Page 9 of The Love Simulation

As I open my mouth to ask more questions, Jordan’s eyes widen as he looks somewhere over my head. “Marcus, why would you throw cornbread at the back of her head?” He sighs and stalks toward the cornbread-throwing fiend.

I consider stepping in to help so Jordan and I can get back to our conversation but think better of it. Jordan may be easygoing and at times forgetful, but he’s been teaching for eight years and knows how to get the kids in line. And while variables have changed regarding the Mars simulation—in the amount of $500,000, to be precise—thatstill doesn’t mean I’m willing to throw my whole summer away and join him. I might have flitted around trying to find the right career for a while, but I’ve never had aspirations to explore, or pretend to explore, space. Besides, Jordan probably won’t be able to pull a full team together anyway. And if he does get the team, we probably wouldn’t win the grand prize. I remember him explaining how only 30 percent of teams complete each objective. The whole thing would be a waste of time.

Throughout the other two lunch periods, in between grabbing a plate of enchiladas and stopping any more potential fights, I replay each reason why joining the simulation is a bad idea. But as soon as I’m in my office, I send Camille a message.

Me:On a scale of 1 to stealing peaches from Old Man Willie’s yard reckless, how unhinged would it be to join a Mars simulation for the summer?

Emails are answered, parents arecalled back, I’ve checked in on three classes, and still Camille doesn’t respond. I’m sure she’s busy with things that are infinitely more important than what I’ve got going on—like bringing life into the world—but can’t she sense my emotional turmoil? With only a few days of school left, I need to make a decision about the simulation. I can’t go to my mom. She almost went into a midlife crisis when my brother went on a mission into space last year. My dad would say he supports me no matter what without giving me his actual opinion, and Vincent wouldn’t see any negatives since he thinks space is the bomb. The only person I can count on to look at this objectively is Camille.

I give it a few more minutes before I can’t take it anymore. I get up from my desk, squeeze against the wall to get to the door, and march out. When I’m in the math wing and at Jordan’s classroom door, I peek through to see if it’s a good time to talk. It looks like the students are playing some type of relay game where teams try to solve a math problem on the board as quickly as they can before moving on to the next person. Once it’s over, the winning team members high-five one another while the other teams slink back to their desks. As Jordan erases the problems, I knock on the door. He sees me, then quickly writes more problems on the board for the students to work on and excuses himself.

“Did you catch that? Impressive, right?” he says as he steps into the hall. “I promised the kids that whichever team won would get full-size candy bars, but everyone did so great I’m just gonna give them all one.”

I smile at him. “Candy, the great motivator.”

He smiles back, and I can’t help but appreciate how he’s always got a great attitude whenever we speak. If only his presence made my heart pound the same way it does when I see Roman.

Ugh.I cut that line of thinking right away. After my talk with Camille, I made the decision that I’m not thinking about Roman anymore. I’m getting over this crush, and I’m not fixating on a different teacher. What I really need is to find a well of men who don’t report to me and who I can be attracted to without any complications.

“So,” I say, “we never got to finish our conversation earlier.” I wait for his eyes to register in recognition. “About the Mars simulation.”

“Oh yeah,” he shouts, then lowers his voice back to acceptable hall levels. “Did I win you over? Do you want to join as part of Team Jordan?” He squints and shakes hishead. “I gotta keep working on the name. How about Team Craft? Yeah, the name of the school works better.”

“Before I commit, I have a very important question. Well, I’ll have several, but first: When we complete the simulation, who decides what the money for the school gets used for?”

“I’m not sure. I’d guess the school board.”

“How about this—we stipulate that when we win, the board will use the money to remodel the library.”

Jordan nods. “I like your vision and I like your attitude. I’m all for it.”

I didn’t want to do this, but Principal Major forced my hand. “Then let’s shake on it.” I stick my right hand out and Jordan clasps it, shaking vigorously. “Well, okay. I guess the next step is to get the rest of the team together.”

He grins wide. “We’re already halfway there. After talking to you earlier, I realized that Ihadn’ttold anyone about the prize money. I went back to a few people and already got a yes from Simone. She’ll be our medical person.”

Simone is one of our nurses. I haven’t spoken to her much during the year, but she seems nice and has a calming presence.

“We still need two more, but I’m confident we’ll have a full team.” Jordan looks about ready to burst as he rocks on his heels.

“Great. I’ll let you get back to your class, then.”

Once Jordan heads back inside and the door closes behind him, I bite down on my lip to fight a smile. I’m going to get that money for the library remodel. Take that, Major Pain.

Chapter Five

Before I can claim victory in the battle for the library, I have to make sure there’s no red tape in the way.

When I get back to my office, the first thing I do is call the superintendent’s office. She’s available to speak to me right away, and if that isn’t a sign this is meant to work out, I don’t know what is.

“Hello, Brianna,” she answers when the secretary passes me through. She sounds weary, like she’s waiting for me to beg her to reverse the decision about the football field again.

“Good afternoon, Superintendent Watts,” I sing. “Don’t worry, I’m not calling about the library.” Her breath of relief is audible, and I correct my statement. “I mean, Iamcalling about the library, but it’s not what you think. Do you remember signing the approval for Jordan Wilkerson to represent the school in a challenge run by NASA?” At her affirmative hum, I’m hit with a sudden burst of nerves, but I inhale a deep breath and spit it out. “Well, I’ve decided to join his team.”

I can practically feel her hard stare through the phone as everything on her end goes silent. Her voice is carefully controlled as she asks, “Are you sure that’s a wise choice?”

With Principal Major forcing my hand, it doesn’t matterif it’s a wise choice. It’s the only choice. Though clearly Superintendent Watts thinks it’s a terrible idea. I get where she’s coming from. On a personal level, she’s got the warmest of personalities. She loves her husband and kids and will talk off anyone’s ear about her grandbabies. But when it comes to her duties as superintendent, there’s no playing around. She’s all business, making sure everyone stays in line and in keeping with policies.

You come from a family of greatness, she once said to me.So, it’s given thatyouwill be great too. I want to help you because it’s not only a vice principal I see when I look at you.Her eyes shone the same way my mom’s had after Camille performed her first C-section. I see principal. I see superintendent. I’m not just mentoring you for this role, Brianna. I’m mentoring you for what comes after. You’ve got everything you need to succeed. But what you don’t need is a scandal. Keep out of trouble, and you’ll go places.

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