The Presence of Grace (Love and Loss Book 2)(6)

“Yes!” she exclaimed, her face brightening even more—something I wouldn’t have thought possible if I hadn’t witnessed it myself. “He’s constantly asking questions, always wanting to know more. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to pull out my phone to look up the answers to questions he has. It’s incredible.” She took a breath, still smiling, and then pulled out another paper. “So, here’s the information on TAG. Right now, our school is offering a TAG class once a week after school on Fridays. We’re also planning for a field trip closer to the end of the year—somewhere educational like the zoo or the aquarium. There’s no cost to you. We’re required by law to offer specialized education to all students who demonstrate a need.”

“And the class is taught by a teacher at this school?”

“Oh, gosh, I should have mentioned—I am the TAG director here. So it’s taught by me.”

“So, basically, what you’re saying is that Jaxy gets to stay after school on Fridays and take an extra class with other high-performing students?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” She smiled again, and this time it was contagious. I smiled back.

“Sounds like a no-brainer. Oh, except for transportation. Jaxy and his sister ride the bus to day care after school on Fridays.”

“Oh, yes, Ruby. Jax talks about her a lot. He thinks she’s the best.” A little bit of warmth spread through me at her words. “Transportation isn’t an issue. We’re required to provide that as well. A bus will just take him to day care when we’re done, or the bus can take him home, or you can even pick him up. Whatever works for you.” She pulled another stack of papers from her folder and slid it over to me. “This is the admission form, and it spells everything out for you. You just fill it out and send it back to school with Jax, and he’ll be all set to go.”

“It’s strange hearing someone call him Jax,” I said absently as I flipped through the papers.

“Oh?”

“We always call him Jaxy.” Her eyes went soft when I told her the nickname.

“That’s sweet. He’s a really special boy.”

“I agree.”

“Well,” she said, letting out a sigh, “that’s all the info I have for you. I don’t want to keep you from your Friday night plans.”

I let out a laugh. “My parents took the kids overnight, and my plans included this meeting. Now all that’s waiting for me is a quiet, empty house.” I said the words with more sadness than I anticipated. I was looking forward to having a night alone, but I hadn’t anticipated being lonely.

“We’ve got that in common,” she said with a smile as she scooped up all the papers she’d laid out for me.

Before I could even think about filtering the words, they tumbled out of my mouth. “Can I take you for a cup of coffee?” Her hands stilled, her fingers still grasping the papers, and her eyes met mine. “Not, like, a date,” I hurriedly stuttered, “just like a thank you coffee for crying all over you last time we met.”

“I don’t know,” she said slowly, a worried look in her eyes.

“No, you’re right. It’s a bad idea.” I stood up and, taking my packet of papers with me, moved toward the door. “It was nice meeting you… um… again.” I threw up a hasty wave, but just before I made it to the door, she stopped me.

“Wait,” she called, her voice still sounding unsure. “There’s a great little bistro on Fifth Street downtown called Marco’s. They’re open late on Fridays. I was going to go there after work and grade some papers, maybe grab a sandwich. I’ll be there for the next few hours.”

“You won’t mind a little distraction?” I asked, hoping she wouldn’t.

“Are you kidding? I talk to seven-year-olds all day. I would love to talk to an adult about something normal for a little while.” She smiled again and all my nerves dissipated. I didn’t know why I was nervous. It wasn’t like I’d asked her on a date. We were just two adults who didn’t have any plans and decided to grab something to eat.

“Okay, I’ll see you there in a little while.” I waved again, this time a little less rabidly, and left. I made it into the hall and around the corner before I let out the breath I’d been holding. I ran a hand through my hair and kept walking. It had been a very long time since I’d been alone with a woman. I hadn’t even thought about whether or not I was ready to take this step before I’d blurted out the words.

My thoughts immediately went to Olivia, and even though it was ridiculous, I felt guilty for planning to meet with a woman. And as if my guiltometer needed to be calibrated, my phone rang in my pocket. It turned out to be Evelyn calling. I’d dodged her phone call earlier in the week and couldn’t bring myself to ignore her again. She didn’t deserve that.

“Hey, Evie,” I answered, trying to sound upbeat.

“Devon, hi. How are you?”

“Good. Just leaving a conference with Jaxy’s teacher.”

“Oh, yeah? Are the kids there?”

“No, they’re with my mom.”

“Oh.” She sounded disappointed. “But that’s probably good. Do you have a second?”