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“Makes sense,” I say, as we make our way into the staff room. “Same back in Warsaw, actually.”
We take a seat at the long table where several other teachers are sitting, along with the principal, Mrs. Weatherbee.
“Hey, everyone,” Dan calls down the table, “this is Luca Mitchell. Subbing for Diane in Phys. Ed. today.”
“Hi Luca,” the woman sitting next to me smiles and holds out her hand, “nice to meet you.”
I return her smile, shaking her hand. “You too.”
Everyone greets me and introduces themselves, and I tell them all I won’t remember their names until I’ve met them at least five more times, earning myself some laughs. Score. These people are fun.
“So, you said you’re from Warsaw?” Dan asks as he takes his lunch out of his bag.
I nod, taking a bite of my salad. “Yeah, just moved here a few days ago.”
“What brought you here?” one of the other teachers asks. A woman who I think is named… Beverly? Betty? Belinda? I can’t remember.
“I’m an MMA fighter and moved to train with a retired professional fighter at his gym. Max Fairburn. He’s from St. Louis, so he started a new elite training gym here.”
A shocked silence takes over the space and I try not to laugh. This ain’t my first rodeo.
“Sick.” Dan holds out a fist for me to bump, breaking the silence, and I can finally let out my laugh.
Everyone else chuckles as well, and relief rushes through me. There are always some people who don’t get it, and don’t like it. Hell, there were several teachers at my last school who hated it - and me, I’m sure - so I’m always prepared for some backlash. But it’s a welcome relief when I don’t have to defend my choices and what makes me happy.
“Wow.” One of the other teachers sitting next to Dan places her elbow on the table and cradles her face in her hand. Mary. No… Megan. Maybe. “That’s amazing, Luca. UFC fighting is my favorite sport.”
I give her a tight smile as she bats her lashes. First of all, I know it isn’t. Because if it was her favorite sport, she would know it’s MMA, not UFC fighting. UFC is a championship and not a style of fighting, and this error lets me weed out those people trying to look cool just to get some. And yeah, I’ve given in to some girls making this error before. And some guys, too. But, and this brings me to my second of all… I’m not interested. She’s super attractive, and I’d usually entertain the idea, but I find myself kind of repulsed by her not-so-subtle attempts at flirting. I’m not really sure why, but seeing as I just made this huge move to focus on my fighting, I guess I’m not letting my dick get any attention for a while. That kind of sucks, but… I get it. Sorry dude.
I try to ignore Mary-Megan’s attempts at flirting as Dan and I settle in to talk sports. He watches and plays a variety of sports, but I’m excited to hear that he’s a hockey player and plays in a rec league.
“You should join,” he says with a smile. “We’re always looking for new teammates. It’s pretty laid back, so you don’t have to attend all games.”
“Really?” I ask, letting my excitement show. “Oh man, that would be awesome. I can never commit to the schedules, so I haven’t been able to join a league in years.”
“Yeah, for sure. We have quite a few guys who pop in whenever they can. It really is just for fun, so don’t expect high level hockey,” Dan says with a laugh.
“I’m so in.” I can barely contain my giddiness as I take out my phone, and Dan and I exchange numbers so he can send me the information.
Mary-Megan slides closer to Dan, peering at his phone. “Is this a co-ed team?”
Dan gives her the side-eye. “You play?”
She nods with a smile. “I’ve been wanting to.”
Good Lord.
“Oh, well,” Dan shoves his phone in his pocket and dramatically checks the clock on the wall, as lunch is over, “nope, men only league. Sorry. There’s a women’s league on Tuesday nights.” He stands up and gives me a look to do the same.
I chuckle as I follow him out of the room, and Mary-Megan shoots daggers at Dan.
“I’ll text you, away from prying eyes,” he says, patting me on the back.
“Appreciate that, thanks.” I smile as he takes off down the hall. Man, so far everyone in St. Louis is just so lovely.
Mrs. Weatherbee appears before me just as I’m about to head towards the gym. “Luca, I just wanted to ask you something.”
Well, shit. Here we go. The “do you think your hobbies have the best influence on our children” talk.
