Chapter 9 Gabe
Thursday August 28, 7:30 AM
Gabe arrived at school a little earlier than normal. He told himself he wasn’t anxious to see if Avery was there, but he was lying to himself.
He had tossed and turned half the night, trying to get Avery out of his head. How did someone he met only three days ago stay on his mind so much? Maybe it was a crush. But even past crushes or even what he thought was the real thing didn’t feel like this. Not his most recent relationship, or anyone else for that matter.
“Good morning, Doreen,” he said as he entered the building.
She handed him a sub binder and a muffin. He sniffed it. “Another peach? This might become my favorite, even over poppyseed.”
“Don’t get too attached. My sister brought a box of peaches down from Utah and they’re quickly running out.”
Before Gabe shoved the muffin in his mouth, he was tempted to ask her if Avery was coming in today. But he didn’t want to give anyone else at work more reason to tease him about liking her. Did he like her? Sure. But it probably wouldn’t go anywhere. So why bring attention to it?
He headed toward the history class. In all his time subbing, he’d never covered for this particular teacher. As he walked into the room, his eyes went big. It was like a museum. Maps and pictures of artifacts and a display of clay pyramids and a bulletin board with students’ drawings of hieroglyphics.
This was awesome.
Gabe knew he could fake his way through teaching any subject, but this was his thing. Not only history, but ancient history. His college major. His true passion.
On his phone, he flipped through to photos of his trip to Egypt. His graduation present from his parents. The time they really listened to him and did something he loved.
He read through the lesson plans, which included discussion and getting the students started on slide show projects about different aspects of ancient civilizations. He found the teacher’s connector so he could show photos from his phone on the projector.
For once, he was prepared ahead of time, and it was like a new part of his brain was firing off. The students trickled in and he was ready.
Thursday August 28, 2:00 PM
By the time 8th period rolled around, Gabe was exhausted. Teaching was always tiring, but today had been different. He had connected to the students more. The material meant more to him. Today had filled him up in a way subbing hadn’t before.
He was probably also tired because he hadn’t had a prep period yet. But having it last meant he could go early, unless another teacher needed coverage. Time to visit Doreen.
“Any other classes need a sub this period?” he asked.
“Nope. You’re good to go.”
He nodded and handed her the sub binder.
“And she’s not here today, in case you were wondering,” she said.
Of course he had wondered. All day. How her mom was doing. If she thought he acted like a doofus yesterday—which he had, so he had hoped to get a chance to apologize. He caught himself watching for her in the halls, in the teacher’s lounge, or in other classrooms as he passed.
“Who?” he asked, playing dumb.
Doreen smiled. “Maybe she’ll be back tomorrow.”
Gabe headed toward the exit, then turned. “Does this school have a library?”
“Yes, dear, but Mrs. Cox left a bit early today. What do you need?”
He thought for a second. “There’s a book from college I wanted to show the students tomorrow, but I think I lost it in a move. Maybe I’ll check the local library. Never too old to get a library card, right?”
Gabe searched for the library on his phone and tapped on directions. It was only a few miles away. But the route took him right by his ex’s work. That reminded him, Gabe needed to find a new gym.
He could easily go a different way. C’mon Gabe, be a grown-up. The question was, would he turn his head and scan the parking lot for her car?
Of course he would. He was too curious not to. He turned and drove by the business park with a bunch of stores, restaurants, and the gym. There it was—the little red Mini Cooper—his ex’s car parked right up front.
Did he still have feelings for her? He could honestly say no. She was pretty and fun, but she didn’t always get his snarky jokes, and her world revolved around working out. They had gone on hikes, and even Emmett loved her, but she was all about her looks. Like all of Gabe’s past relationships, he didn’t realize they didn’t match well. And Gabe regretted not seeing sooner she had only wanted a surface relationship. And he didn’t want that anymore. He craved something real. More grown-up. Something deeper. Something long-lasting.
He pulled into the library parking lot and headed inside. It was so quiet it made his brain itch. But he wouldn’t be here long. A map of the library showed the history books were up on the second floor. He headed toward the staircase, but as he passed the check-in desk, he stopped.
Avery was coming out of an office door, followed by another woman who said, “It was great to meet you. Thanks for coming a day early. We’ll let you know our decision.” They shook hands and she turned toward Gabe.
He had no time to react. They locked eyes. His pulse raced and he became hyper aware of her every tiny movement: her eyes blinking, the fall of her hair . Would she be happy to see him?
Avery’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Oh. Gabe, hi. What are you doing here?” She maneuvered around the check-in desk to where he was standing. She wasn’t smiling, but she didn’t look mad. Maybe neutral? Or serious.
Gabe tried to make a serious face but lost it and his goofy smile appeared. “Uh. You know, research. Lots of work to do.”
She folded her arms and gave a half smile. “You’re not subbing today?”
“Yeah, but eighth was prep, so I got to leave early.” They stood in awkward silence for a few seconds. “What are you doing here?”
Avery cleared her throat. “Oh, I had a job interview.” She looked down at the floor, then up and around the walls.
“To work here?”
“Yeah. You know, help people find books.” She gestured, waving her hands to indicate the books all around them.
