Page 94 of Ewan

Ezra is waiting for me to continue.

“There was this…”

I stop, and like the first time, I push that thought back.

I can’t think about Scarlett in serious terms.

I can’t go so far as to imagine her being part of my family. Introducing her to Ezra and making a case for her to replace his mother. The ramifications of bringing someone like her into our lives are hard to grasp.

“Colley’s teacher,” he says, grinning. “Miss Scarlett.”

I turn to stone.

“How do you know about Miss Scarlett?”

The flicker of a smile tickles my lips as he laughs knowingly.

“I know everything about her,” he says, amused. “Colley couldn’t stop talking about her. I know she’s a good teacher and teaching them how to read. I think he has a crush on her, but don’t tell Elisa. She might get mad at him. That’s what he thinks. He insisted I needed to help her with the party, and I couldn’t say no to him. How is she?” he asks, mischief glinting in his eyes.

My lips tilt into a smile.

“Are you asking me how she is as a woman? She surely didn’t teach me any reading skills.”

“Yeah, right.” He chuckles. “How is she?”

“Too old for you,” I say, amused. “You have your girlfriends, so stay in your lane, son.”

He swiftly catches the nuance in my voice, and surprise flashes through his eyes.

“Oh… No way. You like her too.”

“She’s a good woman. What’s not to like about her? She’s talented, industrious, and a good teacher, as Colley said.”

He looks at me with renewed interest.

“Wow? I’ve never heard you talk like that about a woman. What does she look like?”

I have a hard time pushing back a smile.

“She looks like a normal woman. She has long hair. And that’s pretty much all I noticed,” I say. “She’s smart. And funny,” I add.

“Go on.”

I finally flash a smile.

“I can see why little Colley likes her.”

“I’m sure his reasons are different than yours.”

“I can’t comment on that.”

He turns pensive for a second.

“Did you ask her out?” he asks.

“Ezra?”

“What? You should ask her out if you like her. That’s what I’d do.”

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