Chapter Six
I tap my pencil against my cheek, reading over the words that I've written.
I really don't like these written answer questions.
The multiple choice ones I breezed through.
Having to formulate my thoughts and then make them make sense is what trips me up.
I'm aware that I'm one of the last that is still working, but I know I have ten more minutes to check and double check.
I don't want to misread a question like last time.
A pair of shoes come into my peripheral view and I glance up to see Bennett standing in front of my desk.
He isn't looking at me, but over the whole class.
His hand taps on my desk twice before he walks away and repeats the same motion on another desk.
I focus back on my paper, but a small yellow square catches my eye.
It wasn't there a second ago. I keep my head down to the quiz, but reach with my pencil-yielding hand to pull it closer.
I really need to start admitting to myself that I need reading glasses.
You're on the right track. Don't overthink it.
It's definitely Bennett's handwriting because I see it every class period on the board.
I can feel a small smile tug at the corner of my mouth and I give myself one deep breath.
I read my words one more time before I set my pencil down and decide it's good.
Five minutes later, Bennett calls time and our quizzes are handed in.
"As with the last one, I'll have them graded by Monday and I will have my office hours open if anyone has any questions. Now, let's get right into the next chapter…"
The class goes by quickly. I jot down notes, feeling a bit more confident than I was when I walked in this morning.
Three pages of notes later, I'm packing up my things to head back home.
I'll never understand how people can get up and out of a classroom in under a minute.
I don't remember being like that when I was in school.
We had the policy that everyone stood up, thanked the teacher, and then packed up and left the room.
Old habits die hard, I guess.
"Any weekend plans?" Bennett asks when we're alone in the room once again. I realize that my thoughts distracted me enough I'm still sitting in my chair. I stand quickly and put my bag over one shoulder.
"Sorry, I don't know where my mind just went."
"Judging by the scrunched up expression you had, it was something to do with your classmates?" I can see the enjoyment on his face when my cheeks heat. He probably can't see it under the stubble I need to shave, but still.
"I was just pulling one of those 'back in my day' thoughts. It amazes me how they can clear a room in under a minute but complain when you ask us to move to form groups."
"Oh, that's simple. They want to leave the classroom, they don't want to do group work." Bennett leans against the front of his desk, assuming his usual stance with his ankles crossed and arms over his chest.
"I can't blame them. I hated doing group work when I was in school. I'd rather just get the job done on my own instead of relying on someone else."
"I think you might have some trust issues there, Nelson." Bennett says the words sarcastically, but he's not wrong. I shrug a shoulder, but smile.
"You call it trust issues, I call it confidence in myself."
Bennett laughs, tossing his head back. I stare at him for a moment while he isn't looking at me.
He's attractive, that's for sure. It's clear he shaves and takes good care of his skin and hair.
I would wager that he dyes his hair to get that brownish-red color, but I'm not a hundred percent sure.
It's a good color on him. His outfit of choice today is a simple t-shirt with a suit jacket and a pair of dark jeans.
Matching belt and shoes. Laid back, but still presentable.
When he looks back at me, I can feel a stone drop in my stomach. He certainly caught me checking him out. I take a step toward the door when he speaks again.
"Do you know any good places outside the city to eat?
" Bennett asks. I turn back around, confused.
"I have a friend visiting this weekend and I want to take them somewhere that really embodies the small town life around here.
They've never travelled outside of the major cities: Chicago, New York, L.A, that sort of thing. "
I think about it for a second, weighing a couple options in mind.
There aren't a lot of local businesses that aren't national chains in this area.
"Most of the area surrounding this city is farmland, but there's a stretch of buildings about fifteen minutes past my farm that has two restaurants.
One is a burger joint, bar type and the other tries to be slightly more fancy, but it's a glorified Apple Bee's. They're over on Cannon Water Road."
"Cannon Water, got it." He's typing it in his phone I presume. When he looks back up, he's smiling. "Thank you. I'll have to check them out."
