Fatty Patty (A James Bay Novel) (9 page)

One corner of Sam’s mouth lifts. “Is that so?”

“And I don’t believe having desks lined up in rigid little lines is necessarily conducive to learning. Granted, it gets a little noisy at times, but having things arranged this way seems to work. Plus the kids like it. It’s easier for them to team up, share…”

“As in… sharing answers to tests?” He grins.

“I hope not.” I grin back. “They’ve got more important things to learn. Like how to get along with others. How to work out their problems.”

“Mini lessons in life?” he suggests.

“I suppose you could call it that.” I didn’t mean to spout off, but Sam doesn’t look like he minds. In fact, he looks impressed. His eyes gleam like he thinks I’m something special. But I’m only trying to do my job, to help those kids learn when they need to know about math, geography, and language arts. It doesn’t hurt to throw in a life lesson or two.

I eye him carefully. What’s he doing here, anyway? I didn’t expect him to show up at school. Why didn’t he return my call like a normal accountant?

Or maybe he’s interested in providing personal services because he’s interested in something else. Like dating the teacher?

I throw him a flustered smile. Sam’s a nice guy but no way is he interested in me. And I am definitely not interested in him. I have someone else in mind, thank you very much.

“Kids have no idea how lucky they’ve got it.” He points toward the bank of computers stationed in a corner of the room. “Personal computers didn’t come along until I was already out of college but today’s kids are growing up right along with technology. My niece and nephews each have their own computers and they can type circles around me. I’m part of the lost generation.”

“I know how you feel.” I’ve taken three college computer courses in the past five years trying to keep up with the latest technology, but sometimes it feels as if I’m losing the battle. The world of gigabytes moves at cyber speed. My students could teach me a thing or two.

“My niece and nephews could probably teach me a thing or two.”

I smother a giggle. He has no idea that he’s reading my mind.

“At least you’ve still got a blackboard. Looks like some things will never change.” He cocks his head. “But what’s with all the names up there? Billy, Andrea, Tiffany, Eric…”

“…and Christine, Joseph and David,” I finish. “They all have science homework due tomorrow.”

“Billy? His name is up there all alone.”

“A personal reminder.” Detention tomorrow for Billy the Kid Connolly. One hundred years ago, even at the tender age of ten, that little boy would already have been an outlaw. But this is my classroom and I’m not playing sheriff all year long.

“Lauren, Becky, Katie, Amanda, and Jamie are listed under
Lunch
. What’s that mean? They get more to eat?”

“Not exactly,” I hedge. I’ve had quite enough of Lauren and her little clique. They’ve been relentless in their teasing of Tiffany and Christine on the playground every day. Today I finally cracked and handed out a punishment.

“Don’t any of these kids have last names?”

“We don’t list them. State and federal privacy laws require us to protect their anonymity.”

He blinks. “You’re kidding.”

“I’m afraid not. The law was changed a few years ago. I suppose someone saw something they weren’t meant to see and all hell exploded.” I shrug. “We’re only allowed to list their first names.”

He shifts his bulk, rolls his eyes. “I can’t imagine any of my teachers putting up with rules like privacy laws and things. Those nuns didn’t budge an inch. It was their way or the highway—the Catholic road of guilt. If I didn’t turn in my homework, they’d list my name in big capital letters for everyone to see: SAM CURTIS, ASSIGNMENT PAST DUE.”

I swallow a laugh. Somehow I can’t picture Sam as the type who gave his teachers much grief. He was probably one of those good kids who kept his nose clean and stayed out of trouble.

“I’ll tell you something else’s that’s changed.”

I cup my chin in my hand, throw him a smile. “What’s that?”

“The teacher behind the desk. You’re much prettier than any of the nuns that taught me.”

I feel the fire leap in my cheeks. He’s flirting with me. I squirm in my seat. Can’t he tell I’m romantically challenged? Girls like Amy were straight-A students when it came to studying men and figuring out how to make a boy hold their hand. I was much too busy and my hands were never empty. There was usually a book in one and a fistful of cookies in the other.

I suck in a deep breath. What’s he doing here, anyway? My afternoon was going just fine until Sam decided to drop by and chat. Or flirt. Or whatever he thinks he’s doing.

And as for calling me
pretty
?

Then again, maybe I am, compared to a nun.

