Page 51 of Love and History
“Meh, it’s no big deal. It’s good to have one worry out of the way, though. I’ll be paying rent for two places in August, which sucks, but on the bright side, I can take my time moving.”
My heart sank, but I smiled anyway. I wasn’t going to try to process my contrary thoughts. “That’s good. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. Anyway, I thought I’d swing by and catch the end of rehearsal, but—” He glanced toward the entrance, nodding when Winston called out a greeting. “It looks like it hasn’t started yet.”
“Val had a meeting with our volunteers first.”
He twitched his nose. “Ah, so…you didn’t meet any of them yourself?”
“No, I just got here and I’m running a little late. Why?”
“Well…this is a weird one. My boss’s daughter is one of your students and she’s not doing well in your class. I think she’s looking for extra credit and may end up volunteering here to get it. So…heads up,” he said in a rush.
“I teach science. I can’t give extra credit for participation in a Renaissance fair.” I frowned. “Your boss’s daughter? Who is she?”
“Mallory Rossman.”
Huh.Mallory Rossman. Physics. Front row near the window, dark hair, glasses, pretty, asks a lot of questions.
“That’s a funny coincidence.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“She asked about extra credit earlier today. I already told her volunteering wasn’t a feasible option.”
“Good. I don’t want to be the middle of that,” he commented with an exasperated half laugh.
“Middle of what?”
“She’s transferring and my boss wants her to do well. I think he’s one of those overly involved dads. But that’s their deal, not mine, and—”
“Holden! Ezra!” Presley called from the entrance. “We bought pizza. Are you a pepperoni man or do you like pineapple and ham, Ezra?”
“Pineapple say what?” He made a choking noise Presley found hysterical.
I moved around them in a daze as my brain tried to process the new intel.
Mallory Rossman was Ezra’s boss’s daughter.
The one he wanted to set Ezra up with.
Geesh, she was pretty too. Not that I was jealous. No sirree. I had no reason to be. It was just…odd.
I didn’t have much of an appetite, but I helped myself to a slice of pizza and joined the dozen or so members sitting in a circle on cold metal chairs, discussing to-do items for the upcoming event. I picked at my pepperoni and stole clandestine glances at Presley and Ezra, chatting amicably on the far side of the stage while mulling over Ezra’s unexpected connection to one of my less gifted students.
Talk about a small world. And a sharp reminder of the reality that existed outside of our bubble. Bosses, jobs, students, lovers.
I refocused on Presley’s gold hoops glinting under the bright lights as she nodded at whatever Ezra was saying. She looked particularly smiley and agreeable and I couldn’t blame her. It was the Ezra effect. Now that my immunity had been compromised, I was aware of his magnetic qualities—his easy humor, sharp wit, and the way he leaned in as if he didn’t want to miss a word.
No wonder Presley looked starstruck. I felt the same way. I wondered if Mallory—
“Holden, will you confirm the pop-up tents and umbrellas with the equipment rental company?” Val asked, pulling me from my reverie as she peered over the rim of her reading glasses.
“Yes, of course. I’ll call in the morning.”
“Thank you. I want to be sure we have enough shade and water. It’s going to be scorching hot. I’ll confirm with our food vendors and try to get an ice cream truck and…”
I tuned Val out again and stole another glance at Ezra and Presley.