by Sewell, Earl
“Have you always known that you wanted to teach?”
“Teaching is in my family’s blood. Everyone was an educator or involved in education in some capacity. What about your family? Was your father a teacher, too?”
Langston chuckled. “No, but he should have been. He loves history. I can ask him about any event and he can talk for hours about it.”
“So what did your father do for a living?”
“He was a social worker.”
“Now that’s a tough job, or so I’ve heard,” Olivia admitted.
“You heard correctly. My father jokes about how he should have put in a workman’s comp claim for the deep lines that formed on his forehead.”
Olivia smiled and laughed softly. “My mother pokes fun at aging. She has a love-hate relationship with gray hair,” she said.
“Sounds like she’s a fun person to be around,” Langston said.
“She is. So now that I know about your parents, tell me about you,” Olivia said.
“There isn’t much to tell. I’m just an average guy.” Langston shrugged.
“And a bad liar,” Olivia remarked.
“Why are you calling me a liar?” Langston asked.
“Because I think you’re being modest at the very least. Are you from Chicago?” Olivia plugged on.
“No. I grew up in Denver and moved here to go to college,” Langston offered.
“Really? I’ve never met anyone from Denver before. What was it like living there?”
“Not that different than living here under the constant threat of excessive heat, cold weather warnings or blizzards. Are you originally from Chicago?”
“Yes. I grew up in Northbrook,” Olivia said.
“That’s a nice area. Do you still live there?”
“No. After I graduated from Northwestern University, I decided to stay here in the city.”
“Northwestern is a great college,” Langston said.
“What college did you attend?” Olivia asked.
“I got my bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and my MBA from DePaul University.”
“Nice.”
“I was going to shoot for a PhD, but life happened, and I had to put that plan on the back burner.”
“Okay, I’m impressed. There is definitely nothing average about you.” Olivia beamed at him. She had to admit she was enjoying this flirtation.
“What brings you out to this event?” Langston asked.
“My girlfriend, Carla. She’s up on the stage. She’s being recognized tonight for helping create a children’s video for kids who don’t like taking their medication.” Olivia pointed Carla out.
“Well, bless her heart for doing that. Taking medicine can be a scary thing for kids,” Langston said as he reached for his glass and took a sip of water.
“Yes, it can be. Why are you here?” Olivia asked.
“The hospital has a foundation that considers me to be a generous donor,” Langston said.
Olivia decided to get straight to the point instead of allowing her creative mind to come up with an answer she liked instead of the truth. “I noticed you don’t have a wedding ring. Are you seeing anyone?” she asked, surprising herself with her own confidence.
Langston glanced down at his ring finger and rubbed it with his other hand.
“Yes. I am single and I’m not dating anyone,” he confirmed.
Olivia stared at him in mock disbelief. “Come on! An attractive, well-educated, sharp—dressed man like you? You must have women calling you constantly,” Olivia said.
“I’m not that type of guy,” Langston was quick to assure her.
“Yeah, right,” Olivia said, giving him a knowing smile. She looked away from Langston and noticed a gorgeous redhead approaching their table. The woman was wearing six-inch heels, a slinky black cocktail dress and, by all appearances, was very physically fit. Olivia was about to focus her attention elsewhere when she noticed Gerald, her ex-boyfriend, trailing behind the redhead.
“Hello, everyone,” the woman said genially. Gerald didn’t notice Olivia until he pulled back the chair for his date.
“Oh, wow. This is odd,” he said, not uncomfortably. He was wearing the gray Perry Ellis suit Olivia had purchased for him. On the surface he was a gorgeous-looking man, but on the inside, she knew he was a shallow, self-centered jerk.
“Hello, Gerald,” Olivia said in as blasé a voice as she could manage and hoped she sounded as if his presence was a nonissue.
“Hello, beautiful,” Gerald responded, falling into the old response pattern he’d used when they were together.
As they held each other’s gaze, Olivia thought about the wasted history between them and did her best to not allow her disdain to surface. But it must have been evident on her face.
“I don’t see any harm in a man complimenting a beautiful woman. Do you see any problem with that?” Gerald looked to Langston for support. Olivia glanced at Langston, who only shrugged. Langston had to have noticed how tight-jawed Olivia had suddenly become and recognized that there was something going on between her and their new table guest.
“You’re being disrespectful to your date,” Olivia spoke sweetly, offering up a fake smile before Gerald sat down.
“Gerald, who is she?” asked the redhead.
“She’s nobody,” Gerald whispered in the woman’s ear, but not so quietly that Olivia didn’t hear him.
“Gerald and I used to be friends.” Olivia held her composure as best she could. She didn’t want to make a scene. At the same time, she wanted to be truthful, to the extent that was appropriate. Olivia looked at Gerald once again and saw discomfort flickering in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, honey. What’s your name? Gerald has absolutely no manners,” Olivia said to the redhead.
“Grace,” the woman answered and offered to shake Olivia’s hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Grace, and you look wonderful,” Olivia complimented her as she gave her a cordial handshake.
