2. Theo
Theo
This is such a far cry from my previous CPA job, it’s almost comical. But then I remember how I came to obtain this new career at a new place in a new town.
I’m not here because I wanted to change what I did for a living.
I’m here because my ex-wife blew up our marriage and I had to escape the humiliation of what she did to me.
A fresh start is exactly what I needed.
I’ve been in town for the past couple of months, taking a much-needed vacation before school started. For a decade, I worked as an accountant and rarely missed a day. The longest I took off was for the honeymoon with Mary Ellen. It was a full week of sex, margaritas, and pool-side lounging.
God, I was such a fucking fool.
Blind to everything that woman did to me.
I’m extra rattled today, not because it’s the first day of school and my being a teacher, but because Mary Ellen sent me a text.
Bitch Ex: I’m pregnant. You’ll need to do a paternity test.
I know for a fact it’s not mine, because the timing lines up to when we rarely shared the same bed, much less were naked in it.
For a while there, she walked around with a nearly curled up lip of disgust toward me.
Sex between us was the last thing on either of our minds.
We were barely holding a marriage together.
But this is what she does.
Toys and toys with me. Like she’s a cat and I’m a fucking mouse.
She wants to screw with my head. Make me think the baby is mine. Mary Ellen wants to dangle a carrot in front of me only to take it away.
It’s something we often fought about.
Me wanting a family. Her wanting more time.
I’m done playing her shitty games, though, which is why I screenshot the message rather than replying and sent it to my attorney. The divorce may be finalized, but I still want my ducks in a row in case she ever decides to terrorize me again.
Someone barks out a laugh, and I’m jerked into the present. Sneakers squeak across linoleum and voices chatter while the class follows me through the building to the exit.
As much as I’m out of my element with this new career, there’s relief in it. I’d been good at my accounting job, but I threw myself into it to avoid an unhappy marriage. I needed a fresh break from everything.
“It’s hot out here,” someone complains. “Does this greenhouse have AC?”
I ignore the kid as I open the door to the greenhouse.
Inside, I’m met with the earthy scent of damp potting soil and fertilizer.
Toward the front of the greenhouse that’s bigger than my apartment, there are tables and tables full of planting supplies.
Stacks of pots, bags of soil, bins full of hand shovels and tools.
Beyond that, there are picnic tables that serve as desks.
At the far end of the greenhouse is a garage door that can be opened to let a breeze in but also serves as a way to easily move plants and supplies in and out.
The FFA banner hangs in the corner, the edges frayed and the material yellowing from age.
The place isn’t perfect, but I feel like I can breathe deeper in here than in the classroom.
Once everyone files in and takes a seat, I notice a familiar blond head at the table closest to me.
She sits alone which is confusing to me.
The girl is the typical “popular” type with sleek blond hair, designer clothes, and pretty features.
Yet, for some reason, she behaves like an outsider, a loner, a freak.
Is that why you let the watch thing pass? You felt sorry for her?
It was the whispered, cruel words and the tears in her eyes that got me, I think. She’s going through something, and as someone who’s been to hell and back recently, I recognize a kindred spirit.
I somehow manage to rattle out my spiel about greenhouse safety and rules, but my attention remains on Addison. There’s a sadness that emanates from her—one I can almost reach out and touch. It’s familiar to me.
Who hurt you, Addison?
“Can we grow weed?” Liam asks, flashing me an idiotic grin. “It’s legal now.”
Addison’s eyebrows lift as she watches me for a reaction. I want to study her bloodshot eyes to see if I can read more of her emotions, but I focus on the dweeb nearby.
“Let’s master tomatoes and cucumbers first,” I deadpan. “We’re in the business of killing weeds, not growing them.”
The class perks up with excitement when I put them on the task of planting some seeds in starter pots. It’s basic and just something for them to do in order to get familiar with the greenhouse and dirt.
I find my stool and perch atop so I can watch everyone. My gaze lands on Addison as she daintily presses dirt into the tiny pot. Her movements are careful, unlike Liam and Zayne who are spilling soil all over the damn place. She must sense my staring at her, because she lifts her eyes to meet mine.
Brilliant and glittery blue like the lake I lived on growing up.
Warmth gathers in my chest at the memory of fishing and swimming in the cool waters at the back of our farmland. After helping Dad with summer chores, I’d reward myself with an afternoon dip.
I notice Addison’s cheeks turning as pink as her long, painted fingernails. I give her a small nod and wink to let her know she’s doing great. She turns her focus back on the planting, chewing on her bottom lip in concentration.
While everyone works, I unbutton the buttons at my wrists on my dress shirt.
Then, I roll them up nearly to my elbows.
As the morning sun creeps its way over the school building and enters the greenhouse, it heats up pretty quickly.
Several people complain about having to be sweaty all day at school.
I’m just happy to not be trapped inside a boring-ass cubicle crunching numbers all day.
