Chapter 3
Three
Angelo
My phone vibrates in my pocket as I write the example question on the board.
I ignore it for now, going through the motions of explaining the math and how to solve the equation before I turn around to face the class and ask if there are any questions.
The typical ebb and flow of teaching continues throughout the period to the extent that I almost entirely forget about the notification from my phone.
It’s not until my lunch break, when I check my phone, that I get a chance to look.
Mom: Don’t forget to bring eggnog on Saturday.
Shit. Saturday. My niece’s birthday. I still need to get her a present.
“Hey Angelo, you busy tomorrow evening? A few of us were thinking about hitting up Tony’s Bar and Grill.” Grace takes the seat across from me in the break room as she waits for my answer.
“That’s a Thursday,” I point out.
“So?” Grace shrugs. “Tomorrow works better for a few of us. You in or what?”
I should probably spend that time hitting up stores to find a suitable gift for Zoey, but I’ve spent too many nights at home by myself recently. I need to get out and do something fun. Something more thrilling than going to my niece’s seventh birthday party. “What time?” I ask.
Grace’s grin lights up her face. “We’ll be there at six.
See you then.” She goes to stand up, clearly thinking the conversation is over.
I turn my attention back to my phone, sending a quick response to my mom.
I can hit the stores later today to find something.
With all of that decided, I finish up my lunch and head back to my room.
I need to spend the last fifteen minutes of my break getting ready for my next class.
The rest of the day goes off without a hitch.
There are only a few bumps and hurdles in my last couple of classes, and before I know it, it’s the end of the day, and I’m packing up my things.
I decide to head straight for the mall rather than stopping at home first. It’s more time-efficient this way, and hopefully the stores won’t be too crowded.
Of course, I’m not that lucky. After all, it is only a few weeks before Christmas.
Going to a toy store at this time of year is a minefield as I weave my way through all the people.
The issue is I have no idea what to get Zoey.
The kids I’m around all day are high schoolers.
They have different interests from a seven-year-old.
I’m around Zoey often enough to recognize a few toys that look like the shows she likes, but nothing is screaming out to me as the gift.
Then I see it. The toy that I know my niece will love, even if my sister and brother-in-law might not appreciate it as much.
Technically, it’s a retro toy, but after watching Mitchells vs.
the Machines one too many times with my niece, I know she’ll love the little Furby.
I grab one in purple since that’s her favorite color and head for the register.
As I make my way through the aisles, a cute dress catches my attention, and I stop to grab it in Zoey’s size to add to my purchase.
With the present taken care of, I might as well find something for dinner while I’m out.
I know it’d be better to cook something at home, but it’s getting late, and my stomach is already growling.
The extra time it would take to get home and prepare something is too long.
Leaving the toy store, I let my feet lead me to the mall’s food court.
There’s a number of options to choose from, but it only takes me a few minutes to zone in on the sandwich shop.
It’s a mom-and-pop shop with affordable options and large portions.
Way better than Subway or TOGOS any day.
I get in line, looking over the menu as I wait for my turn.
When I get to the register, I order a cheesesteak loaded with bell peppers, but I skip the soda to save a few calories.
Rather than eating in the small dining area, I take my food home with me.
I’ve done enough people-ing for the day and I just want to get home and be alone.
After a short drive, I’m pulling into my driveway and unloading my purchases.
I set the bag with Zoey’s gifts on the couch and take a seat next to it with my dinner.
Grabbing the remote, I turn on the TV to the medical drama I’ve been binging.
My mind shuts off as I get lost in the show.
It’s easy to imagine having my own Dr. Sexy to come home to.
It’s probably a pipe dream, but hey a guy can hope, right?
After a few episodes, I have to refocus and turn off the TV. There are a few papers that need grading and lesson plans that need fine-tuning before I can call it a night.
I wipe my hands on my jeans trying to drum up the courage to get out of my car and head inside of Tony’s. I’m usually not this anxious, but something is putting me on edge tonight. It’s just my coworkers going for a drink. Something I’ve done dozens of times.
A rap on the window draws me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Daniel, one of the computer teachers. “You planning on sitting in your car all night?” he teases as I open the door.
“Is that an option?” I joke, and Daniel shakes his head at me.
“It’s not like you have somewhere better to be. I know there’s no man waiting up for you at home. Come on in and have a drink.”
His casual remark stings a little. He just seems so sure that I don’t have a boyfriend.
Maybe that’s what is bugging me about tonight.
I already know I’ll hear it tomorrow from my mom.
I’m not getting any younger, and isn’t it time I settled down rather than playing the field?
I get it, I’m thirty-six. Not exactly a spring chicken.
A fact my mom has been harping on for a few years now, and I know Mom will find a way to sneak it into the conversation at the party.
At least I can try to enjoy tonight. There shouldn’t be nearly as many teasing comments.
Daniel leads the way through the parking lot, and when we enter the restaurant, he spots the rest of our group first. We take our seats just as the waiter approaches.
“Are we ready to order drinks, or are you still waiting for a few more?”
“I’ll take a Dr. Pepper cherry bomb,” I answer with a quick glance at the cocktail list. I could use something to take the edge off.