Page 16 of Wanting You

“Sounds good, and thanks, Levi!”

The entire drive over to the school, she couldn’t help but think about Tanner. She realized now that she regretted looking him up online because all it did was make her like him less. It led her to believe that he was arrogant because of his celebrity status and had her questioning why on earth he was now going to be teaching kindergarten. Why couldn’t he stick to skiing? There was no report of a career-ending injury or an illness; he simply retired.

But he still had some endorsement deals, so why couldn’t he just do that? Not that she knew anything about how much that sort of thing paid, but she had to imagine it was more than a teacher’s salary.

“And if he wasn’t such a jerk, I could ask him these things,” she murmured to herself. “But I can’t. So now my imagination is just going to go wild. Gah!”

Fortunately, she pulled up to the school and found a parking spot back by the portable classrooms. Several teachers were walking over and when they spotted her, they came over to help carry everything in.

Inside the new teachers’ lounge, Susan was setting up the coffee bar, Terry Murphy, the music teacher, was putting out paper goods, and Principal Kincaid was writing some stuff on the giant whiteboard.

Within minutes, the room was almost full and everyone was sort of hesitating to be the first person to either grab something to eat or drink. She was about to be the one to get things started when Tanner strode in with an enormous foil-covered plate.

“Good morning, everyone!” he called out. “Sorry I’m late, but I had to let the breakfast frittata finish cooking! Hope you’re all hungry!”

Son of a…

She met Principal Kincaid’s eyes from across the room and hopefully he read the dismay she was feeling. Of all the nerve! They had both told Tanner that she was bringing the refreshments and he completely disregarded them!

“A breakfast frittata?” Marcus Brown, one of the second-grade teachers, asked. “That sounds awesome!”

“I’ve also got a tray of chocolate chip cookies out in the car,” Tanner said. “I’ll be right back!”

Chloe was about to go after him when Susan walked over and stopped her. “It’s being handled,” she said quietly before glancing over her shoulder toward the table. “But you have to give him credit. He’s determined to make an impression and knows food is always a good start.”

“It was rude since he knew I was bringing all the food this morning,” she hissed. “How am I supposed to work with him if this is how he starts off the year?”

“I think he’s trying a little too hard, but it’s rough being the new guy,” she reasoned.

“And yet the six other new teachers haven’t been stepping on anyone’s toes…”

Before Susan could reply, Dave Scholl, the PE teacher, joined them. “Hey, Chloe! Thanks for getting some gluten-free stuff for me this morning. I appreciate how you always remember.”

It was the perfect distraction. “No worries, Dave. I’m happy to do it.” A few other teachers came over to thank her and gush over the variety she had brought with her, and it all calmed her down.

Maybe she was being overly sensitive. After all, what was the harm in a bit more food for the meeting? Letting out a soft breath, she decided to stop focusing on the negative and embrace the start of the school year. She and Tanner won’t have to interact on anything until the holiday plays and those were three months away. So for now, she was going to forget all about him and his obnoxious and overbearing ways and stay in her own lane.

After all, she’d garnered a reputation for being an excellent teacher and coworker here at Sweetbriar Elementary. And no one was going to take that away from her.

“I don’t understand what the big deal is. It was just breakfast.”

“Yes, but it was breakfast we already discussed was being covered. It seems to me like you purposely did this to overshadow Chloe. What I don’t understand is why.”

Tanner shifted the large plate of cookies in his hands. “It’s nothing personal. I was raised to share the burden and also do everything I could to make a good first impression. Chloe’s been here longer and she’s been Teacher of the Year twice. Maybe I’m trying to take some of the pressure off of her,” he said with a casual shrug.

But the look on Principal Kincaid’s face said he didn’t fully believe him.

“I’m just trying to be a team player and contribute; that’s all. I accepted some of Chloe’s decorations and I’ve been working really hard on my room so everything will be ready for Tuesday. Now, I’d love to bring these cookies inside and stop holding up the meeting. I’m sure you have an agenda and schedule you’re trying to keep.”

Fortunately, that seemed to work. They headed back into the classroom and found everyone making plates of food, getting drinks, and taking their seats. Tanner put the plate of cookies down and smiled at a few people as he walked over to get himself a cup of coffee.

And found himself standing right next to Chloe.

“Good morning,” he said, reaching for a cup. “All the baked goods look delicious. And I know they will be. I went into Books & Beans yesterday on my way here and grabbed a blueberry muffin and a slice of the lemon pound cake. I can see why it’s famous. Your grandmother must have been a fabulous baker.”

She looked at him warily before conceding. “She was. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Then she picked up her coffee and went to sit down.

By the time Tanner had his own coffee made, the only place left to sit was next to Chloe. Rather than make it look like he’d rather sit anywhere else than there—which he did—he simply made himself a plate of food and then took his seat.

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