Page 11 of Menace

Right now I’m not sure what Mason and I are, so I don’t really want to talk about it with her. “It’s very new, Mom. If it gets serious, I’ll introduce you.”

“I just want you to be happy.”

“Mom, I am happy.” And I realize I am. Back when I’d first moved here, I wasn’t. The way I’d run had been a form of self-preservation, but now I’m in a place I love, teaching kids I love, and nothing else could be better.

“Love you, Mom. Talk to you again soon.”

And as I get off the phone, I get a text from the man who’s occupied my thoughts all afternoon.

Menace

Since I left the high school, I’ve been an uncomfortable and moody bastard. A part of my conscience berates itself for pulling that shit with Karina in her classroom, the other half of me congratulates myself for taking what we both wanted. It’s been a long time since I did it, almost thought I’d forgotten how to assert myself, but I’m glad to know that part of me is very alive and well. My dick is still hard, but I know I’ll have a semi until I’m deep inside her again. After making two rounds of the route I’ve been assigned and an hour before I go off-shift, I park on the side of the road, setting up my radar gun. With any luck, I won’t have anyone speeding and it’ll allow me to take care of some business.

For the first ten minutes, I catch up on paperwork, and then I can’t wait anymore. I pick up my cell phone and send Karina a message.

M: Imagine my surprise when I walked into my son’s classroom and saw you today.

The surprise had been immediate. Never had I imagined this hot-as-hell woman to be a teacher. We never had a teacher that looked like her when I was in school, that’s for damn sure.

K: Surprise was mutual, big guy. When you talked about having a son, I imagined some cute little kid about six-years-old. Never in a million years did I think you were Caleb Harrison’s dad. How old are you? Did you lie on the app?

I chuckle at her question. It’s one that’s routinely asked when I explain I’m his dad and he’s my son. Sometimes it irritates me, because I’ve answered it so often, but I find I like sharing pieces of myself with her.

M: No, I’m 34…almost 35. Caleb was a very early in life surprise.

K: I can’t wait to hear the story. Caleb’s a special kid, he’s been awesome to have in my class.

While I feel a twinge of pride, I know sometimes Caleb’s a smartass and he’s probably tried her patience a time or two.

M: No need to blow smoke, Teach. I know my son. He can be an ass, and he can have the smartest mouth on him, but he’s intelligent when he puts his mind to it.

K: You know him well…

M: It’s just been us for a long time we have to know each other well. When can I see you again?

The question is impulsive, but I know if I don’t make an effort with this woman, she’ll slip between my fingers. After waiting as long as I have to get back in the game, I don’t want to let her go. Not after the time we had, not after she’s monopolized my thoughts, and definitely not after I’ve found her again.

K: Tomorrow is Friday, are you free tomorrow night? Or do you work? I’m assuming you work some crazy shifts.

M: Sometimes, but I work a day shift tomorrow. I’m free for the night. Caleb’s got a date and won’t be home until late.

K: Where you taking me, big guy?

That’s a good question, there aren’t a lot of good places in Laurel Springs, but we can’t drive to Birmingham every time we want to go out on a date.

M: Wherever you want to go, as long as it’s in town. I have to work early on Saturday.

K: Is the Mexican place good? I’ve never eaten there. Only The Café and the fast food places, or I cook at home.

M: Yeah, it’s one of the better ones I’ve been to, and I’ve lived all around the country.

K: Okay, I’ll see you there tomorrow. Will you pick me up and take me home so I can have a margarita or two?

Immediately a smile spreads across my face. I’ve never had a woman ask that question before, and I kind of like it. She’s cute and sexy at the same time. Hopefully she wants to get a little tipsy so we can take advantage of our situation.

M: It’ll be my pleasure. Pick you up at six?

K: Sounds perfect! See you then, Mason.

---