Page 90 of Seasons of Love
His relief is instant, and his smile returns to his face.
“She doesn’t need to know though,” I say.
“Oh, you’re evil. I might change my mind after all.”
I laugh. “So, tell me more about your work with the soup kitchen. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know there are people who need that kind of support in such a small town.”
“Yeah. There are people in Stillwater who don’t want to talk about the poorer areas and even go as far as campaigning so that no funds go toward improving those areas,” he says.
I’m shocked to hear it because Stillwater is a fairly small town. How many of my students come from those neighborhoods?
“How often do you run the soup kitchen?” I ask.
“Three days a week. I wish I could do more, but we spend the remaining days sourcing the food and preparing it. We rely on volunteers to help make it all work.”
I reach out and touch his hand. “I’d really love to help, Tyler. I don’t know if any of my students are from those poorer backgrounds. I want to learn so I can help more.”
“All help is welcome. I’ll be happy to show you as much as you want to see,” he says.
Alice comes with the dessert just as I’m taking my hand back, but she doesn’t miss it, and her eyes go comically wide.
Great.
Tyler winks at me, and I relax. At least if Alice thinks we’ve hit it off, she’ll be off both our backs.
“I love you, honey, but if I was gay, I’d marry Julius tomorrow,” Max says, tasting the cheesecake he bought from Bittersweet, the coffee shop on Main Street.
“I wouldn’t mind being in a threesome with the two of you, babe,” Alice says, and I almost snort the coffee I’ve just drunk.
“How weird is it that the bakery in Stillwater only sells bread and cookies, but the coffee shop sells all the other baked stuff?” I ask.
“That’s Stillwater for you. It’s the town where The Academy isn’t a school but a bar and restaurant. Make it make sense.” Tyler says. “But to be fair, Liv from Lovely Buns only sells cookies because even Julius says hers are the best, and it would be a sin to deny the good people of Stillwater.”
I look at my watch. “Wow, I’m sorry I didn’t realize it was getting so late. I really need to go. I have an early meeting tomorrow for the GED summer classes.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Tyler says. “It’s getting a bit late for me too.”
We all stand from the table, and Alice is like a bunny on springs from excitement.
“Have you guys exchanged contact details yet?” she asks.
“Subtle, babe,” Max deadpans.
“We’re covered, you big meddler.” I give her a kiss and a hug and then pat Max’s back before heading toward the door.
Tyler follows me out.
“Where’s your car?” he asks.
“I walked. I only live a few blocks away.”
“Want a ride?”
I look behind us and see Alice trying, not very discreetly, to see how we part ways.
“Oh man. If you give me a ride, she’ll be planning our winter wedding by the weekend.”
Tyler’s deep laugh makes me feel something I haven’t in a long time. Companionship. Like someone is on the same page.
