Whatever It Takes, page 12
“Only if someone called out,” Chris called after her,
“which almost never happens,” he told Emily once she was gone.
“That’s okay,” Emily assured him. “It’s probably better if I’m not distracted.”
“So I take it things are going well between you two?” he asked as they headed back down the hall toward the front of the school.
“They are,” Emily said with a nod, “and it’s all thanks to you. I’m sure she would’ve gotten there eventually but…”
“But you might not have waited that long.” Chris offered her a curt nod. “That’s the same thing I told her. None of us can wait forever.”
“What about you? If you don’t mind my asking, how did you and Mike meet?”
“Completely by accident. We were both at a conference and literally bumped into one another at the bar. I was looking for napkins because I’d foolishly spilled my drink, and he was on his way back up to his room to help a roommate that was sick. He didn’t stay, but we ran into each other again the next morning and things took off from there. Turns out he works a few towns over, so making a connection wasn’t that hard at all.
In other words, I didn’t have to wait nearly as long as you.”
“I’m glad. I think that’s the worst part, waiting to see if someone feels the same way you do, then the sickening feeling that comes along with it.”
“But you don’t have that feeling anymore?” He paused just outside the gym where Emily would spend the rest of her evening.
“I do,” Emily admitted after a bit of hesitation, “but it’s mostly nerves and a fear of screwing things up.”
Chris looked back the way they came, then at Emily again.
“I doubt it. If things haven’t fallen apart between you two by now, I don’t think they ever will. Sarah might act all big and tough but it was pretty obvious how she felt about you as soon as you walked in the door. She was just scared, same as you.
It’s hard putting ourselves out there, especially when the target of our affection also happens to be one of our closest friends.”
“I take it you’re talking from experience?”
Chris released a long breath. “Yeah. He was the first person I came out to, actually, and was the reason I discovered that part of myself at all. Unfortunately for me, he came from a rather conservative family and freaked out once I finally told him. We didn’t stay friends after that.”
“Oh, I am so sorry.” Emily couldn’t imagine what she would’ve done if that happened to her. Instead, Sarah acted as though she’d known the entire time and didn’t make a big deal out of it at all.
Chris shrugged. “It was probably better that way. If we’d stayed friends, things would’ve been awkward between us. I honestly don’t think I could’ve hung around him and not have
feelings for him after the fact. Sure, it hurt, but everything happens for a reason, right?”
“Right.”
“This is where I leave you for the night. Sarah should be around eventually, but Gabbie will be in there with you, so if you need a break, all you have to do is ask.”
Emily smiled her thanks before walking down the short flight of stairs to the gym where the DJ had set up his things.
With the bleachers folded up and pushed far to the sides, the gymnasium looked even bigger than she remembered. There were no bags of balls sitting in the corner or nets on the basketball hoops.
Instead, decals covered each of the walls as ribbons and streamers hung from where the nets used to be.
“Man, they really go all out,” Emily mused aloud, bobbing her head to a rhythmic beat as it played over the speakers.
It wasn’t long until she heard a clamor of voices down the hall, the first kids arriving in pairs as they each gathered on the dance floor. Just about everyone wore a suit or gown. Some of the girls even had corsages on their arms, the fresh flowers reminding her of the one she’d bought for Sarah which was still sitting in the back of her car.
Emily obviously couldn’t give it to her here, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t have their own dance once they got home.
She’d already told Jess she’d be staying at Sarah’s for the night, so the corsage nestled inside her overnight bag was just so she could add a little bit of flair to an otherwise boring evening.
As much as she loved the idea of Sarah joining her in the gymnasium, not having her as a constant distraction was best.
Just passing her in the halls was enough for Emily to look back on their tentative kiss and the unforgettable evening that followed.
They hadn’t spoken about it much, but Emily could see it affected Sarah as much as it had affected her. Not a moment went by when Emily didn’t think about her, wondering what
she was doing or even what she was thinking as the days dragged on.
Emily loved her work, she loved her students, and yet, the last week had been a struggle all because of Sarah.
It wasn’t enough for anyone to notice, but Emily had to keep herself from drawing hearts on writing assignments that did exceptionally well.
“Ms. Barnes, I didn’t know you’d be here.” A gentle voice pulled Emily from her thoughts, causing her to look down at Katie who wore a beautiful yellow dress. “Did you bring anyone with you?” she asked.
“No, it’s just me,” Emily said, shaking herself out of her daze. “I didn’t realize teachers were supposed to bring someone with them.”
“For most dances, they aren’t, but this one is an exception.
Everyone comes out. Look.” Katie gestured across the gym at the other teacher standing inside the other doors. Gabbie, if Emily remembered her name correctly, stood beside a tall gentleman, the two of them greeting the kids as they walked in. “You should bring someone with you next time,” Katie said.
“Who says I have someone?” Emily asked, cocking an eyebrow at her.
“Come on. A teacher like you? You must have someone waiting for you back at home.”
