Page 5 of The One Who Risked it All

Terry clutched his chest dramatically. “Outshone? Never! Who needs firefighters and police officers when you can diagram sentences?”

I snorted, grateful for the easy banter. “Oh yeah, the kids are lining up in droves to learn about the thrilling world of semicolons.”

Melissa rolled her eyes. “Speak for yourself. I’ve got a killer Oxford comma joke that’s going to blow their minds.”

“Ooh, don’t spoil it for me,” I teased, my eyes inadvertently drifting toward the firefighters’ booth. Eli was there, gesturing animatedly, probably regaling some poor freshman with a heroic tale.

“Earth to Carla,” Terry’s voice cut through my thoughts. “You okay there? You looked a million miles away… or maybe just over at the fire department table?” He raised an eyebrow.

I forced my attention back to my colleagues. “Just admiring the, uh, fire safety demonstrations,” I lied smoothly. “Very... educational.”

Melissa followed my gaze and smirked. “Oh yeah, I’m sure that’s exactly what you were admiring.”

A flush crept up my neck. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said primly, but my traitorous heart skipped a beat as Eli’s laugh echoed across the gym. Missy Harrison, the overly perky math teacher, sidled up to Eli’s booth. She twirled a strand of hair around her finger, laughing a little too hard at whatever he was saying.

I shouldn’t care. I really, really shouldn’t. But a ridiculous pang of jealousy twisted in my gut. This was so unprofessional. I didn’t care. Shouldn’t care. But the roiling in my belly at the display in front of me was undeniable. After all these years, I still hated seeing him with someone else.

“Looks like someone’s getting a private lesson in fire safety,” Terry snarked, waggling his eyebrows.

I forced out a chuckle, hoping it didn’t sound as strained as it felt. “Well, good for them. Now, who wants to help me wrangle some juniors for a thrilling presentation on the joys of MLA formatting?”

As Terry and Melissa groaned in mock protest, I stole one last glance at Eli. Our eyes met for a split second, and I swore I saw a flicker of... something in his gaze. But then Missy said something, and he turned away, leaving me wondering if I imagined it all.

That night, I slumped onto my couch, surrounded by the familiar chaos of my apartment. Stacks of essays teetered precariously on my coffee table, a silent reminder of another grading marathon still ahead. I should knock a few of them out, but after Career Day, even my muscle aches had their own muscle aches.

I ignored the stack of grading and flipped on an episode of my favorite superhero show instead, absently scrolling my phone during the commercials. I jolted in surprise as it rang in my hand.

“Hey, Carla!” Rebecca’s cheery voice filled my ear as my heart rate started to calm. “Just wanted to check in. How was Career Day?”

I cradled the phone between my ear and shoulder, picking at the lint on my couch cushion. “Oh, you know, the usual controlled chaos. Pretty sure I prevented at least three small fires and one potential international incident.”

Rebecca laughed. “Sounds like a success then! Nathan and I were wondering if you’d like to join us for dinner this weekend?”

“Ah, the newlyweds want to show off their domestic bliss?” I teased, ignoring the little pang in my chest. “I’d love to, but I’ve got a hot date with these essays. Maybe next time?”

“Carla,” Rebecca’s voice softened, “I don’t want you to shut me out now that Nathan and I are back together. You know you deserve someone special too, right? You’ll find him. “

I forced a chuckle, brushing away the conviction from her gentle reprimand. “Oh please, my love life is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Besides, who has time for romance when there are dangling modifiers to vanquish?”

“I’m serious. Don’t shut me out, and don’t give up hope.”

I pressed my eyes closed and swallowed the lump in my throat. Just a few months ago, I’d been telling Rebecca the same thing. As much as I hated hearing it, I knew she was right. Friendship with the right person had a uniquely gentle way of forcing you to face the truth.

“Thanks, Bex. I won’t. When do you leave for your trip?”

She explained their travel plans, and I listened absently.

When we hung up, my eyes drifted to the bible verse framed on my wall: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

I stared at those words, my phone forgotten next to me. I knew God would always provide everything I needed. So why was I feeling so discontent lately?

CHAPTER 3

Elijah

The tinkling of the bell above B&J Bistro’s door barely registered as I stepped inside, my senses immediately assaulted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm cinnamon rolls. I inhaled deeply, savoring the familiar scent that always reminded me of lazy Saturday mornings at home. I’d never admit it–even under the most extreme torture–but Norm’s cinnamon rolls were even better than my mom’s.

My eyes swept the room, taking in the usual suspects: Mr. Jenkins nursing his third cup of joe, the high school gossip squad huddled in a corner booth, and—

---