Page 22 of Third and Ten

I inhale deeply, trying to collect myself before I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. Because, you know, “in my lap” might sound a little sketchy.

“Uh, well…” I scan our surroundings nervously as I try to think of something, anything to keep her here. “Why don’t I show you around while we wait for the donations to start coming in? And then you could tell me if we’re missing any categories?”

She lifts a shoulder. “Sure.”

I smile hopefully and gesture toward the first few sections we’ve taped off and labeled, waiting for her to lead the way. She walks along the perimeter of the gym slowly, quietly announcing each category we pass as if she’s only doing it to commit the names to memory. I follow her like the obedient puppy I am, shooting Ethan a dirty look when he crosses between us to drop off a box of canned goods and proceeds to pucker his lips at me and mime a few kisses.

Of course, that’s the moment she decides to turn around and address me. Her eyes dart back and forth between Ethan and me before she speaks. “I noticed that you don’t have a section for baby stuff?”

“Oh, no. I guess that’s one we forgot.”

“I think they could probably use diapers, wipes, and formula. There’s usually a shortage during hurricanes.”

“Right. Well, thanks. See, I’m glad I asked for your help,” I say, relieved when Ethan walks away. I call a couple of girls from the dance line over and ask them to designate a space for the items she just suggested.

“I think you might also be missing space for feminine-hygiene products,” she adds once she has my attention again.

“Uh, yeah. That stuff’s probably important, too,” I answer awkwardly.

She smirks and goes over to the girls again, explaining what to do. “I figured I’d handle that one for you,” she remarks when she returns with amusement in her eyes.

I mouth a “thank you,” and she chuckles lightly, the sound of her laughter making my stomach flutter. We walk back to the front of the gym together as the students flit around us.

“Maybe I should hang around, in case you need me to pick up the baby and feminine products later,” she volunteers, to my surprise. It hasn’t taken her long to get invested in the project.

“That would be great.” I smile genuinely, and she looks away quickly, making my heart quicken at the possibility of having the slightest effect on her. Then she reaches up and begins twirling her ponytail around her finger, and I get myself stuck staring again.

“So, what would you like me to do until then? Just stick me wherever you need me.”

Gah. Just. NO.

I clear my throat. “There may be more volunteers than I originally thought. But you could help me supervise for a while, until something comes up.”

“Okay.”

I lead her over to a table and chairs, gesturing for her to sit before settling down next to her. “Tenley, I feel like I owe you an apology. I might have come off a little too…friendly before,” I begin, her expression shifting immediately. “Ethan just talks about you so often that I can’t help but feel like I already know you.”

Her face relaxes again. “Yeah. Same, I guess. I hadn’t realized how much time you guys spend together. We’re really grateful for everything you do for him, by the way.”

“I enjoy hanging out with E. And since I don’t have anyone waiting for me at home, it’s kind of nice when I get to fall in with the rest of your family.”

Dude. That is so not less desperate.

I cringe as soon as the words leave my mouth, and she looks down and presses her lips together, as if she’s a bit embarrassed for me. “What I meant to say is that helping Ethan has been rewarding for me, too. I lost both of my parents a few years back, and…”

“And you and Ethan have a lot in common?” she finishes, her voice tinged with sadness.

You’re only making things worse, you idiot.

“I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me.”

“Not at all,” she reassures me quickly, even touching my forearm for a moment. “It’s still really kind of you to sacrifice your time to make sure that Ethan doesn’t miss out on anything. And I’m sorry about your parents.” She glances up at me, her expression softer. I only nod this time, terrified of what I might say if I open my mouth again, especially since she initiated a millisecond of physical contact.

Fortunately, we’re interrupted by one of the kids who has accepted a cash donation and is asking what to do with the money, and Tenley offers to hold onto it.

I’m eager to ask her more questions as soon as we’re alone again. “So, E tells me that you’re a midwife and that you get to deliver babies?”

“Yep, among other duties,” she says with a short laugh. “But getting to attend a birth is usually the highlight, even though I often get called out of bed in the middle of the night for it.”

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