Page 39 of Substitute for Love

He opened his eyes, but they were distant, unfocused, like he was looking at something far away. His usually sharp gaze was dulled by exhaustion, and something twisted in Avery’s heart.

“I think you got hit kinda hard,” she said, her voice softer now, edged with concern. “We should get you checked out.”

He giggled, the sound so out of place it made her chest tighten. “You’ve already been checking me out.”

“Gaaaaabe, I’m serious.”

“I’m so tired.” His voice was barely a whisper, his body slumping against her.

Avery sighed, the sound catching in her throat as she lifted his arm, trying to help him up. The scent of him, the feel of his strong body against hers, sent a flutter through her, a reminder of how much she wanted him. “Come on, big boy.”

Her heart was screaming at her to hold onto him, to keep him close, but her mind whispered caution, pulling her back just as her heart urged her forward.

He giggled as he stood. “I’m not grown up, really.” He put his arm around her and leaned on her slightly, Avery steadyinghim by putting her arm around him. He smelled like sweat and manliness.

“Oh, I know you’re not grown up.” She tried to guide him out the office door and slowly down the hall. “It’s part of your charm.” Avery surprised herself with the statement—the fact that she said it but also that she believed it.

“But I don’t have a real job yet.” Gabe’s voice sounded different. Low and sad.

“Substitute teaching is a real job,” she said. “And you’re good at it.”

“You’re nice. But I might not be here for very much longer.”

What an odd thing to say. “What do you mean?” she asked.

“I move a lot. Did you know I’ve lived in so many places?”

“I did.”

The sound of music blared as the door to the gym opened into the hallway, one of the teachers searching the hall until he turned toward Avery and Gabe.

“Oh! There you are. Is he okay?”

Avery stopped. “He might have a concussion. I’m going to take him to the 24-medical center down the street to get checked out.”

The other teacher nodded. “Good plan. Gabe, you’re going to be fine.”

“Miss Williams always takes good care of everyone,” Gabe said.

Avery tilted her head. That was probably the sweetest thing a guy had ever said to her. She had no idea it mattered to him, let alone that Gabe had noticed she liked taking care of people. Since Avery was very young, she was always taking care of others. Mom said it was her best quality. Avery stood a little taller, her chest filling with pride, something she didn’t have a lot of these days. In response, Gabe held onto her tighter. Her heart filled with warmth and she wanted to hug him right there.

The teacher disappeared back in the gym, and Avery guided him toward the exit near the parking lot.

Avery asked, “Why did you say that? About me being good at taking care of everyone?”

“Because it’s true. Oh! And you’re pretty.”

Avery laughed. Still a goofball. A sweet goofball, with a possible concussion. “Do you know what you’re saying?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. Aren’t we on a date?”

“Semi-date,” she corrected.

“Oh, I remember.” They went through the door. “I made it up,” he whispered. “So you’d go out with me.”

Avery knew concussions could be serious, but the way he was talking was absolutely hilarious. She tried her best to keep her composure.

“Careful, careful, watch the curb,” she said. They made it to his truck. “Keys?”

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