Page 64 of Banter & Blushes #1

MIA

“ A ll right, class. Let’s line up for recess.

” I stand by the door with my hand up. Of course, Iris is the first to jump into place in front of me.

And I mean literally jump like a bunny, which is her favorite animal this week.

I suspect she’s trying to talk her parents into getting her a pet bunny and has decided acting like one will help speed that process along.

Once my last student gets in line, I lead them down the hall toward the exit door leading to the playground.

Even though it’s not officially summer, the early afternoon heat and humidity make it feel like it is.

As the kids tear off toward the swings, the jungle gym or to chase each other around, I find a shady spot under a tree to observe.

A flash of red and yellow catches my attention.

I squint my eyes to get a better look because I’m almost certain that’s a Sun Kings jersey, but I can’t tell who’s wearing it.

And it’s not just the jersey. I recognize the dark blue shorts, the red gloves dangling from one hand and a pair of ice skates from the other, not to mention the stick tucked under his arm.

A gasp slips out of my mouth when he gets closer. It’s Ethan. And he’s at my school.

I duck behind a tree. Why is he at my school?!? And in his hockey uniform.

“Ms. Popov?” Iris tugs on the hem of my shirt. She almost nailed my name this time.

“Yeah, sweetie?” I bend over so I’m eye level with her.

“Why are you hiding behind the tree?”

I pinch my lips together, scrambling for a good explanation. Iris may be young, but she is definitely not stupid, so I go for a redirect. “You know what? How about you and I check out those swings? I think one’s free right now, and I saw you waiting your turn.”

She takes my hand and walks in that direction with me. “Were you hiding from that hockey player?”

“What hockey player?”

Iris points over her opposite shoulder in a half-twist. Neat trick while walking. “The one that was just right there.”

I glance over my shoulder, but thankfully, Ethan’s not there. But that means he’s inside somewhere. Again, why is he here?!? What if I run into him? And if I do, what do I say?

“I don’t see anyone, sweetie. Look, a swing is free.”

She tugs me to a stop. “I need to go to the bathroom.”

Leaning over, I drop her hand. “Are you sure? You might lose your chance at that swing.”

I can’t believe I’m encouraging an eight-year-old to forgo a potty visit for a go at the swings. And for my own benefit. I’ve definitely stooped to a new low.

She nods her head vigorously. “My mom said I shouldn’t hold it.”

I sigh. “Your mom is right.”

After I signal to Sandra that I have a student in need of the restroom, I take her hand again and go inside the school.

As we walk down the hall toward the bathrooms, we pass the fourth-grade class. I catch a glimpse of Ethan through the door window, standing in the front with one of the students, who’s pointing at his jersey.

Ethan tugs his shirt over his head, revealing the padding at his waist and the tighter-fitting shirt he wears underneath, which shows off his broad shoulders and muscled pecs to perfection.

You know how you stare at a person, and they sense someone’s staring at them? I whip my head away just before he sees me. At least, I hope I did fast enough.

But what if I didn’t, and he comes out looking for me?

“Come on, honey. You don’t want to have an accident.” I walk faster toward the ladies’ room, tugging Iris along.

Her legs move like those little dogs trying to keep up with their owners, which makes me feel worse because I’m sure her small bladder isn’t happy about it. Finally, we make it into the bathroom, where I breathe a sigh of relief.

Just when I thought Fate had decided we weren’t meant to be, she goes and plays this dirty little trick on me. I mean, seriously?

What are the odds that Ethan would show up at my school?