Leah wakes with a smile on her face.
She instantly remembers what happened last night and her thighs tingle.
Later, when she’s at work, her daydreams constantly shift to Rem.
But in the middle of the morning, they shatter when she gets a text from Michael.
Michael
We still on for Friday?
Leah stares at her phone. She doesn’t want this — at all.
But she feels guilty because she’s already committed to it.
Michael
Wow, such exuberance. Lol.
Leah
I’m sorry. Distracted.
Michael
No worries. I hear you.
Michael
I’m looking forward to Friday. What should I wear?
Leah
Just something nice. Slacks and a shirt.
She knows he couldn’t possibly wear anything that would make him as alluring as Rem…
And she hasn’t even seen the man.
This time, it’s from Rem. Leah grins and switches threads.
Rem
How you feeling today?
Rem
I’ve never understood that saying.
Rem
Babies wake up like a hundred times a night.
Leah
True. Ok then, I slept like the dead.
It’s Michael texting again. Leah switches threads.
Michael
So what do you and Julie like to do in your spare time?
Leah
I don’t know about Julie, but I like to skydive.
Michael
Really? I never would’ve expected that from you.
Leah
Why? Because I’m a boring school teacher?
Leah
Well, I hate to break this to you…
Leah
But so are you! Haha.
Leah realizes that she’s simultaneously texting two men.
Even though she’s not overly excited about Michael…
The idea of juggling two men makes her feel wanted and wild.
And because of last night, she knows she likes feeling a little wild.
She switches back to the thread with Rem.
Leah
Want to do an encore tonight?
Rem
Uh-oh, I may have created a monster.
Rem
But I seem to recall…it’s your turn to send me a picture.
Leah
Hmm. What should I show you?
Rem
I’m sure you’ll think of something.
A text comes in from Michael.
Michael
Is Julie here today?
Michael
I didn’t see her car.
Leah
I think she took the train today. Why?
Leah
So…do you want to sit with us today at lunchtime?
Leah
Check the box yes or no.
She smiles at her reference to their fifth-grade students.
Leah
Sounds good. See you soon.
She finishes teaching Math, and then instructs the kids to silently read until lunch.
Later, when she enters the teacher’s lounge, she scans the room. Julie is already at a table.
Leah sits down next to her and Julie waggles her eyebrows.
Julie
Have you seen Michael today?
Julie
I think he’s putting extra effort in for SOMEONE.
Leah
Oh? Is he wearing a pair of new khakis?
Julie
You really need to just give him a chance.
Leah eyes him from across the room, where he is buying a soda from the machine.
He’s trim, responsible, and perfectly acceptable.
Leah
I…I have to tell you something.
Leah
I’ve been talking to someone—
Leah
And I don’t think I should be leading Michael on.
Julie bursts out laughing.
Julie
Because you’re talking to some dude online?
Julie
Michael is right here in real life!
They watch him struggle to get the soda out of the door flap.
Leah
But the guy I’m talking to…
Leah
Let’s just say I’m really into him.
The memory of last night practically makes her squirm in her seat.
Julie
Whatever you think.
Julie
I just don’t want you to squander a real thing for fantasy.
Leah almost chokes on that word.
She finishes her lunch quickly so she doesn’t have to talk to Michael very much.
On the spur of the moment, she ducks into the restroom on her way out of the teacher’s lounge.
She closes herself into a bathroom stall, and takes a picture of the curve of her hip…
The part of her body Rem had been thinking about last night.
She makes sure her tiny heart tattoo is in the frame.
She texts it to him, then hurries to class.
Ten minutes later, she receives a reply. But it’s not from Rem…
Michael
Um…I’m not sure what to say.
Confused, Leah looks at the phone — and then realizes what she did.
She rushes into Michael’s classroom.
When Michael looks up at her from his desk, shock covers his face.
Leah
Can I say I’m SO sorry?
Leah
I absolutely didn’t mean to offend you.
Michael
Oh, I’m not offended.
Michael
Don’t worry about that at all, Leah.
Michael
I’m just…I feel like you might have the wrong idea.
Leah pauses, examining him.
He looks like he’s squirming too.
Michael
I mean…I think you might be interested in me…romantically. And…
Leah’s hackles go up and she lifts an eyebrow.
Michael
And…I don’t see you that way.
Leah is speechless. Michael rushes to continue.
Michael
I thought we were going to dinner to discuss Julie.
Michael
You know, so you could talk up your friend.
Leah
Julie — you’re interested in Julie.
Michael
I’m so sorry. I know this is awkward.
Michael
And I want you to know…it doesn’t have anything to do with your scar.
Michael
Not even a little bit.
Leah’s automatically raises a hand to cover it, and then anger flashes through her.
Leah
Why would it be about that?
Michael
I just thought you might be offended and think that I was turned off by your scar.
Michael
Some guys might be like that, but I’m not.
Michael
I see the person inside, not the outward appearance.
He looks self-righteous, and Leah’s blood pressure spikes.
Leah
Oh my God. You’re SUCH an ass.
Leah
I mean, seriously. Who says something like that??
Michael stares at her, at a loss.
Leah
Good luck with Julie.
Leah
Trust me, I won’t be talking you up to her.
She storms back to her desk to compose herself before her students trickle in.
If Michael — the plain, boring guy — only saw her for her scar…
What in the hell did she expect out of someone like Rem?
She puts her head down on her desk to stop herself from crying.
