Page 34 of Dare You to See Me
He dumps the last of the leaves out and walks over to where all of the pool equipment is, and hangs up the net.
“Of course, man. How many times did you help me get out of my own head with Dagen?”
“A whole fucking lot.” He shrugs and I get his point. “Alright. You find out if you can make it happen, and I’ll ask Soleil.”
I throw my arm around my grumpy brother who used to be affection resistant, but who now hugs me back all because of a woman who brings light and love into his life.
“Thanks, Henny. You’re the best big brother ever.” He rolls his eyes, fighting against the smirk that is working its way out. “I’m going home to get my gear and call D. We’ll meet back here in an hour. We’re riding,” I tell him with a pointed look.
Exasperated, he gives in with a nod.
I do exactly as said and within an hour, three Dare brothers are flying down the highway, and Dagen’s family is set to come for a visit. I’m so happy my dancing is more abundant than normal, to Danté’s chagrin. But even his foul mood can’t sour mine. This could be the first step to a relationship outside of the cloak and dagger.
The kids all file into the classroom the moment I open the door, and my eyes search for Soleil. She stands at the back of the crowd, as usual, and I wait for her to look up and catch my eye.
“Bye, Mommy. Have a good day.” Dahlia throws her arms around Soleil’s neck and kisses her cheek.
“You too, little dove. See you after school.” She taps her on her little nose and Dahlia skips away.
“Hey Soleil. Before you go, can I speak with you for a moment?”
“Oh. Um, sure. Is everything okay?” The worry in her voice has it shaking and her beautiful almond shaped eyes grow wide.
“Everything is just fine. Give me just a minute to get the kids settled.” I hold up my finger, then pop into the classroom to instruct the kids to work quietly on their morning worksheets.
When I step back out into the hallway, Soleil stands leaning against the wall, a small smile on her face as she talks with Wesley, a single dad of another student.
My blood boils and I blow out steam through my nose.
“Maybe we can get the kids together for a play date. We could meet at the park and then grab some lunch after. What do you think?” He leans against the wall, his palm flat against the brick and propping him up.
“Well, I need to check my work schedule before I can commit to anything.” I can tell she’s trying to put him down easy, but she’s too nice to come right out and say it.
“Well how about dinner one day this week? Everyone has to eat and it’s nice to be able to talk to a parent who knows what it’s like being a single parent.” His smarmy smirk irritates me.
Or maybe it’s the way he thinks he can step in and steal Soleil away from me. Not that she’s mine, but I certainly won’t let him be the one to show her off on his arm.
“Okay. Sorry about that Ms. Brooks. I have a few that seem to have a problem with the term silent work.” She looks up and smiles with relief. “Good morning, Mr. Collier.”
His smile quickly fades and his irritation mirrors mine. “Mr. Dare. How are you?”
“Good. Just need to go over a few things with Ms. Brooks.” I stick my hands in my pockets and rock back on my heels.
He nods and moves his gaze to Soleil. “Right. Well let me know what you think. I’m flexible so my schedule can be adjusted around yours.”
“Sure,” she tells him, not meaning it at all.
He waves at her and dips his chin at me before walking away. Soleil and I both watch him until he’s out of sight and I hear her exhale.
“Thank you for saving me. I guess the other times I’ve told him I’ll check my schedule then not responded hasn’t clued him in that I’m not interested.”
I grind my back teeth and swallow down the anger that bubbles inside of me.
“He’s asked you out before?”
“Yeah. Under the guise of a play date. It’s super annoying. Any how. What is it that you wanted to speak to me about?”
The words I planned to ask her fly right out the window with the one statement. How am I supposed to ask her to a “play date” even though it’s a pseudo date without her thinking I’m just like Wesley.