“Well, you didn’t exactly introduce me to your date, either.” Gerald nodded his head in Langston’s direction.
“Oh, we’re not...” Langston began, but before he could finish Olivia interrupted him.
“Who I’m dating is none of your business.”
“Okay. You know what? This feels really uncomfortable. Grace, why don’t you come with me?” Gerald said. Without questioning Gerald’s abrupt decision to leave their table, Grace pushed her chair back and followed him.
“Seems like he was a big mistake,” Langston said.
“You have no idea,” Olivia answered before taking a sip of water. A moment later, a person approached the podium on the stage.
“Good evening,” the speaker said and the audience responded back in kind.
Olivia glanced around briefly to see if she could spot Gerald and Grace, but she couldn’t. Secretly, she hoped she had ruined his evening.
Olivia listened as the presenter welcomed everyone and thanked them for giving so generously of their time and resources. He reminded everyone of the silent auction that would be taking place and encouraged everyone to participate. As the evening went on, Carla was recognized for her contribution to the hospital.
Just before dessert was served, Carla broke away and joined Olivia at her table. “So who’s your new friend?” she asked, positioning herself close to Langston. Langston rose from his seat and extended his hand.
“I’m Langston. How are you?” he asked, smiling.
“I’m Carla. Nice to you meet you. I noticed that you were getting along well with my friend Olivia,” Carla said.
“Carla, you can stop prying anytime,” Olivia warned her.
“I’m not prying. I’m just observant,” Carla said defensively.
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“Did you see that Gerald was here?” Olivia asked.
“No, I didn’t.” Carla appeared to be purposely steering the discussion away from anything to do with Gerald.
“Well, he was here and he had his new girlfriend with him.” Olivia took a sip of her water.
“Did that bother you?” Carla asked, glancing over at Langston. Olivia noticed that he had busied himself pouring another glass of water and was, presumably, giving them a little space.
“It shouldn’t have, but it did,” Olivia admitted.
“Honey, sometimes God pushes a person out of our lives for our own well-being. Gerald is a toxic man and you deserve someone better. Like this gorgeous guy sitting next to you,” Carla nudged Olivia.
“I heard that,” Langston chuckled, and Olivia realized he hadn’t tuned out of their conversation after all. “I’ve had a great time talking with you, Olivia. Maybe we can meet again sometime for coffee or dinner.”
“She would love to go out to dinner with you,” Carla answered for her.
“Carla, I can speak for myself. I don’t need your matchmaking services,” Olivia grumbled.
“Sorry.” Carla smiled and glanced between the two of them. “She doesn’t get out much, and I’ve taken it upon myself to help her come out of seclusion.”
“Carla, I think it’s time for you to go back on stage. I believe they’re calling you,” Olivia said without a hint of humor.
“Okay, okay.” Carla winked at Olivia.
Langston smiled. “You two are interesting.”
“It was nice meeting you, Langston,” Carla said, then headed back toward the stage. At that moment, Langston’s phone vibrated. He removed it from its holster and read a text message that had come through.
“Do you have a cell phone with you?” he asked Olivia.
“Yes. Why?”
“Could you take it out, please?”
Olivia opened her purse and removed her phone.
“I would like you to program my phone number in yours. I won’t be able to stay for dessert. I have to go, but I’d like for you to call me if and when you’d like to go out for dinner or coffee.”
Olivia hesitated briefly. She was trying not to show how disappointed she was that he was leaving. She exhaled and programmed his number into her phone. Just as she was typing in his name, she heard his cell phone buzz again.
“I have to go,” he said and extended his hand for one final shake. “I hope you call. Have a good evening, Olivia,” Langston said and walked away.
Chapter Three
Olivia had just arrived at Children’s Hospital to tutor one of her students named Matthew. He had been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia and had to have an extended hospital stay. Olivia grabbed her tote bag, which had the materials for the evening’s lesson, from the backseat of her car. After signing in with the security guard at the door, she got her name badge and took the elevator up to the floor where Matthew was.
“Hi, I’m here to see Matthew Wensel,” Olivia said to the nurse on duty at the nurses’ station. Olivia knew several of the nurses, but had yet to meet the one she was talking to.
“Sure. Please sign in here. Are you a family member?” asked the nurse, who started typing on a computer keyboard.
“I’m his tutor.” Olivia pointed to the adhesive name tag stuck to her jacket that said Tutor.
The nurse smiled. “Oh, duh. I didn’t see that. I should have noticed. His mother told me to expect you. She went to meet with one of the hospital volunteers,” the nurse explained.
“Great. I know his mom pretty well and she insisted on him having a tutor during his stay here.”
“She’s a smart woman. Having to do schoolwork helps kids focus on something else besides being stuck here. Kids are tough, but it’s still hard on them.” The nurse’s expression softened.
“Yeah, I know,” Olivia said, validating her statement.
“Well. I won’t keep you, because I know he’s excited about seeing you. He asked if he could go to the teaching room early to wait for you.”
“He did?” Olivia asked, lighting up at the information.
“Yes, he did.” The nurse smiled. “You know where the teaching room is, right?”
