nerves when people shortened her name but tonight, Kay would suit her just fine.
“How long have you been teaching?”
“Ten years. I graduated from Bryn Mawr College in ’96 and I’ve been at Springs Park Elementary ever since.”
“You went to Bryn Mawr?” he asked, his fork suspended in midair. “The all-girls school?”
“Yes.”
“For four years?”
“Yes. Why do you look so surprised?”
“Because most of the women I’ve met from there are—are—” Kenyon’s voice trailed off into silence.
“They’re all butch, bra-burning feminists, right?”
He shrugged. “Pretty much.”
“Bryn Mawr College is an exceptional school with high standards and top academic programs.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
Her lips were a tight line. “I’m not offended.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No, I’m not. You’re entitled to your opinion.”
Kenyon studied her face for a few seconds, then said, “Let me just go on the record as saying you’re the finest woman I’ve ever met from Bryn Mawr College.”
Her anger vanished and her lips relaxed into a smile. As far as Makayla was concerned, the compliment was better than the Prize Patrol showing up on her doorstep any day. Makayla felt a twinge of guilt. This was wrong, very, very wrong. Flirting with a married man was asking for bad karma. To divert the conversation away from herself, she asked Kenyon about his career. “You mentioned earlier that you’re a freelance photographer. How did you get into the business?”
“I’ve always loved photography, so when I busted my knee and my football scholarship fell through, I decided to get my associate degree. After graduation, I traveled across Europe, Asia and Africa building up my portfolio. When I returned to the States, I settled in New York. I was lucky enough to work with some of the biggest names in the industry.”
“It must have been hard being away from your family.”
“It was.”
“Do you travel a lot?”
“Too much,” he admitted, his eyes probing her face. “But I plan to be around a lot more. Terrance needs me now. I set my own schedule, which gives me the freedom to choose which jobs I take. I turn down any gig that’s going to keep me away from home longer than a week.”
Not much had changed since high school. Makayla still loved hearing Kenyon talk. She had more questions, but the waitress returned to collect their plates. Since neither one of them wanted dessert, Kenyon asked for the check.
“I had a good time,” he confessed.
It didn’t seem right agreeing with him, so Makayla smiled politely.
“Maybe we can get together once I get back from Fiji. We could catch a movie, or go for drinks. Dave Chappelle is doing a set at the Big Dog Comedy Club the last Saturday of the month. Interested?”
Caught off guard by his question, she took a few seconds to collect her thoughts. He didn’t even ask if I have a boyfriend. Is my single status that obvious? Makayla tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Beneath her straitlaced, university-educated facade lurked a very lonely woman. Sure, she had friends and an active social life, but Makayla yearned to find her soul mate. That one special guy who would love her unconditionally. “I don’t think that would be appropriate.”
“Why not? I won’t tell if you don’t,” he joked. “I can be discreet. Nobody has to know we’re kicking it.”
Is he suggesting we have an affair? Her feelings bubbled over like a pot of boiling water. Makayla hit him with an icy stare. Kenyon had been making passes at her all night and she was sick of it. He must think he’s something special! she thought, struggling to maintain her composure. Flirting was one thing but now he was crossing the line. He may be having problems in his relationship but he was still legally married and that meant he was off limits. “How can you be so insensitive? Terrance is broken up over what’s going on at home and your wife isn’t faring much better. I suggest you spend more time getting your family back together and less time hitting on me.”
Kenyon smirked. “My wife?”
“Yes, your wife.”
“You don’t understand,” he said, the humor heavy in his voice.
“No, you don’t understand.” Makayla threw down her napkin. “Your son is acting out because of problems at home and you’d rather play the field than attend to his needs. That’s despicable!”
“But Veronika and I—”
“Save it.” Makayla pushed back her chair, tossed down enough money to cover her share of the bill and grabbed her coat.
“Wait! It’s not what you think.”
“Womanizing jerk,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.
“Veronika and I aren’t married!”
“Whatever.” Makayla turned and marched through the restaurant without breaking her stride.
Chapter 3
“Class, don’t forget to bring your permission slips on Monday. The field trip to the Philadelphia Zoo is only a few weeks away.” Walking the length of the room, Makayla cleaned the chalk residue from her hands. She crouched down and helped Kiska tie her sneakers, then separated two boys who were using the rulers as swords.
After reminding the students to do their homework, she opened the door and took a fleeting look down the hall. Weaving his way through the throng of elementary students was Kenyon Blake.
What did he want now?
The bell rang and students swarmed around Makayla for hugs. Kids waved frantically as they scurried out the door and down the congested hallway. Returning to the safety of her desk, she yanked a random book off the shelf, sat down and started reading.
Terrance’s high-pitched laugh rippled outside the classroom door.
“All right, li’l man. I’m going to talk to Ms. Stevens while you play outside. I’ll be out in five minutes, so don’t drive off without me.”
“But I can’t drive!”
“Aren’t you eighteen?”
Terrance giggled. “No, I’m five!”
Burying her head in the science curriculum guide, she picked up a ballpoint pen and pretended to be making notes in the margins. Makayla could hear Terrance running down the hall and resisted the urge to call him back into the classroom. She had told him countless times that hallways were for walking,