Sam looks neat and handsome in his crisp blue business suit. His yellow polka-dot tie looks like real silk and he’s had a fresh haircut in the last day or so. And that little moustache of his looks so soft and lush.

What would it feel like to kiss someone with a moustache? Would it tickle?

Good God. I shrink back in my chair and fight the rising panic. Me, kiss Sam Curtis? Where did that come from? I drop my head and grab my day planner. “I think it would be better if we met in your office to go over my finances.” I thumb through the pages, keep my head down. I can feel him looking at me. The heat of his gaze sears every curl on my head. “When’s a good time for you?”

“How about over dinner tonight?”

“Dinner?” My head shoots up. Like, on a date?

“Why not? We both have to eat and it would definitely be more relaxing than meeting in my office. Brownwood isn’t too far from here.”

“I don’t know…” The restaurant is casually elegant and I’ve been there a few times. Christmas parties, catered affairs. Always when someone else pays.

“My treat,” he adds.

Slowly I shake my head. “Sorry, but I can’t.” I don’t want him getting the wrong idea. Sam is nice… maybe a little too nice. And no matter how nice he is, I have no intention of dating him.

No matter how tempting I find his little moustache.

“It’s a write-off,” he adds. “Client entertainment.”

I can’t help laughing. Sam’s persistent, I’ll give him that. “Is this how you treat all your clients?”

He comes to his feet and leans across my desk. “Only the pretty ones.”

His face is merely inches from mine. Ohmigod, he’s going to kiss me. I know he’s going to kiss me.

I’m about to find out if moustaches really do tickle…

“Whoa. Am I interrupting?”

The familiar voice drags me back to the land of chalkboards and textbooks. “Oh. Hi.” I throw a weak smile at Nick standing in the doorway. “Come on in. We were just… chatting.”

Sam straightens to a stiff stand as Nick strolls in the room and sticks out his hand. “How you doing? Nick Lamont.”

“Sam Curtis.” The two men pump hands. “Nice to meet you.”

I fan myself with one hand. When did the room get so hot? I push up some loose curls from the back of my neck and stand to join them. “Nick is the other fifth-grade teacher. He’s new to our school this year.”

“Brand new and inexperienced. Patty’s been great helping me out.” He gives Sam a fast once-over. “Sorry about breaking up your conference. You one of the dads?”

God, if Nick only knew. “Sam isn’t a parent.”

“Oh.” He eyes Sam again, longer this time. “Right. I get it.” Then he turns back to me. “Look, I won’t keep you any longer. I just wondered if you had a couple minutes to give me some pointers about that field trip we talked about at lunch.”

“Sure.” I throw Sam a hesitant glance. “I mean, I guess so.”

“Great. It won’t take long. Just stop by my classroom before you leave.” He shoots Sam a quick grin. “Sorry about busting in on the two of you like that. Usually our girl is over here all alone.”

Our girl
? Does Nick think Sam is my boyfriend? The last thing I want is anyone—especially Nick— thinking that Sam and I are dating. Granted, Sam’s a nice guy. He’s thoughtful and generous, but he’s also…

“You weren’t interrupting anything. Sam is just my accountant. He stopped by to set up a meeting.” I grab my day planner and flip to an open page, feeling the scarlet flush rising on my face. God, how could I say that about Sam? He didn’t deserve it. “How about next Wednesday?” I ask Sam. “I’m free after four. We can meet at your office.”

A safety zone. No chance of running into Nick Lamont.

“So, I take it this means dinner tonight is off?”

The disappointment in Sam’s voice makes me want to cringe. The soft look of surprise in his eyes makes me want to turn away. I haven’t fooled him.

And I haven’t fooled myself, either.

Nick cocks an eyebrow. “Why don’t I leave the two of you alone so you can figure things out.”

How do I get myself into these messes? I close my eyes and whisper a heartfelt prayer.
Dear God, please let the floor open and swallow me whole here and now.

“You said that guy is a brand new teacher?” Sam asks as Nick heads out the door.

“Yes, he is. Plus he’s coaching basketball at the high school.” I toss the day planner on my desk and force myself to face him. I hate myself for what I just did, belittling Sam in front of Nick. I cut Sam off, acted like he didn’t matter, that he meant nothing to me. I’m no better than Lauren and her groupies out on the playground.