"No worries," I say. "I have to get going, but I'll see you Monday."
Clark
We're setting the table if you want to join. Mama made her fried chicken tonight.
The text from my nephew is innocent enough.
I know he's old enough to understand that his dad sold the farm, but I'm not sure that Charlie's told him yet.
He didn't mention anything when we into town that one day.
He has asked me why I'm taking a class at the college and I answered honestly, that I needed a refresher course on Business to get a certification.
Nelson
Thanks, bud. I have plans with a friend though, maybe next time.
I have about an hour before I need to meet a few people for dinner.
It's going to be myself, Paul, my future boss, Kevin, the friend that introduced us, and the current manager I'll be taking over for.
We're going to have a few beers and eat, talk shop for a bit, nothing formal.
I plan to possibly hit up another bar afterward, maybe find someone to relieve a little stress with.
I've been feeling extra… off for the last couple of days.
My laptop dings on the table as I pass by.
I sit down and pull up the tab for the college email.
I'd sent an email to Bennett earlier today when I was reading over my notes, just to ask some clarification.
We have our first big test next Thursday that covers the five chapters we've gone over already.
He handed out study guides yesterday and I've already gone through and filled mine out, but I wanted to make sure the written part of the guide was correct.
This all looks great, Nelson. You're doing great. I just finished grading quizzes as well and you scored higher this round than the last one. Enjoy your weekend and don't stress.
I close down the laptop with a nod. I'll look back over it Tuesday evening, and probably Wednesday as well.
I get the last of my things before I head out to the truck.
The drive to the restaurant isn't bad, there's a bit of traffic, but I still make it on time.
The others are already gathered and I greet the three of them with handshakes.
We order a round of drinks and start talking about this and that.
There isn't any one particular subject we stick to.
There are stories shared about work, a brief discussion about the farm, asking how the class is going, and of course some jabbing about the fact I'm forty and still single.
Despite the three of them being happily married to women and the youngest being thirty-eight, they start looking around the restaurant pointing out different men.
I'm happy they're open minded, but fuck if I want to die.
"Oh, what about him?" Kevin says. I don't turn around and look at the guy he's pointing at. It doesn't stop the others from doing it. "He's younger, tall, cute."
The others hum their agreement, shooting their glances at me. It piques my interest, but I don't dare to turn around. "Oh damn, he's with another man. He might not be available."
"Or maybe they're willing to add a third if you're into that sort of thing?" Paul says.
"Coming from my future boss, that's just… Not right." I wish I was in a position to sneak a glance at the bar area, but I can't do that without making my movements obvious.
"Hey! I'm an open minded person. I've read things. It might have been by accident on my wife's Kindle, but I've read things. Very enlightening." We all laugh as he picks up his drink and downs the last of it. "I need another round. Anyone else?"
"I'll take one," Kevin says.
"I'll help you," I say. I push back my chair and stand up. The three of them all stare at me and I know I'm about to get more crap over this.
"Want to go see your future boyfriend up close?" Paul teases. I roll my eyes.
"Fuck all of you." I point to each one of them, but I'm only met with a round of laughter. Paul stands up and we turn and head to the bar.
I lift a hand to get the bartender's attention and then turn to Paul. His eyes are focused on a guy a couple of seats down. "He's cuter up close. Seriously, take a peek."
"If you weren't married, I'd be questioning you right now."
"I'm happily straight, but I'm a world class wing man no matter who we're looking at.
" He says it so nonchalantly but it makes me feel more and more at ease.
At least I know I won't feel like I need to hide when I do start working for him.
I roll my eyes when he tilts his head once more and finally look over at who he's talking about.
Tall, dark hair, cute.
"Shit," I mutter under my breath. "That's my professor for this summer class."
"No way!" Paul bursts out in laughter, turning several heads around us. Including Bennett. My eyes flick to his and recognition crosses his face. I avert my gaze and reach my hand up to pinch Paul's arm. "Ouch! What was that for?" He rubs the back of his arm where I pinched.