Page 38 of Taking Chances

“I mean, have you seen Lennox? Who can honestly look at that man and find a flaw?” As soon as it’s out of my mouth, I regret it.

Rina’s lips turn up while Natalie’s eyes expand. “Oh, you have the hots for him,” she states.

“I don’t…” I start to say.

“It’s perfectly understandable.” She raises her palm. “We’ve all seen him.” Rina, still smiling, nods in agreement.

“So, what’s the plan for the ski trip?” I change the subject.

“Oh, Connor and I will be driving back on Friday to leave Eric with his grandparents, so we can pick you up on the way back.”

“Sure. Thank you.”

“I think Matt said Noah and Alex will drive with us. Which only leaves Lennox?” Natalie turns to Rina.

“Don’t ask me. But I’m guessing he’ll probably drive alone; I don’t see him as a road trip guy really.”

I don’t offer my thoughts. He does seem like a guy that prefers to be on his own, but our time together so far has been great. He wasn’t stuck up, and I haven’t felt like he would rather be alone.

Though after one relationship fiasco after the other, maybe my judgment isn’t to be trusted.

I logthe last book I read on my reading app before entering a shabby chic styled coffee shop near the office to meet with one of our volunteers. We’re on track to move our office from the current building to the new, beautiful one Connor built for us at the end of April.

I wonder how it would feel to be loved so much that someone builds you an entire building?

“Hey, Tom. Good to see you.” Tom shakes my hand with a wide smile. His glasses frame his nicely shaped face, his dark hair neatly styled. He’s wearing a beige cardigan with a violin key pin on it, which makes me smile.

“Nice pin.”

“Thanks, Anne. You know I always have to represent.” He does a mock cool pose, eliciting a chuckle out of me. Tom’s been volunteering as a music teacher with our kids for years now and we’ve always gotten along great.

“So, you know we’ll soon be moving offices.” He dips his head, his hand closing around a cup of coffee. “And I’m excited to tell you we’ll have a fully equipped music room for you to use.”

His lips turn up, surprise flickering in his eyes. “Come on, Anne. What are you, my genie in a bottle?” His gaze sizes me up, my skin prickling with the unexpected flirting.

“Guess so.” I return his smile awkwardly. I was never good at flirting, but Tom is cute and I’m single and in need of some practice. “But really, you’re going to love the new space.”

“I can’t wait to see it. Maybe I’ll even be able to work in some more students.”

“That would be great. I’m sure we’ll have more kids interested.” Though not as popular as our sports programs, more and more kids are interested in the music program, which is amazing. “So, how have you’ve been?” This is what I’m supposed to do, isn’t it? Ask questions?

“Pretty good. Doing a new play with the kids at the school so you know—busy, busy.” He chuckles and I join in. “You? I haven’t seen you in so long.”

“Uhm, actually, Bryce and I broke up since the last time we spoke. So that’s new.” I smile, playing it off. “Just adjusting to the single life, I guess.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. How long has it been?”

“Just about two months. But I’m doing okay, really.” And I am. I don’t really miss him much. But the breakup triggered a whole lot of other problems, like the fact that my family are a bunch of a-holes.

“Glad to hear it.” His warm brown eyes soften.

“It was nice seeing you,” I say, as we say our goodbyes in front of the coffee shop.

“You too. And if you ever wish to meet, regardless of the BYC, I would love to take you out.” His eyes are hopeful, expecting my response.

“Oh. I-I don’t think I’m ready yet,” I stutter. “It’s still too soon.”

“I completely understand.” He nods. “Have a nice rest of the day.” I’m left staring at his retreating form, doubt creeping in.

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