Not at home, I don’t. Emily smiled at that but kept the thoughts to herself. “They’re working tonight,” Emily said after giving Katie’s observation some thought. “Maybe next year.”
“Maybe,” Katie agreed, skipping off a moment later with her friends.
Feeling a little more unnerved than before, Emily settled into her role for the night as the lights finally dimmed and the first slow dance started to play. Small specks of light moved across the ceiling and walls, mimicking a series of falling stars as the kids grouped closer and closer together.
As promised, the kids who decided to take part in the slow dances stood way too close together, putting Emily to work until the last notes played.
She hated to correct them. In her mind, it wasn’t wrong for them to dance right next to each other. Even so, it was what Principal Wallace had asked her to do, so with a touch of regret filling her chest, she went about the room, correcting those who stood too close to one another.
It didn’t make a difference. As soon as she walked away, they simply went back to doing what they were doing before.
Even Katie went back to dancing once Emily was out of earshot, leaning in close to one of the other girls in their class.
Emily smiled, wondering if she and Sarah would’ve danced like that if given the chance.
“Hey, how ya holding up?” It was Sarah’s voice, and by the sound of it, she was just as amused as Emily was.
“Okay, I guess,” Emily said as she turned to face her, her heart skipping a beat when the tiny lights flashed over Sarah’s face. “I was just thinking about what it might’ve been like if I hadn’t moved.”
“Probably not as good as you think. The decorations weren’t nearly as over-the-top as they are now. The theme that year was also super boring. Something about Hawaii. This year’s theme is much better.”
“Realizing your dreams?” Emily rolled her eyes at that.
“As if we had our entire lives figured out in the seventh grade.”
“I’m in my thirties and I still don’t have my life together,”
Sarah said with a laugh. “They put too much pressure on these kids sometimes.”
“Yeah, but at least they still get a winter dance,” Emily said as she scanned the crowded room.
“That’s very true. To be honest, I never understood why anyone would want to come back to school for a dance instead of sitting at home and playing video games. That’s what I would’ve done if this hadn’t been so important to you. I don’t
know. I guess I thought that by coming to our dance, I’d somehow be closer to you. I wrote to you about it, actually, going over just how mind-numbingly lame it was.”
“I’m really sorry I never wrote back.”
“And I’m sorry you never got my letters.” Sarah released a long breath. “Going to the dance didn’t make the following week any easier. Everyone else was still happy and excited, but all I could think about was you and how badly I wished you were there,” she said, touching Emily’s hand before walking away again. “If you don’t need anything, I should probably check on Chris.” She looked at Emily expectantly, but the only thing Emily wanted had everything to do with the woman in front of her and not some random break to get away from the crowd. “Well okay then,” Sarah said when she didn’t say anything. “I should be around in a little bit in case you change your mind, otherwise I’ll see you once the dance is over.”
Emily smiled her thanks and watched her go, wishing more than anything she could go with her.
Two more hours, Emily thought as she glanced across the gymnasium.
She could handle things inside the gym for two more hours.
The rest of the evening dragged on forever, causing Emily to look at the clock like some impatient student trying to run away from a test. By the time the DJ cleaned up and it was time for the kids to leave, Emily was itching to get out.
Sadly, they couldn’t leave. Not yet.
“Want some help?” Sarah asked as she walked up behind her, leaning over to pick up one of the streamers that had fallen on the floor.
“It would make things go a lot faster,” Emily admitted, thankful for the help. “I have no idea how these things ended up down here. They were tied to the ceiling,” Emily said as
she picked up a bow alongside another set of blue and white streamers.
“The heat and the fans they have running most likely. At least you don’t have to get up on a ladder.” Sarah nodded at Gabbie who was in the middle of removing the decorations from the basketball net on her side of the room.
“If I did, you’d definitely be the one up on the ladder instead of me.” Sarah loved to climb.
“In these heels?’ Sarah scoffed. “I’d leave them for the janitor. That’s why I came to get you, actually. Most of the stuff in here you won’t be able to reach, but you could help me and Chris in the cafeteria with the napkins and cups.”
Emily considered her options a moment, then took the few decals she could and placed them on the table the DJ had been using for most of the night. “I guess I could handle kitchen duty for a little while.”
“Good, otherwise you’d have to wait for me in the car.”
Emily laughed at that. “I’d never make you clean up all on your own.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t be alone. Chris will be there as well.”
“Who’s probably just as anxious to get out of here as we are. How come you never told me he had a partner?” Emily asked as they exited the gymnasium.
“Because it wasn’t my place to share, but now that you know, I should probably warn you. They’ll invite you to cookouts in the summer, and lord help you if you bring chips and prepackaged dip.”
“They make their own?” Emily asked with surprise.
“They make just about everything. Chips, guac, salsa, spinach bowls… you name it and Mike can probably make it.”
“Then why did Chris bring those not-homemade cookies?”
“Because Mike was working late,” Chris said when they walked up to him, “and you don’t want me to do the same.
I’ve tried baking in the past, but whatever magic he has hasn’t rubbed off on me.”
