Page 19 of Teacher’s Pet

“No.”

He nodded. “That was a definite step in the right direction.”

Chapter six

“Don’t let your husband hear you call me that.”

The rain started Thursday night and continued into Friday. Rain meant recess indoors. Evelyn came in to help with the kids during the thirty-minute recess, and Milo sat at his desk trying to prepare activities for the afternoon, but he found it hard to concentrate with the boisterous children.

He gave up and looked down at Frenchie, who was under his desk. Frenchie was more of a quiet classroom dog. All of the activity was a little much for him. Milo picked the dog up and set him on his lap.

“You’re okay, pup.” Several of the kids were drawing with Evelyn. Two boys were tossing a ball back and forth, and each throw grew a little more aggressive. Milo would intervene in that game in another toss or two. Caleb and Emma were at a small table putting together a puzzle. It was an easy puzzle with large wooden pieces, and they had no trouble with it. They put it together as fast as they could, then dumped the pieces out and did it again. They were on their fifth round when Caleb leaned toward Emma and said something.

Milo was too far away to hear what Caleb said or how loudly he was speaking, but he had definitely spoken. Emma, being the calm, accepting child that she was, simply responded to whatever Caleb had said, and then they both giggled. Milo held his breath to see if it would happen again, but Caleb just picked up the puzzle and dumped the pieces out again.

Milo stood and put Frenchie in his chair, then went to Evelyn. “I’ll be right outside for a minute.” She nodded, and he went into the hallway. He took out his phone and texted Wilda.

Caleb just said something to Emma.

He stared at the phone, waiting for Wilda to respond. “It’s not like she’s sitting on her phone.” He was about to go back inside when his phone vibrated. Wilda was calling him.

He looked up and down the hallway, then answered. “Hey.”

“Oh, my gosh. I shouldn’t have called you. I know I shouldn’t call you at work. But tell me. What did he say?”

“I don’t know. I was too far away. But he definitely said something. She responded, and then they laughed about it.”

“Milo.”

“I know. Amazing.”

“It’s only a matter of time. You did this, Milo.”

“I really haven’t done anything. I think him being here with the other kids has helped. Emma and Frenchie. It’s just all coming together for him.”

“And you. I don’t care how much you want to deny your influence on him. So, thank you.”

The chatter from the room grew louder, and Milo glanced at the door. “I need to go. I’ll talk to you when you come pick him up. Are you at my house?”