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“We did… a little. There’s a lot more we need to sort out.” He sounded like a child trying not to admit to doing something wrong. “It was a perfect day, though.” He smiled what he thought might have been his biggest smile in months. “Initially he came over to talk about the picture and to make sure I was okay with it being out there. We talked about a lot of things, including what might be possible for us. And he stayed over, which was really good.”

She nodded, and Aaron was thankful she had the good sense not to press for details.

“So, you two are going to be a thing?” she asked, her tone hopeful.

Once in Aaron’s classroom, they ended up in their usual coffee talk positions. “He says we should try to figure things out as we go. I think we’re going to end up hurting each other because I want what I can’t have.”

“You can have anything you want.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Actually, I don’t. I think it’s all false obstacles.” Pam didn’t often take her serious tone with him. Even though she was just trying to help, it only stressed him out more.

“You don’t know that!” he insisted emphatically, louder than he intended. “He’s a pro athlete, traveling for weeks on end. Beyond that, we don’t live in the same city, so it’s not like he’d be coming home to me. And that picture is proof of it. People kiss in that park all the time and don’t end up trending on Twitter. That would become my reality. And there are—”

He stopped before he said more. It had been difficult enough discussing Tyson with Caleb; he wasn’t going to open up about that right before he had to teach.

“Don’t be stubborn,” she said when Aaron didn’t finish. “If you both want it, and it sounds like you do, figure out what it takes.” Her phone chirped and she sighed. “I’ve got to get to a disciplinary meeting. See you at lunch?”

He shook his head. “Can’t. I’ve got to prep for some parent meetings. After that, Caleb’s picking me up for hockey practice.”

She gave him a slight nod that he knew was a sign of her approval. “If you need to talk later, you know how to find me.”

“Thanks.”

Pam left and Aaron unpacked his bag. At least the class plans for today were ready. He flipped his tablet to the document that detailed what he needed to write on the board.

“Mr. Price?” It was Catherine, sounding way too excited, as she stood at the classroom door. “Is it true about you and Mr. Carter? I saw the picture of you two kissing.” She giggled as she said the last word.

More students came in as she approached his desk at the front of the classroom.

“You didn’t tell us he was your boyfriend,” Charlie chimed in before Aaron could respond.

“My dad said that was wrong,” Ben offered.

The rest of his class filed in and gathered around Aaron’s desk. He faced them as the questions kept coming.

“Are you going to get married?”

“Oh, are you going to have kids too?”

“They can’t have kids.”

“My uncles adopted a baby girl. Why can’t they have a baby?”

This was not a discussion he wanted to have, but the students talked over one another. He had to take control of the situation. “Class!” Aaron shouted over the din. “Put your things away and take your seats.”

“But the bell hasn’t rung yet,” Charlie said.

Thankfully it sounded just as Charlie had finished his sentence. “Please take your seats so we can get started.”

The class grumbled as they hung up their coats and got settled at their desks.

Aaron quickly went through roll call just in time for the morning announcements. Then it was time for their version of Monday show-and-tell.

“Okay.” Aaron sat on the edge of his desk. “Who wants to tell us what they did this weekend?” Several hands shot up. “Maggie.” He pointed to the girl in the third row of desks.

“I saw your picture on TV while my brother was watching hockey. Are you going to go live in New York?”