Page 41 of Prospect Year

“No, I’m not. Do you know where she may be?”

“Do you know her family?” the teacher asked, causing a smile to come over Lola. Wise choice of words.

“Let’s just say her father knows I’m here and there will be no problems.” Lola cocked his head. “Unless I don’t find her today.”

“She’s normally seated at one of the tables near that corner of the cafeteria.”

“Thank you. Sir,” Lola replied and strolled in the direction mentioned, spotting her as he reached near the center of the room.

He silently stopped behind her as she sat with friends. Taking the rose, he reached around, holding it in her line of sight. She spun in her seat as the table became silent, watching.

“I hope you don’t mind.” He dropped to sit on his heels next to her.

She threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you!”

“Are we making jealous or making a statement?” he whispered for only her to hear as she hugged him.

“Maybe both,” she whispered in return and straightened.

“I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t wait until tonight,” he said.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you,” she told him, taking the rose from his hand.

He said nothing as he pulled the slender box from his pocket and placed it on the table in front of her. Hearing the gasps from across the table, he smiled. “Open it.”

Flipping the lid open, her eyes widened as he reached around her and lifted the simple bracelet from its box. Lola wrapped it around her wrist, locking the clasp.

“Can you stay?” Skye asked, her smile so large and genuine.

“I don’t want to butt in on your friends,” he said, looking around the table. “And since I’ll see you tonight for dinner, I should probably get back to work. But if you want to walk me to the door . . .” He let the thought trail off.

“Can you watch my stuff?” Skye asked the girl next to her. Then, she hopped to her feet and, side by side, they walked through the cafeteria and toward the large glass doors next to the office. Lola waved to the secretary, getting a smile in return.

“That was great. Thank you!” Skye said.

“I hope it does whatever you’re hoping for,” Lola told her. With that, he walked out and returned to his job of delivering flowers.

***

When he finally returned home late that afternoon, he carried in the last of the roses—a yellow one and a pink one. Finding Amber studying in the formal dining room, he stepped in.

“This is sweet. Thank you,” she told him, smiling. “You do have a soft side.”

“Don’t tell anyone. I’ll deny it.”

“I bet you would,” she agreed with a laugh.

“What are you working on?” he asked, leaning over to read the paper in front of her.

“English. I’m writing an essay for my study group,” she explained.

“Ah. I’ll get out of your way then. You got this,” he said, backing from the room.

Next, Mia. Where to begin looking? The door under the staircase stood open. She must be there. He strolled over and stepped inside. “Busy?”

Mia jumped to her feet.

He held out the pink rose.

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