Page 88 of The Player Penalty
“Thanks. I guess there was nothing to be nervous about, after all.”
“You were nervous? Dang, girl, this day is a success because of you.”
“Because of me? I mostly issued instructions and guidance to Maddie.”
She chuckles. “You organized the entire thing. It’s all you.”
“I suppose so.”
Julian loops around the track one more time. I follow the car as it returns to his spot, but he keeps going.
“The drivers know they’re only supposed to do two laps, right?” I ask.
“They know, trust me. Some children were begging for earlier. Some of the drivers, too.”
She probably means Jake.
Julian completes another lap and keeps going.
“I suppose this means Liam is having a good time.”
“Who is Liam?” Sarah asks.
“One of my students. We’re not supposed to have favorites; at least, that’s what they teach in school, but it’s not always possible. He’s such a great kid.”
Several more laps go by, and Julian returns to his stop. He climbs out and then helps Liam do the same.
“That was awesome,” says Julian
“Did you enjoy yourself?” I ask Liam.
He gives me a thumbs up.
∞∞∞
“Speaking for myself,” Jake starts.
“Speaking for everyone,” Sarah objects.
“Yes, speaking for everyone, that was a fantastic day. Did everyone see me? I am fucking great with kids.”
“Yeah, that mouth of yours is great with kids,” Boone grumbles.
Maddie interrupts. “We should celebrate the person who put this together. To Lily, you created a day for all of us to enjoy.”
Everyone raises their glasses in my honor, and I somehow manage a stammered thanks. I’m not sure whose idea of a post-field trip dinner it was, but we all somehow ended up at a steak house to celebrate and relax.
She continues. “Do you plan to teach after graduation?”
“I’m not sure. There are times when I’m in the classroom, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Then, after today, I wonder how else I can help the school. We’re always looking for funding, so there may be an opportunity there. It’s mostly a question to answer later.”
Solve one problem, and when it’s done, you solve the next one. That’s been a tough lesson for me, but it’s a good one.
Sarah and Maddie share a look.
“Let’s revisit this once you’re closer to graduation. We might have some ideas you’ll be interested in, more than an internship with this guy,” Sarah says. Julian begins to protest, and she interrupts him. “We both know that was a ruse so that you could keep her around.”
My cheeks burn.
