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“It’s a—I’m in.”

Caleb knew exactly the word Aaron wouldn’t say. Date.

They finished the rest of their meal in companionable silence, occasionally stealing glances at one another. Caleb felt like he was back in high school, covertly looking at the boys he found attractive so he wouldn’t be caught. Though in this case, he wasn’t scared about being discovered. He just didn’t want Aaron to think he was pushing too hard to take their friendship out of the friend zone and into romantic territory.

Chapter Ten

LAST night had been tremendous.

After dinner, Aaron and Caleb sat on the back deck, under the heaters, and talked about what their classmates from high school were up to. Now Caleb was getting ready to walk into Aaron’s classroom, and it felt like it was his first day of school. Caleb hadn’t expected to be so freaked out when he arrived at the elementary school just after one o’clock.

Through the small window in the door, he saw Aaron at the whiteboard, writing as he talked. He waited for Aaron to hit a stopping point before he knocked. When he finally announced his presence, Aaron continued to talk as he came toward the door, though Caleb couldn’t hear a word.

“Welcome,” Aaron said as he opened the door. “Class, say hello to our guest, Mr. Carter. He’ll be watching this afternoon.”

The class of twenty-two became fidgety and chatty, albeit quietly.

“And if you behave, he might answer some questions later and maybe even help us with the lesson.”

Aaron raised an eyebrow at Caleb. They’d talked last night about what the lesson would be. But Caleb suddenly felt underprepared and a little bit terrified. Before he left, Aaron had promised he wouldn’t embarrass him. Caleb believed that, but his jitters wouldn’t calm down.

“Hi, everyone.” Caleb raised his hand to wave. The class responded all at once with a cacophony of excited responses.

“We don’t really have a good desk for you, so I was thinking you could sit on the bookshelf in the back.” Aaron pointed to the low bookshelf under a bulletin board decorated for springtime with a theme of growth.

“Sounds good. Like Mr. Price said, pay attention and do what he says, and I’ll answer some questions later.”

Caleb went down one of the side aisles, and one of the boys put up a fist, which Caleb bumped as he walked by. The boy grinned, and Caleb winked at him. In the back of the room, he slipped off his jacket, laid it on the bookshelf, and took a seat.

Aaron wasted no time getting back to his lesson, which seemed to center on basics of the US government. Caleb’s mind went to Schoolhouse Rock! and the “How a Bill Becomes a Law” segment. His teacher showed those clips as part of the lesson. Remembering that made Caleb feel old. Did these kids today even know what that show was?

Aaron’s sleeves were rolled up about halfway to his elbows. Caleb noted again how well Aaron dressed for class—black slacks and a blue button-down accented with white pinstripes. The tie, which wasn’t loose like it’d been at dinner, was a dark blue. Caleb chastised himself. After seeing what Aaron wore for class, he should’ve worn slacks rather than just jeans and a sweater. Silently he took a deep breath to get his nerves under control.

The civics lesson continued for a half hour, and Caleb was just as interested in how Aaron taught and connected with the students. They had a pretty good grip on the topic and even asked some good questions about the election that was coming up in a few months. Since that was a local and state election, Aaron moved seamlessly into talking about how New York operated. He only occasionally referred to the textbook as he talked and drew diagrams.

“So, we need to bring this topic to a close for today. Make sure you do the workbook pages tonight.” He pointed to the board and the page numbers. “I’ll collect those first thing tomorrow. We’ll take a restroom break for five minutes, and then it’ll be time for math books.”

Aaron went to the door and opened it. He stood in the doorway as most of the kids got up and went into the hall. Caleb smiled at Aaron and mouthed the words “good job” when he looked his direction. Aaron returned the smile and mouthed “thanks.”

Caleb stood and looked at the bulletin board behind him, seeing the pictures the kids had drawn of gardens and flowers, rain and sun, and other spring scenes. A couple of students came up to him while Aaron monitored the hallway.

“What’s it like to play for the Rangers?” a student in a Flash T-shirt asked.

“Best thing ever.” Caleb sat back on the bookcase so he’d be more at their height.

“I want to play for Philly when I grow up.”

“Work hard on your skills, and I bet you can.” Caleb loved how the young man’s face lit up when he said that.

“Did you play hockey when you went here?”

“I did and I never stopped. It takes a lot of time to get good enough for New York, Philly, or any other team.”

“Did you get in trouble for getting hurt?”

“Not at all.” Caleb chuckled softly. “The team just wants me to get better and come back.”

Another student asked a question. “Did the other guy get in trouble?”