Page 28 of Passing Notes
“Got your pants caught on your pitchfork a bit, didn’t you?” I decided to tease her. Flirting was out of the question and reminiscing was dangerous.
She rolled her eyes and waded into the shallow end. “I have no idea what you mean. And in case you didn’t notice, I’m not wearing pants right now.” She did a little jump before going under the water to swim up to my side with a smirk.
“Believe me, I noticed.” I mock-glared at her through squinted eyes. “You wanted me to have to figure out how to deal with that jungle you bought for Sasha on my porch. But you can’t help yourself. You’re stepping in.”
“Whatever. Sasha is a nice kid. I don’t really mind.” She backstroked away from me. “The water feels so good. Thanks, Nick.”
“Anytime. I’m sorry. About before, I mean. I was a jerk.”
“Eh, I guess it’s okay. We’ll call it a truce for now. This dip in your pool makes up for a lot. Being around an ex can be stressful, right?”
I let out a laugh. “Right.”
She was in my pool, and she had a smile on her face—but I couldn’t help but think this truce was temporary.
CHAPTER 9
CLARA
There are too many reasons to love you. I fell asleep counting them and woke up with you on my mind. See you in homeroom, heartbreaker. - Nick
It was my first official day of work as Green Valley High’s newest substitute teacher.
Once the news had spread to my family about my new job, Willa had let it slip that a group of high school teachers had become regulars at our Aunt Genie’s eponymously named Genie’s Country Western Bar, where Willa was a server. And since I had no intention of working at the elementary or middle schools, I had hauled my booty up there to make friends and ensure they knew to request me if they ever needed a sub.
I’d successfully managed to avoid Nick for the last couple of weeks while I waited for my background check to clear by only going outside when I knew he’d be at work. I missed evenings on my porch and his amazing pool, but it was a sacrifice I had to make to keep my heart safe. I had to protect myself, but most of all, I had to forget how he looked wearing only a pair of swim trunks. He’d grown up—a lot. The cute boy I had loved in high school was now a big, broody hunk of a man. I didn’t know him anymore, but I wanted to.
As was the thought of being Gracie’s unofficial bodyguard, the threat of potentially running into Nick throughout the day was as thrilling as it was terrifying.
I was no fool; just because I hadn’t seen him except for across the yard or through the window didn’t mean he hadn’t been on my mind. I missed him, and our history was complicated and fraught, but that hadn’t kept the chemistry from buzzing in the air between us every time we ran into each other, however briefly.
Did I want another chance with him?
I was not known for choosing what was good for me. So, like always, I was craving what I shouldn’t and fighting it every step of the way. I’d do my best to avoid him today, but it would probably be impossible.
I finished fastening my lucky necklace then stepped into the pair of spiked black Louboutin slingbacks I’d laid out the night before. I’d raided the attorney section of my closet and found this little number. It was a professional yet feminine black A-line skirt with a matching silk blouse.
“Clara! I’m here.” Gracie had used her key to get in. Everett had started dropping her off on the way to work every day so I didn’t have to cross town twice to pick her up and take her to school.
“I’m coming down.” I slipped on a few bracelets, grabbed my bag, and took one last look in the mirror.
I found Gracie rummaging through my pantry. “There’s nothing in here but old bread and like, a million bags of coffee. How are you an adult?”
“Check the freezer. Nuke one of Leo’s breakfast burritos.” Leo had been keeping my freezer stocked up. Between bumming leftovers from Sadie, and Everett’s weekly supply of spaghetti, I was no longer at risk of getting hangry and losing my shit with Nick. I should probably learn to cook, but sadly, that was a life skill that had remained permanently low on my priority list.
Sliding around her, I made it to the coffee pot. I had set the timer last night; if I had to be up this early, waiting for my first dose was not something I was willing to do. I reached for a travel mug and filled it.
“You’re wearing that?” Her eyes flicked up and down my body. “Are you trying to declare this National Boner Day or something?”
“What?” I looked down at myself. “This is perfectly acceptable.”
She scoffed. “Sure. But not on a human Barbie doll like you.”
“Don’t be sexist, Gracie. Didn’t I teach you better? I’m totally covered up—neck to knees. This skirt isn’t even tight, but if it was, would it really matter? You of all people should know better since you look just like me. We are not sex objects, we’re human beings.” I fastened the lid on my mug and waved it in the air. “Fuck the patriarchy.”
“You’re right, I’m sorry. It’s sad how much this shit is ingrained in me. You look pretty and professional, you really do. You’re going to be great today.”
“Thanks.” I beamed at her. “And you look ready to kick someone’s ass.” Gracie was fond of Doc Martens and dark makeup, and lately she’d been begging to get a tattoo.