I knew things with Mary Ellen were bad, but it wasn’t until I upped and left our town to come here that I realized how much of my life truly sucked for me.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. But, because I’m trying to be an example to the class, I ignore it. It’s doubtful Mary Ellen is doubling down. If I had to guess, it’s my sister checking in on me. Penny is my best friend and has made it loud and clear how worried she is about me.
I’m going to be okay.
I have a new life now.
And maybe, once my heart heals, I’ll find a woman who actually loves me.
Someone sweet. Not selfish like Mary Ellen.
For some reason, my eyes find their way back over to Addison. Her glittery blue eyes meet mine and she smiles.
It’s a sweet smile.
Again, it warms me to my soul.
But, it’s one I have no business enjoying as much as I apparently do right now.
Get it together, man.
“Here’s to day one of many,” Principal Renner says, lifting a glass of punch. “May you survive the rest.”
The other faculty members chuckle. Since I don’t know anyone really well, I take my plate piled up with food and sit at a table near the window.
A few minutes later, a muscular guy with a scowl drops into the chair across from me.
I immediately recognize him from the summer staff meetings as the track coach, Coach Long.
“My day started out swell,” he says in way of greeting. “Already scooped up a handful of little shits for afternoon detention this week.”
I swallow down the meatball I’d crammed into my mouth and smirk. “Nearly sent a few your way this morning. I have a ‘no phones ever’ policy.”
“Good luck with that rule,” Coach Long murmurs, dunking a carrot stick in some ranch. “None of these kids listen to a damn thing we say around here. But I admire you for trying. If it sends too many brats my way, we’ll need two detention teachers. Remember that, Langford.”
“Theo,” I say with a chuckle. “And I’m a team player. If you need help with detention, I’m your man.”
What I don’t tell him is I don’t have anything better to do. No friends. No social life. Nothing.
“Everett.” He polishes off the rest of his carrots and then says, “As much as I love detention, I have a family who waits for me by the door each day. They got used to me being home all summer. Might have a few days I need to skip out of here early.”
I give him a nod. “Any time. Just holler.”
The man smiles at me but it kind of reminds me of a lion baring its teeth. He means well, and I think I may have made a work friend. It’s something.
He devours the rest of his food and then rises to his feet. After clasping me on my shoulder with impressive strength, he saunters away.
Principal Renner joins me next, limping slightly on his way over to me. “How was your first day?”
“I survived.” I shake his hand and he takes his seat. “Most of them loathe the idea of sitting in the heat and playing in the dirt.”
“These kids will always find something to complain about. No trouble, though?”
“Nah. It’s a nice change,” I admit. “The accounting life was dull.”
Principal Renner snorts out a laugh. “Teaching is anything but. I’m glad you’re here.”
After making a twenty-minute appearance at the staff party, I slip out and head toward the parking lot. Before I reach my truck, I notice a single car sitting in the student parking lot.
I toss my crap inside my vehicle and then make my way over to see if the student needs help.
As I approach, I note the vehicle is brand-new and expensive.
Costs more than a handful of the staff cars combined, including mine.
When I see silky blond hair that glimmers in the sunlight through the windshield, my stomach tightens for some strange reason.
“Addison?”
Her head is bowed. She’s frowning, cheeks wet with fresh tears. I rap my knuckles on her window. She startles and screams. Once she sees me, she relaxes and rolls down the window. The scent of her fruity perfume swirls out of her car, wrapping around me and filling my lungs.
She smells sweet.
Her lips curl into a shy smile. “Oh, hey, Mr. Langford.”
I almost blurt out for her to call me Theo but refrain at the last second. Teaching is a lot more different than accounting. It’s going to take some getting used to.
“Everything okay?”
She nods too quickly. “Yep. Just fine.”
“Car working?”
“Yeah. It’s fine. I’m about to go home.” She flinches as she says the last part. “Not in a hurry.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask why she doesn’t want to go home.
But I’m smart enough to know it’s not appropriate.
She’s a student and I’m her teacher.
“Well, you have to do it eventually,” I say gently to her. “Right?”
“Unfortunately.”
“Sign up for Greenhouse Club and FFA. That’ll keep you busy.”
I’m teasing, I think.
Her cheeks turn pink and she grins. “That’s a good idea.”
I stare at her for far too long before clearing my throat and looking elsewhere. I smack the top of her vehicle before stepping away. “It’s just a bad day. Not a bad life.”
It’s the thing Penny always says to me. When it comes from my sister, it’s annoying, but while helping someone else with it, it’s not so bad.
“Thank you,” she murmurs. “I needed to hear that.”
I flash her a warm smile. “See you tomorrow, Addison.”
“I’ll be there.”
As I make my way back over to my truck, an uneasy feeling settles in my gut. I’m not sure my deal is, but I’m interested in what’s going on with the poor girl. I sense her sadness and it makes me want to comfort her in ways I wish other people were able to comfort me.
But I can’t do that shit.
She’s my student.
She’s. My. Student.
Tomorrow I’ll do better. I’ve been a teacher for one day. Surely this gig will get easier with time.