Teacher

by R. L. Merrill

  The doors were mirrored and when I went to open one I caught a glance at a whole lotta bed! It was about a king-and-a-half load of black satin heaven. I wanted to dive into it like a pool and slip and slide all over it. I giggled, thinking like a fangirl.

  “I’m in Danny Black’s bedroom and I could go jump on Danny’s huge bed!” I couldn’t stop giggling as I searched the closets for beach towels. Everything was black. Of course. I did peek around the corner and saw he had several guitars set up on stands in a corner with an amp and some ridiculously expensive looking recording equipment. The floors, like the rest of the bedrooms, were carpeted in light grey and the walls were a darker shade of grey. An entire wall was glass and it looked out over the pool. No pictures on the walls in here either with the exception of a framed picture of Jane next to Danny’s bed.

  All of this I could see from my vantage point. I refused to take another step because I felt like I was invading his space. It was weird to be in here without him, but the thought of him being in here with me gave me a not-unpleasant shudder. I closed the doors quickly and practically ran down the hallway to the living room and out the slider by the bar. Danny was getting splashed by Jane, who looked very happy to be in her Daddy’s arms.

  “Hey guys, I brought you some towels.”

  Danny shaded his eyes and smiled at me.

  “Are you coming in, Jesse,” asked Jane.

  I shook my head. “No, thanks. I don’t have a suit. Besides, I have to monitor your dad’s physical activity so I’m paying attention to how long he is swimming.”

  They both rolled their eyes at me in unison. Danny whispered something to Jane and they both started laughing.

  “No fair, you two! Danny, Nora went to get crutches for Jane.”

  He nodded and pulled Jane around the pool on his back. They made a great picture. He was smiling broadly, so happy to be with his daughter. He looked gorgeous. It was a good thing Jane was here. His arms were covered with tattoos, but his back and chest were unmarked. Except for his nipple piercings, which were sparkling in the sunlight. I decided to grab a book and sit over on the patio to read, thinking I needed a more appropriate distraction. The sun felt great and the day’s events had me feeling a little tired.

  “Daddy, I think I need to get out, my ankle is starting to hurt more.”

  I walked over to help him get her out of the pool and dry. I was glad I had something else to focus on other than Danny climbing out of the pool and the way his shorts clung to his wet body. I helped Jane dry off and then Danny carried her over to her lounge chair. He used the can of spray sunscreen on her and then on himself. I couldn’t watch. This was a bad idea. I was feeling like a total letch!

  My discomfort must have shown on my face because Danny came over and sat on the foot of the lounger I was sitting on. “You ok, Jesse?”

  I raised an eyebrow at him and just gave him a look that hopefully expressed exactly what I was thinking. He looked down at himself and smirked.

  “On the list,” he whispered and I nodded.

  “Definitely on the list.”

  “What’s on the list,” Jane asked, hopefully oblivious to what was passing between her father and me.

  “The list of things we need to do today,” I said a little too eagerly. “He needed to swim and tonight he needs to take some tests for Government and we can either finish reading Romeo and Juliet,” Danny was shaking his head in earnest, “or we can watch To Kill A Mockingbird.”

  He blew out a relieved breath and nodded.

  “Ooo, a movie! Yay! What’s it about?”

  I smiled at her. “It’s a classic about a young girl who learns about some real life issues and in the process learns that her father is a respected man for a reason.”

  She made a face and said, “Sounds kind of serious, is it any good?”

  I nodded. “It’s a great film. It will give you a bit of a head start since you’ll probably read the book in ninth grade.”

  She looked back and forth between us. “Ok, I’m in. What’s for dinner?”

  Nora came back a bit later and started making spaghetti for Jane. Danny and I worked while Jane put on her earphones and watched a show on her iPad. Thankfully Danny put his t-shirt back on before we started working because it was taking all of my concentration to not molest him. We exchanged a few looks, knowing we were both struggling with our feelings for each other. I just wasn't sure what his struggle was about.

