Page 84 of A Cup of Autumn
Brecken tilted his head. “Your parents and Flynn are in L.A., but they don’t seem to mind visiting Silver Falls.”
Timmy kept nodding as if that would convince Keaton. “Everyone would take your classes.”
“Scandinavian Folklore and Legends might not be that cool to the students at Summit Ridge.”
“You make them cool.”
“Thanks.” The compliments meant a lot to Keaton.
Raine had wiped the same table a few times.
“Pull out your homework,” he said. “You don’t want to be here studying all night.”
“Keaton must have a big date tonight,” Brecken teased.
Keaton did, but that was none of their business. Especially since it was with Margot.
“Hit the books,” Keaton said. “Rule number one of study club, don’t question the professor.”
Brecken snickered. “That means he’s got a date.”
“A hot date.” Timmy glanced at Raine, who returned to the counter.
Keaton downed the remainder of his drink. “I’m getting a refill.”
Timmy stood. “I’ll get it.”
“This is your study time.” Keaton stood. “Be right back.”
At the counter, he handed over his cup. “Can I have another?”
“Sure.” Raine prepared the new one. “Why didn’t you tell the kids the truth about why you won’t teach at Summit Ridge?”
“What truth?”
“It’s a state school.”
She was correct, but… “I would never say that to them. Summit Ridge is the perfect college for Timmy. It’ll be a good fit for Brecken.”
“But not you?”
“I’ve always had a dream…”
“Tier one. I know.”
“It’s what I want. Is that wrong?”
“No, not at all.”
“Which is why I didn’t want Brecken and Timmy to feel bad if I said I didn’t want to teach there.”
“You gave them hope.”
“Is that such a bad thing?”
Raine continued working on the drink. She handed him a glass, but there was no design on the foam. Yesterday, she’d made him a heart.
“You okay?” Keaton asked.