He smiled. Okay, he had asked a dumb question. “In that case, can you help me find a book?” What he really wanted to know was if she would go to the dance on Friday.
Avery cocked her head to one side. “I don’t work here yet.”
He shifted his stance. He still couldn’t tell if she wanted to keep talking to him. It was worth a shot to get her to stay. “But you could practice. I bet you can’t find this book.”
“Okay, fine.”
Gabe led her upstairs and showed her the history section. “The book I need is about ancient Egypt. It has a pyramid on the cover.”
“Gee, that narrows it down. You don’t know the title?” she asked.
He shrugged. “It’s a book from college. And anyway, I want this to be challenging for you.”
She shook her head, then pointed. “Ancient civilizations should be down here. Let’s go see what we can find.”
Gabe happily followed her down an empty aisle, no other patrons. The way her hips and hair swayed was mesmerizing.
“So, did you miss subbing today because of your interview?” He didn’t want to let on that he knew about the emergency with her mother. Then Avery would know he was asking Doreen about her, and who knows if Doreen was supposed to say anything.
Avery squatted and thumbed through a few spines. “I stayed home to help my mom. The interview was supposed to be tomorrow, but they had an open spot today instead.”
“You live with your mom?” he asked. They must have a good relationship. He wondered what a good relationship with a parent was like.
She looked up. “Yeah.” Avery studied him, her head tilting back slightly. “Why?’
“Oh, no reason. I think it’s nice,” he added. “I’m sure your mom appreciates your help.”
Avery stood, and for a few seconds their faces were only a few inches apart. He searched her brown eyes, honest and intoxicating. “I like taking care of her,” Avery said. The way she whispered her response made Gabe’s heart beat faster.
She held up the books in her hands. “Here’s the Egypt books. Why don’t you look through these and see if any look familiar? There’s a chair over there.” She nodded toward the end of the aisle a few feet away.
Slowly he took the books from Avery, biting his lip. He made his way past her, their shoulders brushing. The touch made him lose his breath.
No girl had ever made him feel like this from a tiny touch.
He took a deep breath and sat in the chair, the books on his lap. Gabe pulled out the books one at a time, checking their covers, while Avery searched on the opposite shelf, all the while inching towards him. He was supposed to be looking at the books, but he couldn’t keep his eyes off of Avery. Her movement, her calmness, her beauty.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
She stopped and looked over at him. “Sorry for what?”
“For acting like a kid when I should have acted like a teacher. It’s my fault Lila got hurt.”
Avery held up a book for Gabe to look at and he shook his head no at the book cover. “I think the reason the students like you is because they feel like they can relate to you.” She put the book back on the shelf.
“Oh, so you’re saying I’m more like a teenager than an adult?” He leaned forward in his chair and cocked his head to one side.
Avery rolled her eyes. “You really want me to answer that?” she asked.
Gabe grinned, then glanced up at the book spines again, realizing he had totally lost his place. He brought his finger up and backtracked. “These are all starting to look the same.” Clearly he couldn’t focus on the books because he was distracted by Avery. He stole another glance at her, who held up another book for him to inspect, this one with a large pyramid and an orange sunset behind it.
“Ah ha!” he yelled, then covered his mouth. “That’s it,” he whispered. He moved the stack of books from his lap to the floor.
Avery moved to stand, so Gabe quickly got up, held out his hand and helped her up, their eyes locking for a few seconds. She held out the book to him.
“Thanks,” he said as he slowly took it, their fingers touching. He could barely stand the heat between them, at least on his side. Gabe gulped. He picked up the stack of books from off the floor and placed them on a rolling car that said “Return Books Here.” They started walking toward the stairway.
“The thing is,” he said, “I always resisted growing up. I didn’t have the best childhood. I was left on my own a lot, and I guess I try to act in a way that makes people like me.”
Avery was silent for a few seconds as she walked. “Interesting perspective. I think I must be the opposite. I had to grow up early. My dad wasn’t around a lot before he left.”
A librarian helped Gabe get a library card and check out the book. Then they headed toward the exit.
“So, what’s the book for?” she asked.
“Class tomorrow.”
“You? Plan ahead? Look who's growing up.” She elbowed him playfully.
Gabe smiled at her mild flirting, and his insides melted. “History was kind of my major in college. So I gotta show them I know what I’m talking about.”
He held the door for her as she walked by, the smell of jasmine emanating from her hair. Gosh, he loved jasmine. A desert flower in Phoenix and Egypt. They walked side-by-side on the sidewalk toward her car. If only the sidewalk was longer, or Avery had parked further away.
How to extend the time with her?
“So, do you think you’ll sub tomorrow?”
“Yes,” she said. “There’s an opening in the school library.”
“Oh, look at you,” he said. “More experience to add to your resume.”
She looked down and smiled, the sun catching her hair and face, highlighting the way her skin glowed and the softness of her lips. He wanted to freeze this moment. To be honest, he wanted to grab her hand, but resisted.
Finally, they reached her car. Gabe waited as she opened the door.
“Thanks for helping me find the book.” Gabe held it up.
“Anytime. Well, see you tomorrow.” She turned, got in her car, and he waved until she was out of sight.