Chapter Eight
When I knock on the door, Trent is ready and waiting. He’s dressed casually in slim-fit shorts and a T-shirt with a zip-up hoodie over the top. His blond hair is styled, his short beard neatly trimmed. Does he ever not look totally stunning?
“What?” he says. “Have I got toothpaste on my face?” He wipes his hand over his mouth.
“No, I was wondering if there’s ever a time you don’t look incredible.”
He smiles widely as a pink blush blooms on his cheeks. “You’ve got to stop saying shit like that.”
I ignore him. “Ready?”
“Yep, and before you ask, yes, I have everything.”
As we drive, I notice that Trent is jittery, twisting his fingers together in his lap. “Is everything okay? We don’t have to do this. Or we can go and get some breakfast first.”
“No, I’m good. I had something to eat before you picked me up. I’m a good boy, see.” He grins at me, and I smile back.
“I think some of the school kids have rubbed off on you.”
He laughs hard. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Do you know what secondary schools are like now? Kids come to school with knives. They belong in gangs and spend most of their time trying to prove who’s harder. They don’t give a shit about having breakfast before they come to school.”
I don’t know what to say about that. I can’t imagine Trent in front of a classroom full of kids who have no interest in learning or in behaving.
When I was at school, you didn’t dare badmouth a teacher or start fights.
But I went to a private school, so he’s right.
I know nothing about the public education system.
Maybe he’d had enough of trying to teach in a volatile environment.
Or maybe something happened that drove him away.
“Oh my god! Did something happen to you? Were you threatened?”
“No, surprisingly, I was quite well liked. I’m a good teacher, I make classes interesting, and kids would generally listen. If they didn’t, they weren’t allowed back in my classroom, and they knew I meant it. I may not be full of muscles, but I can be strong about the things that matter.”
“Are you going back to teaching after the summer?”
Trent lets out a small, sad sigh. Is it at me? Am I asking too many questions?
“I don’t know. I’m working through some things and trying to get a clearer vision of my future. But I can go back in September if I want to. The head wants me back. He’s organising supply teachers for my classes rather than replacing me.”
That’s very cryptic, and now I don’t know if it’s good things or bad that are making him rethink his life. The only way I’ll know is if I ask. “Anything you’re able to share?”
We’ve made it to the narrow lane, and I navigate the potholes and the overgrown hedges on either side. Thankfully, the windows are closed, or the brambles that are as thick as my fingers would be scratching our faces.
“Where are we? Have you brought me out here to kill me? Nobody must use this track. I’ll never be found,” he says in mock horror, but I’m just glad he’s laughing, his tone light for the first time since we got in the car.
“Damn, you’ve worked out my dastardly plan. Although Drew and Merrick both know we’re coming here, so if you don’t show up again, they will come looking for you.”
“Did you just say dastardly? No one uses that word unless they’re the villain in Scooby Doo!” He’s looking at me shrewdly, as if he’s suddenly realised something. He stays silent, although his eyes are twinkling, and he presses his lips together to hold back his smile.
As much as I want to know what he’s thinking, I turn off the lane and into the field that’s going to be my home and my business. I switch off the engine and stare out the windscreen. “Well, what do you think?”
Trent scans the area. “It’s incredible, or at least it will be. I can see the potential. Are you going for organic veg or focusing on plants? This is a perfect place for beehives. Have you thought about that? It’s a huge thing now. I had a couple at my school.”
Wow. How many other talents has he got? His smile is breathtaking. Even the one tooth that has a tiny crook to it doesn’t take away from it. Unable to hold back, I cup his nape and bring him close, then kiss him.
I pour everything into this one kiss. My back will soon be aching from leaning over the console, but I don’t care.
I want him.