Page 84 of Teacher of the Year

“I have no doubt. And I feel like I’m missing a joke here about salami, but I’m going to let it go. Anyway, she’s quite excited and actually mentioned it to her mom.”

My ears twitch and perk up at this. Illona rarely speaks about her mom to me, and I don’t ask questions or attempt to push her into conversation around the topic.

“Oh, well, I’m glad she’s fired up for it. That’s my goal.”

“So, Illona asked her to come, and Isabella wants to. There’s no way I could tell her no.”

“Of course, she’s Illona’s mom. She absolutely should come.”

My damn head and heart tussle again. There’s nothing for me to worry about with Olan. We’re so clearly good, more than good, but the mother of his child, his ex-wife, shouldn’t be glossed over as nothing.

“There’s more. She asked to stay here, and I didn’t think I should say no. For Illona.”

“Oh.” That’s all I’ve got.

Olan props himself up, forcing me to do the same. He puts his hands behind my neck and draws my face close to rest his forehead on mine.

“Listen to me, Mr. Block. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Nothing. This thing, you and me, I’m all in. So, whatever your adorable little brain is worrying and spiraling about, please stop it right now.”

“You don’t know me.”

But he does. And he’s right. And maybe, just maybe, I’m starting to move past catching feelings for this guy to something more.

“Does she know about me?”

I’m not sure it’s within my purview to ask, but if she’s coming, staying in the house with Olan, I need more information if he wants me not to agonize over it.

“She knows you’re Illona’s teacher. She knows we’re friends, and we hang out outside of school. Often. My gut tells me she’s suspicious. Illona talks about you. A lot. It’s been years, but I’ve talked with Isabella about wondering if I might be bisexual. She’d never ask me outright about you. I’m going to tell her, I promise.”

“How do you think she’ll react?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. She knows I haven’t dated anyone since we split.”

“No, I mean about you dating a man?”

“I mean, it shouldn’t matter, right?”

“It shouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean it won’t.”

“Well, she will have to deal with it regardless. And I want you to come for dinner. After the celebration.”

My eyes go wide, and I’m sure my shocked face reveals my uneasiness.

“Marvin, it’s a meal. With me. And Illona. And her mother. It will be fine. I promise.”

And even though it feels like the universe might be sending me something new to obsess about, I try my best to ignore the urge to spiral. Isabella is Illona’s mom. She’s Olan’s ex. How bad can she be?

Chapter27

Marvin: I’ll see you this afternoon.

Olan: I can’t wait. I’ll try my best to behave.

Marvin: You better. I’m breaking out the khakis and bow tie. FYI

Olan: You’re going to make this tough for me. ??

“You ready?” Kristi asks, thrusting her head into the doorway of my classroom.

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