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“You really clicked with Byron today, and that was awesome. He’s smart but doesn’t like participating, so the fact you let him stand out as the person who knew the wall was the answer is outstanding. I don’t think he’ll forget that, and hopefully it’ll pull him out of his shell more.”
Caleb was proud and grinned broadly. “I couldn’t have imagined when you were helping me get this stuff right all those years ago that I’d actually help you teach it.”
“You remember it and use it. Means I didn’t waste my time.”
“Good teachers can make things stick.”
They held each other’s gaze for a moment and only broke it when there was a knock at the door and Pam entered.
“How are two of my favorite people? Is it true you let my brother teach?”
Aaron and Caleb briefly recounted their afternoon for her before they had to leave for hockey practice.
Chapter Eleven
AARON wrapped up the after-school club he had with kids who were into science. He’d run a similar club in LA and was thrilled when it was approved as part of this job. The club did simple experiments and broke things down to the level that third-through-fifth graders could comprehend. He enjoyed working with the club and hoped he’d end up inspiring a scientist or two in the long run. Today had been a particularly good day because a couple of students brought in things to share—experiments of their own construction based on what they’d learned.
“Glad to see you didn’t blow anything up today.” Pam stood in the classroom doorway as he finished putting away the equipment he kept for the club. “I was worried when Jennifer Baldwin came in with all those electronics this morning.”
Aaron laughed at Pam’s stern face. “You never were one for science. How was your day? I heard there were issues at lunch.”
Pam rolled her eyes, entered, and set her bag and jacket on a desk. “I felt like I was living a real-life version of Mean Girls. I’ve never heard such things from kids this age before. I suspended two fourth graders and put three others in detention. It was ridiculous. Tomorrow I get to meet with the parents. I’m sure that’s going to be awesome.” She seemed annoyed just thinking about it.
“Want to go unwind with some coffee?”
“I’d love that.” She said, sounding as if he’d just made the best suggestion ever. “I’ve missed that this week, with you on hockey duty. How’d that happen, anyway? I know you like hockey, but to help out?”
Aaron gathered his things as Pam talked. “I got recruited at the same time Caleb did.”
“Did he force you into that?”
“No,” he answered quickly, because Pam seemed ready to pounce on Caleb. “I offered all on my own, thank you.”
“Okay. Sorry.” Pam eyed him suspiciously. “It’s just not like you. I know you like your afternoon time to decompress and get things set for the next day.”
“This is kinda fun, though.”
“I should come watch. See you two out there together.”
Aaron didn’t know what to say. If Pam saw them together, would she notice anything but friendship between them? Aaron’s guard was down more and more as he lost the battle against Caleb’s gentle kindness, like how he’d worked with Bryon during the geometry lesson. On the ice, since Aaron spent time standing around and directing traffic, he’d end up watching Caleb if nothing was happening around him. More than once Caleb had caught him and sent a smile his direction. Aaron had to stop doing that. Caleb didn’t need to feel led on.
“I’ll meet you at the café,” Pam said as they walked out and Aaron locked the door.
He was more confused than ever about Caleb. Coaching—and teaching—with him was far better than he’d imagined. Granted, he wasn’t exactly coaching with Caleb, but they were a part of the same activity. Teaching together had left Aaron exhilarated. They’d been in perfect sync, and Caleb’s idea to go outside for a real-world demonstration had been inspired.
How would Pam feel if he and Caleb became a thing? She’d been his sounding board for years during high school and college, and he wanted advice. But he didn’t want to upset her, and most definitely couldn’t have her talking to Caleb about it. She’d always been good with keeping his secrets, so that was less of a concern than her being pissed that he wanted to go out with her little brother. He’d seen her protective side when she’d griped about Caleb’s choices—and she’d been pretty harsh about some of Aaron’s too.
She’d be more upset later if Aaron kept it from her and something did come from it. Aaron shook as head—where had that come from? Nothing could come of it. Sometimes his brain didn’t know what it was talking about.
They drove to the café, got their coffee, and settled into their favorite table, alongside the big window that looked out on Main Street.
“We got the final tally from the school carnival,” Pam said proudly. “It was the most successful fund-raiser in school history.”
“That’s fantastic,” Aaron said. He knew that Caleb’s celebrity would help their local event, but couldn’t have imagined how big of a draw he’d actually be.
“Even better,” she said, leaning in conspiratorially, “today the school received a huge check from a certain hockey player who we both happen to know. He matched every dollar we raised!”
Of course he did.
