Page 43 of Wild Love

"I'll walk you out," I said to him, and we walked through the library and out the front doors. The kids and parents had dispersed.

"I'm proud of you." Chance hugged me before heading toward his cruiser.

Eli stood nearby.

"You didn't have to come."

"And miss that? I wanted to see you in your element, and it was amazing. Those kids were enraptured with you."

"I had fun but?—"

"You were a natural."

"I didn't think I could do it."

Eli shoved his hands in his pockets. "Are you going to offer the class again? Maybe even direct a small play for them?"

"I'm not sure how long I'll be here."

Eli nodded. "I know you don't know where you want to be in a few months, but why don't you give this a chance? See if it's something you'd like to do."

The idea of directing a children's play was interesting. I wouldn't have someone telling me what to do. I'd be the one in charge. And it would be kids. "It's an interesting idea. One I haven't considered before."

"Think about it." Eli checked his phone. "I have to get back to the lodge."

"Thanks for coming to support me, and for breakfast and the flowers." Eli was going above and beyond any promise to my brother, and I wasn't sure why that was.

"It's my pleasure." He winked, and then turned to leave. I watched him head toward his SUV. Then I went inside where Marigold was helping someone at the front desk.

While she helped the patron find the book on the shelf, I fell into a chair behind the desk. A woman appeared. "Oh, my daughter really enjoyed your class. Will you be doing more?"

I frowned. "Honestly? I'm not sure."

"We could use a theater program. The high school has one. But there's nothing for the younger kids. The theater's been closed for years.”

I pursed my lips, not sure how to respond. Finally, I said, "I'll think about another class.”

She smiled. "Have a great day."

"You too," I said as she walked away.

"What was that about?" Marigold asked.

"That woman asked me to do more classes."

"You should. The kids were so engaged in everything you said and did. You have no idea how good a theater program would be for the kids. They can act, sing, and just be themselves. No judgment. They might not fit in anywhere else."

No one had encouraged me to join the drama club or go out for the school musical. At least no one outside my immediate family.

Would it have made a difference if a teacher had encouraged me? Could I be that person for someone else? The idea was interesting, but I hadn't planned to stay. If I taught a class, I'd be tied to this town. I wouldn't be able to leave.

The familiar panic returned. I needed to get away from the library and the patrons who wanted something from me.

"I'm going to head home."

Marigold gave me a sympathetic look. "Teaching can take a lot out of you."

"Yeah, I'm drained," I said, even though the opposite was true. I felt like I could run a marathon.

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