  Dinner was served at 6:00 and the three of us girls had a great time teasing Danny about his silence. Nora and Jane purposely brought up topics they knew he was passionate about... He was a huge fan of the Giants, while Janey claimed to love the Dodgers, he preferred the original Star Wars films and she liked the newer ones, and probably the most divisive topic: the entertainment value of SpongeBob over Sesame Street. He had such a hard time keeping his mouth shut! I sided with him on all the issues and Jane said it was because I was closer to his age, which made him crack up!

  It had been such an exhausting day I could barely keep my eyes open, but I wouldn’t have missed watching Danny with his daughter for anything.

  I helped Nora clear the table and Danny went to get the movie started with Jane. When I came in I settled into the seat on the other side of Jane from Danny. He frowned, but I knew he understood. I was tired and I didn’t trust myself. Jane’s ankle was propped up on an ottoman in front of her and she had the armrest pulled up between her and Danny so they could cuddle.

  The film moved me every time I watched it. When Scout comes to see that her father isn’t just a stick in the mud or a weak man, but a fighter for justice, it’s so poignant. Jane seemed fairly engrossed in the film and I caught Danny looking down at her deep in thought several times. At one point we made eye contact and he just gave me a heart-wrenching smile. We’d made such a connection with each other. I wanted to believe that this would last beyond our work together.

  The movie ended and Jane was yawning so Danny carried her to bed, insisting she could start using her crutches tomorrow. He couldn’t do much else for her and I knew this was more about him needing to do it than her needing it.

  I used the bathroom and when I came out he was waiting for me.

  “Will you stay?”

  I smiled at him and said, “Yeah. I don’t think I’d make it home anyway and Nora’s bed is way too comfortable to pass up. Not to mention those silk pajamas.”

  He squeezed his eyes shut and rubbed his hands over his face. I had to stop doing this!

  “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day. I shouldn't joke, I should just say goodnight.”

  He got serious for a minute and pulled out his phone. “Texted Brooke and told her I’m coming in the morning to talk to her. When I get back we’ll have Jane for the day, but I’ve got to get some work done. I know you’ve got to be tired too, so if you need to go, I understand.”

  “It’s ok, Danny. I’ll stay. I can go home early tomorrow evening and get some rest. I’ve only got four more days of work and then I’m all yours anyway.”

  His eyes flickered with excitement and he started typing.

  “Well, for school anyway. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I can’t wait until I can have you for real. Watching the movie, I was wishing I could take you to bed with me tonight. Not for anything other than to hold you... Ok, well, maybe more. I’m sorry, Jesse. I really can’t help it.”

  I smiled up at him. “Danny, I know. I really do. Today was a heavy day, though. Let’s have this conversation after we’re finished with your school. By then you’ll probably be sick of me and ready to have me out of your hair.”

  He frowned and shook his head vigorously. He started to type and I put my hand on his.

  “Don’t. Not tonight. Let’s just get some rest. You have a big day ahead of you and I’ll be here for you when it’s over, ok?”

  He cleared what he had started to type and put, “You’re right. I feel so much better knowing you’ll be here when I get back.”

>   I gave him a quick hug, pulling back before I got too close.

  “Goodnight, Danny.”

  He smiled and I noticed him rubbing his chest over his heart as he walked to his room. I hurried out to Nora’s before I could dwell on the thought of him in all that black satin.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The next morning, even though I’d slept really well, I was swollen and sore. I did my stretches and had to fight the urge to cry out several times. I hobbled out in Danny’s pajamas and found Nora sitting on the couch reading a book.

  “Hey, Jesse. You’re up ear- Oh, sweetie! You’re in rough shape, aren’t you?”

  I winced. “Yeah, you have any Aleve?”

  “I do. Why don’t I fix you some breakfast first?"

  I shook my head. “My stomach’s a little off. How about just some fruit? If you have pineapple that would be great.”

  “I do, it’s over in the big house. Let me just go cut some up for you.”

  I thanked her and she hurried out the door. I went back in my room and I had several texts on the iPhone from Cosmo, all with a similar theme.

  Black, I swear to fucking God she better be ok. If she doesn’t call me in the morning I’m calling the police.

