Page 54 of When We Burn

“You, too, Bridge.”

Dani’s presentation for her students’ parents starts in about fifteen minutes, and I was hoping to get there early enough to give her these flowers on the down-low.

Thanks to Birdie being motivated by ice cream and french fries after this, we’re not late.

Dani’s standing by her desk in her empty classroom when we arrive, and when she sees us, she smiles.

This time, it’s a genuine smile, and it soothes my raw edges just a bit. It would be better if I could get my hands on her the way I want to, but I’ll settle for that stunning grin of hers.

“Hey there,” she says.

“Hi. I know it’s not a kiddo night, but Birdie and I have a date after this.”

Dani waves that off and shakes her head. “Don’t you even worry about it. Birdie’s always welcome here. Did your day get better, sweetie?”

I frown down at my daughter and then back at Dani. “What happened?”

Birdie sighs and leans into my side.

“Just an off day for this one,” Dani replies and pats Birdie on the shoulder. “Nothing to worry about. I hope you’re going somewhere fun for your date.”

“The diner,” Birdie says with a smile, and Dani nods.

“Thatwillbe fun.”

God, she’s gorgeous. She hasn’t changed since this morning, and her hair is a little messier, and she looks tired, but she’s so damn beautiful, it’s a hit to the chest.

“If you’d like to join us, you’re welcome to.”

“Thank you for the invitation,” Dani says, eyeing Birdie. “But I suspect that Birdie needs some alone time with her dad.”

Birdie doesn’t argue, and that tells me that Dani’s right.

“These are for you.” I pass her the bouquet of sunflowers that Summer, the owner of Paula’s Poseys, recommended, and Dani smiles.

“Thank you. You didn’t have to bring me anything.”

“Yeah.” Since no one is here, I reach out and take her hand, linking my fingers with hers. “I really did.”

More parents start to filter in, and she pullsher hand out of mine, and Birdie and I take a couple of seats in the back.

For roughly twenty minutes or so, Dani explains who she is, what her plans are for the school year, and what her curriculum consists of. Her eyes land on mine, and she gives me a half smile before continuing on.

I want her. More than I’ve ever wanted anyone.

“I’ll be staying after for a while, in case any of you have questions or concerns. I’m really looking forward to working with your kids. It’s going to be a fun year.”

About half of the room leaves, but just as many parents stay to talk with the teacher, so I decide not to hang around any longer, especially since Birdie is clearly ready to go. I don’t even catch Dani’s eye as we leave.

I need time with her soon.

Birdie bounces in her seat in the back of the truck as we make our way to Kay’s Diner. This place opened up not too long ago, and it’s outfitted to look like a vintage diner from the 1950s. I have to admit, the burgers here rival the local pub, The Wolf Den, and that’s saying a lot.

Once inside, Birdie and I are shown to a booth by the windows. The table is white, and the benches are bright red. The diner is what you’d expect in a place like this with black-and-white tiled floors, a jukebox in the corner, and old-school rock and roll memorabilia all over thewalls. There’s a long counter with glossy red-topped stools, as well.

“Hey there,” Shirley, a waitress that I know, says with a wink. “How are you two this evening?”

“We’re doing well. Thanks, Shirley,” I reply and smile down at Birdie, who’s sitting in the booth next to me. “We’re hungry, right?”

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