“Yet,” Sarah added as she collected a handful of napkins from the corner of one of the tables.
“And I hope it never will,” Chris told her with a smile.
“Otherwise, I’ll have to find someone else to complement me as well as he does.” When Emily looked at him, he explained.
“I’m more of a handyman, whereas Mike is a cook, baker, and car inspector. It’s funny watching him jump from cooking dinner to trying to get my car to start, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m betting you two complement each other as well.”
Emily and Sarah both laughed.
“I’m overly cautious,” Emily told him.
“And I handle everything else.” Sarah hooked an arm over Emily’s shoulders and smiled. “She reminds me when something’s too dangerous or too scary for my health.”
“See?” Chris asked, gesturing between them. “You’re perfect for each other.”
Some of the other teachers paused outside the doorway, causing Sarah to correct herself as she and Emily stood close together.
“Anyway, are we done here?” Sarah asked, her voice not nearly as bubbly as it had been before.
Chris frowned, then let them go. “I’ve got this. You two can head home. I’ll catch up with you next week.”
Sarah didn’t wait, making her way to the teachers’ lounge so they could get their things.
Inside the lounge and away from wandering eyes, Emily put a hand on Sarah’s shoulder and frowned when Sarah pulled away from her again. “What was that all about?”
“What was what about?” Sarah asked once she handed Emily her coat.
“One second you’re fine, and the next… this.” She gestured at Sarah and the vast space between them. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” Sarah said, quickly touching a hand to hers. “It’s just… Chris is the only one who knows, and I’m not sure how comfortable everyone else is about…”
“Us?” Emily wasn’t sure what she was supposed to say.
Was Sarah embarrassed of her, or was there something else she didn’t want to explain?
“Co-workers dating,” Sarah managed to say once she had her coat on. “I don’t even know if it’s something we’re allowed to do because I never asked. I don’t think it would be a problem but… just let me talk to Principal Wallace first. I want to get ahead of it before it becomes an issue, you know?”
“And you’re sure that’s all it is?” Something didn’t feel right.
“What else would it be?”
“I know not everyone is comfortable with lesbians or—”
“Gays? Trust me, as much as everyone fawns over Chris and Mike, that wouldn’t be a problem. It’s honestly because we work together. I don’t want to complicate things more than they already are. If it’s against company policy—”
“What? We’ll just break up?”
“I didn’t say that,” Sarah said, gently patting down the air.
“But if it is a problem, we can’t act this close on school property. That’s all.”
Emily wasn’t convinced, and considering how quiet Sarah’s voice was just then, neither was she. Even so, if their current relationship was something the school frowned upon, it was probably better if they didn’t talk about it until they got home. There was no reason why it had to ruin a perfectly good evening, especially once Emily thought about the corsage she had back in the car.
With Sarah walking ahead of her, Emily made sure they had their things, then followed Sarah outside. The entire walk
to the car, Sarah never said a word.
Chapter Sixteen
Sarah shouldn’t have snapped the way she did, but it couldn’t be helped. After spending the entire evening apart, all she wanted to do was to fall into Emily’s arms and call it a night. However, as they walked out to the parking lot, something tugged at the back of Sarah’s mind.
It was a mix of fear and anxiety. Fear because of the possibility of getting caught doing something they probably weren’t supposed to do, and anxiety because of how she’d handled things back in the lounge. She knew Emily meant well, and yet, there was nothing Sarah could say to take back the way she’d acted earlier in the evening.
“I know it isn’t perfect,” Emily said once they got into the car, reaching into the backseat for her overnight bag, “but here. I wanted to give it to you earlier but figured it’d just get in the way.”
Closing her car door, Sarah paused, her eyes going wide at the clear plastic box Emily still held in her hands. A thin white ribbon held it shut, barely covering the beautiful corsage safely nestled inside.
“Oh Em—”
“I realize this probably steps over the line a tiny bit, but—”
“Thank you,” Sarah said, taking the box from her so she could open it and admire the flowers properly. “Thank you for always being the dreamer and thinking two steps ahead. Chris is right,” she said as she put on the corsage, turning to face Emily before speaking again. “We really do complement each other.”
“We really do,” Emily agreed, her warm smile causing Sarah to do the same. “And it’s okay if you don’t want to have public displays of affection at work. I get it, and it’s perfectly fine. I was just worried when you changed gears as fast as you did.”
“Around Chris, I can be myself, but the rest of the staff’s never really clicked with me the way he does. He accepted me as soon as I walked in the door. He and Mike took me in as a part of their family, and… I don’t know what I’d ever do without them.”
“I’m glad you had someone,” Emily said, tucking a strand of hair behind Sarah’s ear. “It’s hard to find friends like that.”
“It is,” Sarah agreed. But the one friend I’ve really missed is you. She kept the last bit to herself, leaning in close to Emily instead.
For a brief moment, neither one of them moved. In fact, Sarah wasn’t sure if Emily breathed, her breaths so short and so light that Sarah feared she’d lose her for good.
