Charlotte ran a hand over her face. “Not really, and Principal Higgins said it’s hard to get plays approved because of copyright agreements.”
Patrick shoved his other hand into his pocket. “He gave you that speech too, huh? I think he was telling me something about that the other day.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “You teach science. Isn’t it all kind of based on each other?”
Patrick threw both hands in the air. “That’s exactly what I said. So, how did you get roped into working for the summer? Did Candice fake another knee injury?”
Charlotte choked back a laugh. “Not this year. I volunteered.”
Patrick blinked. “What am I missing here? Why would you volunteer?”
Charlotte made a sweeping hand gesture. “Have you seen this place? I have to make sure everything is to size and we’reready for a production this big, especially if the kids are going to be ready by December.”
“I’ll be in the cheap seats throwing rotten tomatoes.”
Charlotte stuck her tongue out at him. “In that case, I’ll show up to the science fair and ask all of the annoying questions.”
Patrick laughed, and it made her blush even further.
He had a beautiful laugh, the kind that made her stop what she was doing just to listen to it, and he made her feel like she was in high school again. Sometimes, Charlotte imagined herself doodling his name in her notebook, with hearts next to it. Other times, she shoved her feelings for him to the back of her mind and tried to ignore how tingly he made her feel. Like she was floating on clouds.
She and Patrick had been friends for years, ever since they collided with each other during teacher orientation day a few years ago. Since then, Charlotte had longed from a distance, gazing whenever he wasn’t looking and discreetly sniffing the air whenever he was around. He smelled like sandalwood and pine, a distinct mixture that made her stomach dip.
Of all the people to have a crush on, it had to be someone you work with, didn’t it?
“Tell you what. We can both show up to each other’s events and make a big stink. It’ll be fun.”
Charlotte took a step back and coughed. “Yeah, I don’t know about that. It’s just going to confuse the kids. Also, I’m sure we wouldn’t be setting a good example.”
Patrick waved her comment away. “This isn’t much better. We’re supposed to be enjoying our summer, not putting in extra hours.”
“Pot calling the kettle black,” Charlotte teased breathlessly. “I don’t recall anyone forcing you to be here.”
Patrick opened his mouth to respond, and Charlotte’s phone rang, interrupting him. After offering him a sheepish smile,she fished the phone out of her pocket and stared at the screen. Addison’s name flashed across for a few seconds before Charlotte canceled the call. With a frown, she sent her friend a quick message and turned her attention back to Patrick, who was peering behind the curtain.
She liked watching him on stage, where he came to life little by little.
In another life, she imagined him on Broadway with his deep baritone voice and classic old Hollywood good looks. With his chiseled jaw, deep-set blue eyes, and broad shoulders, Charlotte was sure Patrick could’ve chosen to be any number of things, but for some unbeknownst reason, he’d chosen teaching as a profession.
It both confused and thrilled her.
Charlotte’s phone buzzed before she could call out to Patrick. He was wandering around backstage when another text came in from Addison. Since their conversation a few days ago, Charlotte had no idea how to talk to her friend. Not only had Addison poured her heart and soul out over wine and nachos, but she’d also confided in Charlotte she was worried about the fate of her marriage.
All because she and her husband couldn’t conceive naturally.
Charlotte’s heart broke at the thought, knowing how much Addison wanted to be a mom, but she knew she was the last person to be offering any advice. It had been years since Charlotte had dated anyone seriously, and unlike Addison, she didn’t have her entire life mapped out from A to Z.
I’m sorry, Addison. I wish I knew how to make things better for you.
But she didn’t; she didn’t even have any clue where to start, and it made Charlotte feel even more guilty.
What was she supposed to say to her best friend who couldn’t carry a baby to term?
How was she, a middle school drama teacher, supposed to make things any better?
Patrick returned to the main part of the stage with his phone pressed to his ear. He pulled it away and covered the mouthpiece. “There’s some kind of accident on Hamilton Avenue. It doesn’t sound like it’s serious, but try to take Lakeview on the way out.”
Charlotte offered him a small smile. “Thanks.”
