Page 62 of When You Left Me Speechless

“The Jonas Brothers. I’m kind of a super fan,” Beth gushes.

“Oh man, I love them too.”

“Yeah, some friends and I go to every show we can. This weekend will be our twentieth show. I’m excited. Were you thinking about helping out at the pantry?”

“You think I could?”

“I mean, I know they would welcome the help, but you most definitely aren’t expected to come here on a Saturday. Do you have time?”

I understand what she is asking, but my mind is already made up. I could easily spare a few hours on Saturday to help give back to the kids here. The thought crosses my mind to text Logan and invite him to do it with me. As quickly as I think it, I shove the idea out of my head. I doubt he wants to waste a Saturday volunteering with me. Beau never did. Plus, volunteering is not currently on our approved list of activities.

“I could make time, I mean, unless you have an extra ticket to that concert,” I joke.

“Sadly, I don’t,” Beth laughs.

“Seriously though, I want to do something for the kids here. I think the food pantry is perfect.” I smile.

CHAPTER 39: BETRAYAL OF LEGS

LOGAN

At the start of my planning period, my phone rings, and Keller asks me to come to her office. Although she doesn’t say it, I know that a decision has probably been made regarding me getting the assistant principal position. The interview was a week ago, and I left feeling confident about how it went. It was the same day I kissed Poppy in the rain, and I refuse to believe anything bad can come from that day.

I haven’t hung out with her since the night we agreed helping her study is now part of our deal. Yesterday, I saw her pass by in the hallway a few times, but in an attempt to not look desperate, I didn’t text her.

I walk into Keller’s office after knocking on her door.

“Mr. Peterson," she says with a big smile. “Please sit down. I know you are busy, so I will make this quick. I spoke with the superintendent and the rest of the administration team and I am so pleased to let you know we would like to offer you the position of assistant principal for next school year.”

“Wow, thank you,” I say, trying to contain my excitementand remain professional. I have worked hard for this job, and being recognized with a promotion feels good.

“Does that mean you accept the position?” she asks.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m excited to get started.”

She stands and shakes my hand. “Now, we still have a handful of applicants who need to be made aware that they did not get the position, so I would appreciate it if we keep this under wraps until it can be announced at the school board meeting next month.”

I agree, thanking her again before heading back to my classroom.

I walk down the hall trying to calm the adrenaline pumping through my veins. Keller asked that I not tell anyone, but I can only think about how badly I want to tell Poppy. At some point, my subconscious must take over my decision-making because my legs completely betray me, and instead of walking into my classroom, I pass it up completely and walk straight into the speech room.

“Mr. Peterson?” I hear Beth say, causing me to freeze. I’m standing in the doorway, blinking at Beth, Poppy, and a group of first-grade students sitting at a table. “Mr. Peterson, can I help you with something?” Beth asks again.

“Mr. Peterson?” This time, it’s Poppy questioning what the hell I’m doing there.

“Oh, um, I’m sorry, I was distracted and thought this was my room. Sorry, if I interrupted what you were doing.” I turn around and walk out before either one of them can respond. I head to the bathroom and splash some cold water on my face. I need to be more careful. My phone buzzes in my pocket.

Chatterbox: What the hell was that?

Logan: Sorry, I wasn’t thinking. I had good news and I wanted to tell you.

Chatterbox: So you barged into my session? In front of my supervisor?

Logan: It was an out-of-body experience. I’m sorry. I was just excited. I wasn’t thinking.

Chatterbox: It’s fine. Maybe text me next time. What’s the news?

Logan: Don’t say anything, but I got the job! Keller just told me.

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