Page 26 of Asher's Assignment

“No. Because you care about the kids. Sometimes, that care is all the kid ever gets. The world needs more teachers like you.”

Esther felt her cheeks heat. “Oh, well, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He took a quick glance around the room. “What do you want me to do?”

“Make sure all the kids have everything they showed up with and that they all have their booklet. Then just start putting things away. Although you don’t have to be quick. Leila will linger as long as her folks will allow, so the longer we take to clean up, the less likely we are to have a second encounter with her.”

His crooked smile widened. “Be a snail. Got it.”

Esther chuckled. He turned to step away, but she snagged his shirt sleeve. “You’ve got—” She lifted a hand and motioned to the spot on her face where he had glitter on his.

Frowning, he raised a hand and swiped at his cheek, then looked at his fingers. Gold glitter shined on them. He sighed. “Why am I not surprised?” Using his sleeve, he wiped at his face. “Did I get it all?”

There were a couple of sparkles left in his short beard, but nothing crazy. “Yes.”

“Great, thank you.”

“Of course.”

Backing away, she returned to helping the children pack up. Fifteen minutes later, all the kids were gone and the room was back in order.

“Are you ready?” Asher asked.

“I think so.” She took another quick look around, but everything appeared to be back where it belonged.

“Let’s go, then. I’m ready for lunch.” He waited for her to exit, then flipped off the lights

“Is that part of your ‘planned activities’ for us this afternoon?” She turned her head, a curious smirk sitting on her lips.

He gave a low chuckle. “Actually, yes. We can grab a bite somewhere, then we’re going shopping.”

“Shopping? For what?”

“A doorbell camera.”

Esther’s shoulders sagged at the reminder of why he was here. “Oh.”

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to rain on your mood.”

“You’re fine. I just forget, you know?” They headed down the hallway toward the lobby. “Not enough has happened to make it something that’s always on my mind. I still think you and Edie are overreacting, but I can see the merit of a doorbell camera. Even if all this wasn’t happening, I should probably still have one.”

“You should. Or a peep hole. Cameras are easier to install and safer.”

They reached the main lobby, where a few people still milled around talking. Thankfully, Esther didn’t see Leila.

“Looks like your mom and dad left already,” Asher said.

Esther breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t want to have to put up the façade with them again. “Yeah.” She waved at a couple of people but didn’t stop on her way to the coatrack. They quickly donned their jackets and left.

Outside, she let herself relax a bit. They could just be themselves now.

“So, what’s a good place for lunch?” Asher pulled the car keys from his pocket and hit the button on the fob to unlock his vehicle as they approached.

“Depends on what you’re in the mood for.”

He opened her door and stepped back so she could slide in. “We’re on the coast, so how about fresh seafood?”

Esther didn’t even have to think about where to go. “I know the perfect spot.”

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