Page 27 of Teacher of the Year

“Sorry.”

“Based on his capstone research project on a new turbofan engine, Stone’s company created the technology that led to the IR-1 supersonic jet engine prototype, thought to revolutionize supersonic travel; Stone’s work as a student at Stanford propelled him to be one of the country’s top engineers specializing in air and space travel.”

Jill stops and waits for my direction. My eyes widen, and I prompt her, “I have no idea what most of those words mean but go on.”

“Stone recently sold Stone Aerospace to Boeing for an undisclosed amount. While the exact amount of the sale was not revealed, leading industry experts believe it to be a multi-million-dollar deal.”

“Millions?” I say, sitting up and catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror on his dresser.

“No.Multimillions.”

“Fuck. So, he’s got money. That explains the oceanfront home. And he’s, like, smart.”

“Marvin, that’s not money. That’s outrageous money. He’s filthy rich. And Einstein-level smart. And why is his daughter in public school?”

“Diversity. He told me he doesn’t want her in some elite private school.” My chest warms, sharing the source of his decision.

“Well, good for him. And you. Marvin, this guy is a catch. Like, a big one. If you were fishing, and I realize you’d never go fishing, but if you did, this would be like bagging Moby Dick.”

“Okay, first of all, ew. Second, Moby Dick was a whale. Whales are mammals, not fish. Third, he’s clearly straight and literally on a date with his hot nanny as we speak. Fourth, he’s newly separated from his wife. And fifth, I’m his daughter’s teacher.” Even though Jill can’t see me, I put a finger up with each point I make. Olan and I have become friends, and though I know crushes on straight men are hopeless and maybe even a little embarrassing, I don’t need Jill egging me on and making it worse.

Jill begins her cross.

“First, he may be incredibly handsome and wealthy, but he’s a human being. Second, he may have been married to a woman and had a child with that woman, but you have no idea if he’s totally straight. I saw the way he looked at you on the sledding trip.”

“What? How?” I pull my legs under me and attempt to get comfortable.

“Like he was wandering the desert dehydrated, and you were a tall glass of water. And anyway, bisexual people exist. Don’t be biphobic. Third, he may be reeling from his separation and looking for comfort. Comfort you could give him. Fourth, there’s no rule that says you can’t be friends with a parent, and if that friendship developed into something else, well, there are no rules against that either. I’ve seen the two of you at pickup. That’s chemistry, baby.”

“We’re kindergarten teachers. We don’t teach chemistry. Sure, he’s sweet, and we’re getting to know each other, but this is foolishness. Even if he were plausible for me, he’s so, I don’t know, out of my league, and…”

“Stop. Stop right there. You’re adorable. Those unruly curls and that nose, if you were straight and I weren’t married, I’d be all over you. We’d make gorgeous children.”

“Ew,” I say again. My face pinches up at the thought.

“Do you think giant, blond guys are my only type?”

“I mean, no. But I wouldn’t kick Nick out of my bed for eating crackers.”

“No, you’d ask him to share the crackers.”

“With a lovely soft cheese.”

“Okay, enough lusting after my husband. Why do you think Olan winked at you? Can you at least be open to the idea of someone thinking you’re attractive?”

“I’m open to a Destiny’s Child reunion but not much else.”

“Deflecting.”

“Fine. I know there are people who don’t find me hideous. Occasionally, random baristas smile at me. That cute bank teller gave me two lollipops instead of one. So much sucking that day. There, happy?” I can hear the sound of her feet on tiles. She’s pacing, most likely in her kitchen.

“Euphoric. Marvin, you are a catch. And even though I’m your friend and you think I have to say that, I don’t. I need you to hear me on this.”

“All right, I’m a catch. But he’s on a date. With his nanny. Who happens to be a woman. I’m going to eat more candy and work on my TOY interview prep.”

“When do you hear?”

“Next week for the county, but if I move on, there’s so much to do, so I’m being optimistic and keeping busy by starting. What are you up to anyway?”

---