But those little girls have an excuse. They’re only ten years old and I’m an adult. I should know better. I wouldn’t blame Sam if he told me to find myself another accountant. He’s a nice guy and doesn’t deserve to be treated like this. And he’s not stupid, either. I’m sure he knows exactly what happened and why I said the things I did. I’ve been through it myself. I know what it’s like to be put down, to be ignored and dismissed by people who don’t want to be seen with you.

Simply because you’re fat.

Fatty Patty
. If I listen hard enough, I can still hear the cruel taunt ringing in my ears.

My heart is torn but my head wins the contest.
Fatty Patty
and
Big Sam
together? That combination will never work, no matter how nice a guy he is.

And to think I almost let him kiss me.

“Sounds like Nick is one busy guy… coaching basketball, teaching, planning all those field trips.” He glances at his watch. “Guess I’d better get going. I’ve still got another stop to make.”

I trail him to the door. That’s it? No explosion? No chewing me out? No telling me what a worm I am? If he stomped out of my classroom and slammed the door in my face, I wouldn’t blame him. Nothing Sam can say will make me feel worse than I already do.

He reaches the doorway, halts, and turns to face me. “By the way, you never gave me an answer.”

“About…?”

“Tonight. Dinner? Remember?”

After everything I said and did, he still wants to have dinner with me? Sam has to be a glutton for punishment.

“A man’s got to eat, right?” A rueful smile flits across his face. “And I guess it’s pretty obvious that I like to eat. Everybody knows that. All they need is one look at me.”

Guilt churns in my stomach. I need to apologize. “Sam, I—”

He holds up one hand to stop me. “Look, Patty, you know where to find me if you’re interested in dinner tonight. No strings attached. Strictly dinner with… your accountant. If you show up, great. If not? Well…” He shrugs. “Guess I’ll assume you got a better offer.”

I swallow over the sudden lump forming in the back of my throat. How can he be so nice? Five minutes ago in front of Nick, I treated Sam like he was nothing. I know what that feels like, and I hate it when people act like that with me, like I don’t count. But Sam
does
count. He counts way too much. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t feel so bad. Maybe I should have dinner with him. We can discuss my finances… and other things, too.

Like the apology I owe him.

“I’ll be there, I promise.” It might sound like I’m acting, but I’ve never been more serious in my life. I force a bright smile. “And Sam, I want to… I mean…”

Say it. Tell him you’re sorry. Don’t wait until later. Tell him right now.

“Yes?” He hangs back.

“I just want to say… well, to tell you that I didn’t…” I break off, suddenly unable to meet his eyes. Somehow I have to get out the words and he knows I’m trying. This would be so much easier if he wasn’t so kind.

His eyes soften. “How about we talk about it over dinner? Say, six o’clock?” He nods toward the hallway. “Don’t forget, you’ve still got a meeting.”

I’m stumped, but only for a moment. “Nick’s field trip.”

“Right.” His smile disappears. “See you at six.”

# # #

The doorway of Nick’s classroom is slightly ajar. Loud voices, laughter, and rock music drift into the hallway. It sounds like a party is in progress. I halt, my hand on the door knob. I wasn’t exactly invited. Then again, Nick did ask me to drop by. I wait a full minute, counting off the seconds to the beat of the music before I work up enough courage to push open the door.

“Hey, look who’s here.” He waves me in from behind his desk. “I thought you weren’t going to show.”

Nick’s classroom is empty. I glance around, more confused by the minute. “I thought there were people in here with you. I heard voices…”

“Must have been the movie.” He points to a sleek laptop centered on his desk. “I muted it when you walked in.”

I take in the seventeen-inch screen and state-of-the-art wireless equipment and try not to drool. My home desktop computer, long past its expiration date, just keeps going and going and going, and much as I’d like to, I can’t justify the expense of a new one. With a laptop like Nick’s, I could work from home in the comfort of my bedroom.

Dream on, girl. You can’t afford the type of equipment Nick’s got. Not now, not ever.

“Nice computer,” I choke out.

“Thanks. Gotta keep on the cutting edge. I bought it a couple weeks ago. Check out the monitor—this high definition screen is great for watching movies.” He grabs the laptop and turns it at a ninety-degree angle, giving me a better view. “Ever seen this?” He points to the screen. “It’s one of my favorites.”