Page 113

They stopped in the athletics office for a quick rinse and to change into real adult clothing appropriate for the first day of school. They’d already made the discovery that the little shower in here was too cramped for both of them. Tyler had been disappointed at first, but all things considered, the size was a good thing.

At Carver’s insistence, Tyler had agreed to take a whack at college counseling under something called Eminence Credentials, or as Josh put it: NFLOLOL, suckers. So in addition to helping with gym classes and afternoon athletics, Tyler would be meeting with juniors and seniors to get them ready for prime time. After all, he had been speaking to students all over the country for the better part of a decade. Jury was out for now, but signs were good.

While Tyler was letting the water wash away the last suds, Josh called to him, “What period is your first batch of juniors?”

“I’ve got two today. One third period and one second to last. Is that fifth?” Tyler climbed out and started to towel off.

“Sixth. That’s a pretty nice block because the kids are more chill. Vicky hooked you up.” Josh pushed into his knit shirt, every inch the dreamboat teacher.

“Wow. I got to catch up.” Tyler jerked on briefs and socks, then the pink button-down so he’d look like a real teacher. Josh had made fun of that one. “What time is your AP history?”

“Second, I think. I have to check at the office. ‘McCarthy and the Red Scare.’ You were right about that shirt. Unf.”

“I’m always right.” Tyler stepped into his khakis and zipped. “Big group?”

Josh ducked his head, cheeks flushed. “Carver said they had to cap the class. First time I’ve ever had a waiting list. Thank the musketeers.”

“Well, Coach, you’re doing something right.”

Josh winked and tossed him an apple. Tyler caught it as he pulled open the door. “Maybe we just make a good team.”

“The best,” Tyler whispered before they left the athletics office and headed down toward the main entrance.

Technically saying hi to the students like this wasn’t necessary, but Josh always tried to make his athletes feel welcome when they kicked off a year, and Tyler was happy to make that happen.

As they walked, teachers greeted them. Already he felt like part of this building.

To his relief, a lot of the awkward celebrity stuff had died down. Not completely, but enough that it didn’t waste a chunk of every day. Now that Tyler was a small-town human-interest story, the media simply moved on. By the end of last year, most of the kids just called him Coach Fantana. He still got the odd stare and the occasional gushy parental comment, but overall he had become part of the scenery.

“Well, hello, sailors.” Vicky gave them a flirty wave from the desk in the main office. “Fresh hot schedules!”

“First-day jitters.” Josh tipped his head at Tyler.

“You were here last semester.” She scoffed and passed them each a green folder. “You both look so nice.”

“I’m totally faking.” Tyler grinned at her. “’Cause I’m the naughty one.”

Josh jabbed his ribs at a ticklish place. “No doubt.”

As they approached, Vicky lowered her voice. “I heard the camp wowed everyone. We’ve been getting calls for a month.”

“So great. Twenty-six kids. And all of them want to sign up for the next one. We got commitments from another eleven schools for next year.”

Vicky checked her perimeter and leaned over farther to mutter, “Well, a little principal told me that two other schools called him last week to see how they can participate. Your sister is in there now.”

“Nadia is?” Tyler asked. “Are you sure?”

Vicky nodded. “They found a big donor willing to match funds.”

“Seriously!” Josh said “Oh, Vick. Thank you.” He squeezed Tyler’s arm. “Congratulations, Mr. Fantana.”

Tyler shook his head in wonder. His eyes got hot. “You’re amazing. That’s… amazing.”

Vicky’s eyes twinkled. “If I’m going to spy for you, I better get seduced a little. Cocktails and kisses accepted.” She pointed at her cheek.

Tyler bent to kiss her cheek, and Josh kissed the other.

They straightened and started to go when Vicky waved her hand at them. “Oh! And Channel Twenty-four just renewed Elise’s yoga show. Lots of bendy grannies in San Diego.”