Page 63 of Tangled Emotions

I sat back in my chair. “This sounds serious.”

“Well … yeah.” He nodded. “Remember when I asked you about your dad?”

“I do.”

“Okay, so like I really, really, like, really want a dad. You know? Someone to play football with and take me to games.Sometimes my uncle takes me, but that’s cos’ he wants to pick up girls.”

Pretty smart of Gene.

“I’m with ya so far.”

“My mom doesn’t never go out. Unless it’s with my aunt. And when I asked her why she doesn’t date, she told me I was man enough, but I’veheardthe grown-ups talkin’. They all think it’s because of me that she doesn’t.” He stood up and paced. “You know, not because I’m man enough. But because I’m a kid.”

Scratching my beard, I waited to see where he’s going with this.

He let out a big sigh and his shoulders slumped forward. “This isn’t working.”

“What’s not?

Matt shook his head. “The environment. We need some privacy. Anyone could come in here.” Looking up at me, his blue eyes perked up. “Hey. Can I buy you a drink?”

“I’m sorry?”

Buy me a drink?

“Yeah. A drink. We could meet after school at That One Place. The diner.” His head bobbed. “We could have a milkshake or even coffee. Then we can talk.”

Wasn’t sure what this kid was up to, but he had me curious.

“I can do that.”

And maybe I would see Edie.

“Great. I’ll meet you at the diner after school. Do you know where it is?”

“I do.” A smile hit my lips. “They make really good coffee.”

“Coffee it is, Doc. See ya there!” He bounced as he ran out of my office and back through the gym.

I sat there staring at the door, letting my mind wander.

The best way to describe myself was as a creature of habit. So far, I’d eaten at the diner for two meals a day during the week and on the weekends.

Edith hadn’t said two words to me since our night together, and she avoided serving me when I was there.

That wasn’t sitting well with me.

And one night wasn’t enough.

I’d texted her daily, with mixed results. Sometimes she’d answer, sometimes she’d leave me on read.

Pushing her from my thoughts, I went back to getting next week’s lesson planning done. Even though I was just a gym teacher, I think kids liked knowing what we’d be doing each day. Not to mention, I loved my job.

The kids were great, the other teachers were nice, and you couldn’t beat the hours. The bell rang, and I shook my head.

I can see awkward call in my future.

After shutting down my computer, I locked my office up, made sure all the closets were locked and then made my way to the diner.