Starstruck

Chapter Five

He stared, his mind churning to make sense of this. "That’s not like Kendyl at all. This can’t be right."

"Look, Mr. Williams I’m only trying to get to the bottom of the rapid change in Kendyl’s behavior. Have you noticed a similar change at home?"

"No. She’s been the same as always — energetic, curious, a little on the mischievous side, maybe. But over all, she’s a great kid."

Her prickly attitude seemed to soften a little at his words. "I’ll admit, I’m stumped. Did anything happen about three weeks ago that might have contributed to her acting out?"

He wracked his brain, trying to think back. They had made a quick weekend trip to Nashville. to visit a friend who was having an engagement party to celebrate her marriage. That was the only thing that came to mind. "I don’t know. I can’t think of anything specific."

"I must tell you, I’m wondering if perhaps Kendyl is not quite ready for kindergarten. Some children take longer to mature than others, especially if there is some…upheaval in their lives."

She said the last part with such subtle contempt that he simmered. She didn’t know anything about him — except maybe what she read in the tabloids.

"You’re wrong, Ms. Barnes. Kendyl has been ready for kindergarten since she was three years old. She is smart and precocious and curious and loves learning. I can’t imagine what’s happened since she started in your classroom to change that."

Her gaze narrowed and he realized how his words could be misconstrued. "You can bet I intend to find out," he said quickly. "I’m sure once we sit down together we can figure out what’s going on. Kendyl and Kasi have gone to town to do some   shopping for the day or I would go grab her right now and have this out. Any chance you can come back later?"

"I have plans tonight," she said stiffly, a hint of color in her cheeks. A hot date? he wondered, and was stunned at his disappointment.

"We can make an appointment to meet one day this week after school," she offered.

"I’m leaving Monday to go to Nashville for a possible recording  opportunity  until Friday. What about tomorrow night? We’ll even throw in dinner for your trouble."

A host of emotions flashed through those expressive eyes — reluctance at the forefront among them, something that suddenly annoyed him. "I…yes. I suppose that would be all right."

"Does seven sound okay?"

She nodded those soft curls. "Yes."

"This has got to be a big misunderstanding. Kendyl is a great kid. You’ll see. We’ll get to the bottom of it."

"I hope so. Kendyl’s negative attitude is becoming disruptive to the entire afternoon class."

"I’ll see you tomorrow night, then. Oh, and Ms. Barnes," he said with a smile as he pushed the button to open the gate, "perhaps it would be better if you rang the buzzer when you arrive for dinner tomorrow. I wouldn’t want you to fall from the top of the gate next time and miss the appetizer."

He laughed at the hot glare she sliced at him. As he watched her march back through the gates and climb into her fluorescent car, he was aware of the unwilling attraction settling low in his gut.