, so I’m calling instead. So how did the appointment go?”
“Sloth is healthy. He does have an infection between some of the folds on his face, and your sister thinks that, along with the fact that he can hardly see, is what’s making him seem so lethargic,” he explains.
“Did she give you medication for the infection?”
“She did. She also suggested he have surgery to remove some of the excess skin.”
“Surgery? Is it necessary?”
“She thinks so. She says it’s common for his breed to have surgery when they’re young, but he just never did.”
“Did she say when she can get him in for surgery?”
“Babe, it’s close to two grand, and that’s with a serious discount from your sister.”
“Okay. And?”
“And… right now, I don’t have that kind of dough to toss at a surgery that isn’t a necessity.”
I do some quick calculations. I’ve been saving for a new car for a while and have more than enough money saved. I just haven’t had time to go look for a car. “I’ll pay for it.”
“You’re not paying for Sloth to have surgery.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re not.”
“Why not? I have the money, and if it means he will have a better life, then I think it is a necessity.”
“I can’t even get into this with you right now. I need to get him back to my place and get to work,” he says, sounding angry, which is something that seriously annoys me, because I know it’s just his damn ego that won’t let me pay for the surgery.
“Fine, we’ll talk about it tonight.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. You’re not paying for Sloth to have surgery. I’ll work some overtime and take care of it.”
“Do you mean overtime on top of the overtime you’re already working? Because if that’s the case, you might as well just move to the shop, since you spend so much time there anyway.”
“I have to work to provide for my family,” he growls, no longer sounding angry but pissed.
“Yeah, and you know what? I have a job and am offering to help,” I hiss, becoming pissed myself.
“You have an apartment and your own bills to worry about, Ember.”
“Fine! Then I’ll just move in with you. That way you don’t have any more excuses for why I can’t help you out.”
“Give your landlord notice today.”
“I will!” I snap.
“Good,” he snaps back, and then rumbles, “I gotta go.”
“Whatever.” I pull my phone from my ear and press End on the call.
“Ugh, that was the most I’ve ever heard you say, and also the weirdest conversation I have ever heard,” Tasha says, and I feel myself turn ten shades of red as I look up at her. “Was that your boyfriend?”
“Yes.”
“Did you just tell him that you were moving in with him?”
“I think so.” I look at my phone. What the hell just happened?
“Girl, you’ve got balls. Good for you.” She smiles then shakes her head. “I also think you might be a little crazy.”
“He makes me crazy.”
“He’s a man; they do that. I’ve been with my guy for almost ten years, and most days I wake up thankful he’s in my life. But