Page 89 of Hot Four Teacher
“To start with, we aren’t really public with it, so I’m not worried about people finding out.”
She stops me. “Dane, you’re not in Portland anymore. In small towns, everyone knows each other…and everyone talks. Your secret won’t be safe for long.”
“Maybe.”
“So, back to you potentially losing your job,” Jenny says.
I probably should be more worried than I actually am. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad.
“Jenny, I just had to find a new job when my old school didn’t open back up. Even with the school year already starting, it didn’t take long to find a job. There will always be another one. But finding someone who I’d want to have a relationship with? I’m finding that quite a bit more difficult. Michelle is the first woman since Cassie that I’ve entertained a real relationship with.”
My sister grins. “Listen to you! It’s nice hearing you get excited about love again. I didn’t think you’d find it again after that bitch, Cassie.”
“Come on, Jenny. Cassie wasn’t a bitch.”
“Says you.”
Jenny never cared for my ex-wife. They never saw eye-to-eye about much. I think that Jenny secretly didn’t like that we got married so young, and I suddenly didn’t have much time to be a good big brother.
The blame for that should fall on me, but it was easier to blame Cassie. When we got divorced, Jenny didn’t have to play nice anymore.
Not that she was all that nice to begin with.
Jenny looks at me. “I just want you to be happy.”
“Back at you, kid.”
We look out into the yard where our dad is playing with Ashley.
“Will you look at him?” Jenny asks. “Having a make-believe tea party with his granddaughter. Do you ever remember him doing anything like that with us?”
“Fuck, no! But back then, he was still a hard ass. He would’ve beat my butt if I wanted him to play pretend with me.”
“Now, he would do anything in the world for Ashley. It’s crazy what a heart attack will do to change your outlook on life.”
I think about her words and try to make a promise to myself to not have a heart attack be the only reason I start really living.
Chapter thirty
That Good Dick!
Michelle
As I walk into my parents’ house, I can already hear the roaring conversation. The Lawsons are a loud bunch, especially when everyone is under the same roof. As much as I love some family time, tonight, it all just seems very overwhelming.
I could have made up an excuse not to come, but I know my mother would’ve showed up to check out my story. She would’ve seen right through anything that I told her.
Eve and I head toward the kitchen and dining room where everyone is hanging out around the large oak table.
They all give a loudheywhen they see us. Jo, my youngest sister, jumps out of her seat and runs over to give us each a hug.
I notice the ring in her nose. “New piercing?”
“Yeah. You like?”
“I don’t think you want to know the answer to that,” I say.
She smiles. “I’ll pretend that’s a yes.”