  I dialed his number, cringing at the early hour.

  “Jesse, is that you,” he croaked.

  “It is, Cosmo. I’m sorry I forgot to call you. I’m fine. I stayed at the housekeeper’s again last night. Danny’s daughter had an accident and it was a long day.”

  He was quiet for a minute and I could hear him rustling in his bed. “Jesus. Well, he’s lucky he has you. I’m sorry about the texts, I was just worried. It’s weird not having you home.”

  I laughed. “Tell me about it. I haven’t been away other than a couple of trips to see my parents. I’ll be home tonight, though. I have to. It’s my last week of work.”

  “Oh yeah, that’s right. Does that mean you’ll be with him more?” If he was upset about that he was hiding it well.

  “Yeah. I mean, we haven’t worked out a schedule, but he’s in a hurry to finish.”

  “I bet he is,” he laughed. “He probably just wants to get busy with his teacher, and I don’t mean studying unless we’re talking Anatomy or some shit.”

  “Cosmo! How crude!” I couldn’t help but laugh, though. I was sincerely hoping for that scenario. “I’ll let you go. I’m sorry I woke you.”

  “Oh, it’s fine. I gotta get up and fix the damn gutters. Those idiots were trying to hang from them again. They put two holes in my wall this week with their stunts and I’m afraid they blew up your blender, baby. I’ll get you a new one.”

  I was glad I’d missed their shenanigans. “No hurry. I need to go. I’ll see you later,” I said and he told me to take care and hung up.

  Nora returned so I went out to the kitchen and she slid a bowl of pineapple in front of me.

  “It’s got natural anti-inflammatories in it,” I said when she watched me eat it with an eyebrow raised. She shook her head and handed me two Aleve and a glass of water.

  “Thanks. I’ll just shower and get out of your hair. I… do you have a t-shirt I could borrow?” She nodded and brought out a black t-shirt from her room. It was roomy but it would do. “You’re a godsend,” I said and she laughed.

  “Nah. I kinda liked having a roommate for the weekend. Feel free to stay with me anytime, Jesse. I mean it.”

  Tears threatened and I blinked them back. “I’ve enjoyed it too, Nora. Thank you. If he works me like a dog this summer, I may have to take you up on that offer.”

  She laughed and waved me off.

  I looked longingly at the tub, but knew that while it would feel heavenly now, in an hour I would be tighter and more swollen, so I opted for the glorious shower instead. The showerhead alone was enough to make it wonderful, but the side jets were amazing. I came out red and shiny and feeling very clean.

  I wrapped my hair up in a bun and put on Nora’s shirt with my jeans from yesterday. Hey, if Danny wanted me around, he was going to have to see me in dirty jeans. Simple as that.

  I wandered out and Nora was gone, I assumed to the big house, so I went to join her. It was only 7:00 and I wasn’t sure what time Danny was going to Brooke’s. When I entered, he turned around from the counter and offered a tired smile. I went over to sit next to him while he drank his hot tea with lemon. He was already showered, dressed and not in his usual bare feet. Sadly, I’d hoped for a look at those toes. I loved the man’s feet even! That’s how pathetic I was over him!

  “How are you feeling this morning,” I asked him and he just looked at me through narrowed eyes.

  “I’m ok,” he whispered, “but I should be asking you the same question. Nora said you weren’t well this morning.”

  I shook my head. “The Aleve is already helping but yeah, I’m sore today. I think a lazy day of hanging with Jane sounds pretty awesome.”

  He laughed and rubbed my back. “You sure there isn’t anything else I can do for you?”

  I rolled my eyes. “No, you’ve done plenty. I’m trying to figure out how I can sneak that bed out of Nora’s room and into my car before I leave.”

  He was sipping his tea when I said this and he splattered some on the counter. I handed him a napkin and he shook his head. “She might notice and I doubt it would fit,” he whispered.

  I gave an exaggerated sigh. “Oh well. It was worth a shot. On a serious note, do you feel ready to talk to Brooke? What time are you going over there?”

