Leah glances at her watch as she sits in the teacher’s lounge with her friend Julie.
She’s waiting to hear back from Rem about how it went with his co-worker, Rachel.
Leah is antsy — worried that he’ll give in to the woman.
She flushes when she realizes she feels possessive over someone she’s never seen in real life.
Julie nudges Leah, breaking her away from her thoughts.
Julie
Hey. It’s Mr. Wood.
Leah looks up and sees Michael Wood enter the room.
He’s tall and sort of skinny, and she always wonders how the stick fits up his butt.
Leah
He always seems so stiff.
Julie
I’m pretty sure he’d like to give YOU some stiff wood.
She’d walked right into that one.
Leah
Don’t be ridiculous.
They watch their colleague fill up his coffee cup. He sneaks a couple of glances at them.
Julie
See? He’s looking at you.
Julie
You need to at least talk to him.
Julie
Every female teacher in this school would like his attention.
Julie
And here he is, checking you out.
Julie
You need to represent us as a species, Leah.
Leah
Well, I do have a dinner at my parents’ house this weekend.
Leah
If I don’t take someone, my mom will definitely set me up with someone she chooses.
Leah makes a gagging motion and Julie practically crows.
Julie
See? It’s perfect. Ask him.
At that exact moment, Michael comes over to their table.
Michael
Ladies, is this seat taken?
Julie
We were saving it for you.
Michael grins and sits across from them.
Michael
How’s your day been?
He doesn’t direct his question at either of them in particular so both of them answer.
Michael
Well, that’s our motto here at Fairfield Elementary—
Michael
Let’s have an okay day!
Julie and Leah both laugh obligatorily.
Julie nudges Leah under the table.
When Leah doesn’t respond, Julie steps on her foot. Leah glares at her.
Julie
Leah needs a date for Friday night.
Leah’s head snaps up, her eyes wide.
Leah
I, uh…I really don’t.
Julie
Her mom is trying to set her up.
Julie
Can you be our knight in shining armor and save her from parental manipulation?
Julie bats her eyelashes and Leah is so appalled she can barely see straight.
Leah
Seriously, it’s not necessary, Michael…
Michael
Everyone likes to be a hero, right?
Julie
Of course. And what a perfect way for you to be our hero.
She and Michael both smile and Leah feels a little sick.
Leah
I really can take care of myself. I promise.
Leah
This isn’t necessary.
Julie glares at Leah, then smiles up at Michael.
Julie
Can you pick her up at 7? I’ll text you her address.
They continue to eat their lunch and make idle small talk, but it feels as if something changed.
Now, everyone will think Leah and Michael are a pair—
And that doesn’t feel right. At the end of lunch, Michael holds the door for Leah.
She doesn’t think he’s ever done that for her before.
As the afternoon wears on, she feels more and more uncomfortable. Finally, she texts Julie.
Leah
I’m not that into him.
Leah
He feels too…serious.
Julie
You barely know him.
Leah
But I don’t feel anything.
She sighs — when she texts Rem, butterflies erupt in her belly.
Leah
I think I should feel a spark.
Julie
🙄 Life isn’t a fairy tale, Leah.
Julie
Give him a chance — I think you’ll like him.
Leah
Ok, fine. I’ve already asked him out, so I guess I should follow through.
Leah
But I’m holding you responsible for this.
Julie
I’ll be the maid of honor at your wedding.
Julie
You can thank me then by letting me have an amazing dress.
Julie
My girls are my best assets, so I want to put my request in now…
Julie
My dress needs to show them off.
She puts her phone away and teaches Social Studies, but during the whole afternoon…
The feeling of guilt niggles at the back of her mind.
She feels like she’s cheating on Rem.
