Page 22 of Big Rucking Disaster
“Then I’ll arrange for tickets for anyone in that insane household who wants to go. And if Kolson wants to invite Kenji, I’ll see if Jamilla can buy the ticket.”
“Because he’s your student?”
“Right. I can’t give him a gift or show favoritism. But if Jamilla takes him under her wing, as she clearly wants to do, then that would be okay. I just have to make certain she doesn’t go overboard. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up. Now she’s making big bucks, she wants to give back in every way she can. I have to make certain she doesn’t see Kenji as aproject.”
“Good thinking. I can certainly keep an eye on them. Truthfully? They’re talented. Almost as much as Greta, Sophie, and Hope. I can see those three competing for spots on the national team when they’re old enough.” His expression sobered. “Thank you for letting me come to spend time with them. To enable me to get back to my roots.”
“Uh, well, Louella agreed.”
“You know she and Makwa are on a date tonight, right?”
My jaw dropped. “No, she did not mention that.”
“Oops? I didn’t mean to step in it.”
“Louella’s a widow. Her husband died in a bad wreck on the highway about a year back. She puts on a brave face, but she’s been grieving.” But she had, after Johnnie’s visit last week, stopped wearing her wedding ring.
“I didn’t know that. Do you suppose she’s told Makwa? Should I tell him?”
If I asked him to, then Johnnie would. But… “She’s a grown woman who can make her own decisions. Makwa’s about as much of a player as you are.”
Slowly, he nodded. “We’re both monogamous, though. Neither of us have cheated on a partner. I’ll…have a chat with him.”
I felt badly about interfering, but I really didn’t want Louella to get hurt. “I’d appreciate that.”
“And I’ll ask him to keep the two of us out of it.”
“I’d be even more grateful for that.”
“In exchange for that, I’d like to ask you something.”
Oh dear.I couldn’t even imagine what this guy might come up with. “Yes?” That came out with a croak. I cleared my throat. “Sure, anything.”
“You might regret that.”
“I would say that’s a guarantee, but go ahead.”
“This is a personal question.”
“About me being gay?”
“How did you know?”
“You just have this particular look on your face. Go on, ask the question. It's about me teaching young boys, right?” I’d been waiting for this conversation—it happened frequently.
“No. Not like you think.” He shifted from foot to foot. “I don't mean I think there's anything wrong with you teaching kids—but I was wondering how the parents are with you?”
“Yeah—I get some comments, but it's mostly okay. I’m careful not to show too much attention to anyone’s kid. To not be alone with them. But that’s stuff every teacher does—whether they’re gay or not. Accusations are a serious thing. Usually there’s some valid reason for them…but sometimes not.” I paused. “It was better when I could say I was married. But I got divorced last year, and I'm now atrociously single. Some parents think this means I must be looking at their sixteen-year-olds.”
Johnnie laughed. “As if.”
“Right. Why look at pimply sixteen-year-olds when I can look at rugged-and-handsome rugby players?”
“Yeah, right.” He laughed, but it felt a little forced.
“Don’t worry. I know you're dating that model. Carly? I looked you up.”
“You did?” He appeared surprised.
