Page 51 of Thinking It Over

I shot a quick glance of reassurance at Jasper and was happy the concern on his face disappeared. I was sure he sometimes forgot I was a grown-ass man who wrangled kids and teachers for a living. I could more than handle myself. “I am,” I answered, my amusement evident.

Marcy nodded. “Impressive. It takes some special skills to keep a school moving and successful, even more so not to turn into an asshat, and you, Austin, I’m relieved to see are definitely no asshat.”

I laughed, and Jasper groaned. “Thank you,” I said. “I try hard not to be an asshat. And I don’t think I would have been lucky enough to win Jasper over if I had been.” I threw the man in question a wink, and he relaxed into me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

“True. You’re such a sweet young man, Jasper, and finding happiness is the best thing in the world.”

An easy smile settled on his lips. “Thank you. And I’m definitely lucky.” He squeezed my waist a little.

“You seem like a man with experience, Austin. I’m—”

“Mom.” Carter cut in, appearing at her side and sending Jasper and me an apologetic look. I simply grinned, shooting Jasper another wink of reassurance. He noticeably relaxed. I was all too aware of our age difference, and we’d never had to really deal with anyone saying anything odd or disparaging—obviously Idiscounted my ex. But that was a testimony to us not spending time with douches. Age seriously wasn’t a factor. We connected, had so much in common that the years we were born didn’t play into anything. I wasn’t quite sure if that’s what Marcy had been getting at, but I was quietly relieved Carter had cut in.

“Yes, Carter?” She rolled her eyes, as if knowing her son was here to intervene.

“Everything okay over here?”

“Of course,” she answered. “I was just going to ask Austin here about all the new fandangled courses they offer at school now.” She turned her attention to me. “You’re obviously experienced, or else you wouldn’t be a principal, but one of my neighbors was talking about one of her grandchildren studying winemaking or something. Not yet, but when she gets to college. Is that even a thing?”

Okay, so definitely not a cross-examination of our age difference then, but seriously so odd that I struggled to contain my amusement bubbling to the surface.

“Because if they can do that online and it means lots of testing, I think it would be perfect for me.”

The confusion on Carter’s face was impossible to not react to, and I chuckled. “You want to study?” Carter asked, nonplussed.

“I’ve been thinking about it. Your dad’s on this annoying golfing fad at the moment. He bores me to death, talking about ball size.”

I slammed my mouth shut, not rising to the bait, but when Jasper squeezed me and I felt small movement that I was sure was silent laughter, I struggled to contain myself.

“So, I figured I’d do something to keep my brain busy, and I really like wine.” Her eyes brightened. “I love champagne more, though. I wonder if there are courses that allow for student exchanges. I’d be happy to spend a semester in France.” She turned her attention back to me. “So, is that possible?”

Wide-eyed, I stared back at her. I wasn’t quite sure I’d survive this first meeting with Marcy in one piece, and I was certain the befuddled look in my eyes gave me away. When I spoke, Jasper jerked as if surprised, “Actually, I have a friend who’s a college professor. I know there are a lot of strange and wonderful courses offered across the country. I’m sure a quick Google search would do the trick.”

Marcy smiled widely at that. “You see, Carter, positivity. You can tell Austin’s an educator. There was no scoffing from him when I spoke of wanting to expand my mind and broaden my horizons,” she reprimanded.

Carter sighed. “I think you’re more interested in testing wine and seeing how quickly you can get wasted,”he said. “You know, you can just book a wine tour in France, right? It would be cheaper than a college course.”

Appearing to mull that over, Marcy nodded, indicating her son might be onto something. “They have golf courses in France, right, where I could ship your dad off to?”

“I’m sure they have famous courses in France,” Jasper added helpfully, causing Carter to flash him a look. Jasper simply shrugged and threw him a grin.

“That’s settled then,” she stated.

Carter shook his head, gentle acceptance on his face. “Sure it is, Mom. Why don’t you go and save Jason and tell Dad about your big plans?”

“I think I might just do that.” She stood, glass still in hand. Before she left, she eyed me once more. “You seem like a lovely man, Austin. Be sure to be good to young Jasper here. I think I once overheard he likes to top, so take good care of yourself beforehand.” She nodded at her advice, gave an airy wave, and wandered off.

“Holy crap. I’m so sorry, Austin. My mom, she’s—”

“A hell of a woman,” I finished and laughed, completely tickled by the bizarre meeting. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like her.”

Carter’s shoulders eased, but his face remained red. “She is that, and she’s certainly unique, but seriously, I’m sorry. She has zero filter.”

“But gives good advice, though, right?” I said with another laugh, surprising a snort out of Jasper.

Rubbing a hand over his face, Carter nodded. “Most of the time yes, unfortunately. I really need a drink.” He peered around the room. I watched as Tanner raised a brow at him and waved a bottle in his direction from across the outdoor space. “That’s my savior right there. I’ll catch you both later.” He hauled ass, zeroed in on his partner and the wine, leaving Jasper and me both drained and laughing over the meeting.

It was late.Tealights flickered around the garden, and low-lit lanterns eased back the darkness. But despite the light, the stars were still visible in the clear night.

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