  He whispered, “8:00 and no, I’m not ready. But I want to get this over with. I’m going to tell her if she insists on going to New York that Jane is staying with me.”

  I smiled at him. “Good. She seemed so happy with you yesterday. It won’t always be a picnic, but it would be good for both of you.”

  He nodded. “Yeah, it would.”

  “A couple words of advice?” I wanted to give him a pep talk, but I didn’t know how he would take it. “I know I’ve never been married or had to discuss how to raise a kid with an ex-spouse, but I have had experience with angry arguments.” He motioned for me to continue. “Don’t blow out your voice for one. And the other, if you get too angry, just leave. Walk out. It will be better than saying or doing something you regret. Not that I think you would, but I saw how angry you were yesterday in the hospital, and I know how upset you are still.”

  He nodded. “You’re right. I have a short fuse. I’d never get physical with her, though. You have to know that I’ve never hit a woman and I never would.”

  “That’s not what I meant, Danny. I know you wouldn't. I just know how ugly custody battles can be and that exes will use just about anything against you in court. I don’t want you to give her any ammunition.”

  He looked at me thoughtfully. “You’re so fucking smart, Jesse. How the hell did you get so damn smart?” He pulled me to him for a hug and kissed my forehead. “I don’t know who was looking out for me when they sent you, but I’m grateful.” I so wanted to melt into him, almost as much as I wanted to make his pain and anger go away. “Gotta go,” he said, letting go reluctantly.

  I wished him luck and Nora came in right then.

  “You off, babe?” He nodded and hugged her, too, getting a kiss on the cheek in return. “Go tell her. Take care of my baby girl.” He laughed and made intense eye contact with me before leaving the room.

  “You’ll be great.”

  He blushed and went outside.

  Nora sighed. “I really hope that goes well, for all our sake’s!”

  I agreed. “Is Jane still sleeping?”

  She laughed. “Yeah, she’s never up before 10:00 on the weekends. Girl loves her sleep!”

  “I don’t blame her. If her bed is anywhere near as comfortable as the one in your extra room, I’d never get up. It’s probably a good thing my mattress sucks or I’d never leave my bed. I like to sleep too much.”

  She laughed and then cleared her throat nervously. “Jesse? I kinda did someth
ing, I hope you don’t mind.”

  I frowned. “What is it?”

  She smiled nervously. “My sister is a massage therapist and I kind of called her to come over this morning. Sugar, I think it might make you feel better.”

  I didn’t know how to feel about it, but the tears started to fall and I had no control. I bit my lip and looked away from her.

  “I know I should have asked first, but I knew you’d say no, so I did it anyway.” She walked over and put a hand on my arm. I tried to smile for her, but it didn’t work. I let her pull me into a hug and she held me as I cried. “She’s worked in a physical therapist’s office and she’s worked with patients who have RA. I think it might help. She might have some ideas. You’re too young to be feeling like this.”

  “Nora, I can’t pay her. I haven’t gone for a massage before because I can’t afford it. I...”

  She shushed me. “There’s no paying here. Trust me. Danny’s done a lot for her and she loves him almost as much as I do. I think she was hoping he’d come out of his funk before now so she could tap that.”

  I barked out a laugh and gave an unattractive sniffle. Nora cracked up and handed me a tissue.

  “Now you gotta quit with these tears every time, you hear me? Get used to it. You’re part of the family now, alright?”

  I sighed and nodded. “I’m sorry. I just don’t like not being able to pay my way. I wish I had more to offer.”

  She shook her head. “Ok, now you’re starting to piss me off, Jesse. What the hell do you mean more to offer? Someday I’m going to watch you eat those words. When you two finish this school business and he tells you how he really feels? I’m going to love watching you squirm.”

  I rolled my eyes at her and only a knock at the door kept me from making a smart reply.

  The sisters greeted each other with hugs and squeals of laughter. “Jesse, this is my baby sister Connie.”

  Connie and I shook hands and she gave me a once over while holding my hand. “Damn, what’s your inseam, girl? Like 36?”

  I blushed. “If I’m wearing heels, I guess.”