“Yes,” Olivia answered as she placed the clipboard back on the countertop and thanked the nurse. When she walked into the room, Matthew greeted her with enthusiasm.
“Miss Harris.” He called out her name gleefully. He sat up a little straighter in his wheelchair and extended his twiglike arms for a hug. Matthew had removed his green hospital gown and put on regular clothes. He was wearing a brown cowboy hat along with green cargo shorts and a white T-shirt. There was an IV taped to the back of his hand that was connected to a pole and drip bag. He had a heart-shaped face, short black hair and thick eyebrows. His eyes were deeply set in their sockets and he was thin. His didn’t look as gaunt as he had in the past and Olivia took that as a sign that he was getting better. She set her bag down on a nearby table and gave him the hug he was waiting for.
“Ooh, it’s so good to see you.” Olivia squeezed him, all the while being mindful not to inadvertently pull the tube off his hand.
“Do they still miss me at school?”
Olivia met his inquiring gaze. “Yes, they do. I have another giant get-well card that everyone signed,” Olivia said as she removed it from her tote bag.
“I like these cards. Letha and Kyle called me and talked to me for a little while yesterday.” Matthew held his card and began reading everyone’s well-wishes.
“How are you feeling today?” Olivia asked.
“Better than yesterday. The doctor gave me some medicine that made me vomit. I didn’t like that so much.”
“I know, sweetie. That doesn’t sound like a whole lot of fun.” Olivia positioned herself next to him and caressed his head.
“It’s not, and I want to go home. I can’t wait to leave this place.” Matthew closed his card and placed it on the table.
“Well, you’re getting stronger every day, right?” Olivia asked.
Matthew held up both of his arms and flexed to show his muscles.
“Yeah, see?” Olivia smiled as she reached out and touched his small arms. “You’re so strong,” she said.
“I know,” Matthew said and threw a few phantom punches like a boxer walking to the ring.
“Are you ready for today’s lesson?” Olivia asked.
“Yep. What are we doing today?”
“We’re going to work on reading and math. Which would you like to work on first?” Olivia asked.
“Math, I guess,” Mathew said glumly. Olivia knew that math was not his favorite subject and she would have to deal with his avoidance tactics, such as constantly blowing his nose or asking for multiple cups of water. Although she knew at times he would lose focus, she didn’t mind being patient with him. Matthew positioned himself at the table and waited for Olivia to place a worksheet with math problems and some school supplies in front of him.
Nearly an hour had passed when a knock on the door interrupted Olivia and Matthew’s session.
“How is it going, cowboy?”
“Langston!” Matthew shouted out his name. Olivia looked up and was stunned. The same Langston from the Children’s Hospital banquet walked over to Matthew and gave him a high five. Matthew moved niftily and giggled as Langston tickled him.
“What are you doing here?” Olivia asked. “Are you related to Matthew?”
“Langston is my buddy. He’s the one who bought me my cowboy hat.” Matthew’s smile was as bright as a morning sunrise.
“What are you doing here?” Langston asked her, curiosity playing on his features.
“I’m tutoring him,” she answered.
“I knew there was nothing ordinary about
you,” Langston said, looking excited to see her. “You know it’s been about three weeks since I first met you and you haven’t called. Was it something I said?” Langston asked.
“Now is not the appropriate time to discuss that,” Olivia said, smiling and glancing sideways at Matthew.
“This isn’t your day to visit me, Langston. Why are you here?” Matthew asked, seemingly unaware of the mild tension between him and Olivia.
“Well, I spoke to your grandfather and he told me that you had a pretty rough day yesterday. So I decided to stop by to see if you’re feeling any better,” Langston said as he playfully tugged on the brim of Matthew’s cowboy hat.
“Yesterday I got really sick, but I’m doing better today.” Matthew’s voice had turned slightly raspy.
“So, how exactly do you two know each other?” Olivia’s curiosity had gotten the better of her.
“Langston is a volunteer,” Matthew explained as he reached up and placed Langston’s hand in his. Olivia could tell that Matthew was parroting what he had heard about Langston’s role at the hospital.
“Volunteer?” Olivia tried to figure out exactly what that meant.
“Yes. I fill in for parents and families who have children staying at the hospital for an extended time, like Matthew. His family has workplace demands and other children at home to take care of in addition to Matthew.”
“So on the days that they may be delayed or can’t make it, you come and spend time with Matthew?” Olivia began fitting the pieces together.
“There’s a little more to it than that, but you have the general idea,” Langston said.
“Langston reads with me and we play games sometimes. Sometimes we go outside in the garden and sometimes we watch cartoons,” Matthew said, gazing up at Langston as if he was a famous baseball player or something.
“That’s great, Matthew. It’s good to know that you’re being well cared for,” Olivia said, ruffling the boy’s hair and exchanging a lingering glance with Langston.
“Well, cowboy, I’m glad to see that you’re feeling better. I’ll see you on Thursday,” Langston said to him, then looked at Olivia. “I apologize for interrupting your session.” Langston turned to walk toward the door. Just before he was about to exit, the nurse walked in.