Secretly You

Five - Saturday

I took a shot of espresso and tried to keep my eyes open. After a long Friday night at work, I can't believe Hayden needs me at the school at 9 am this morning to plan the dance. Plus I have work later tonight as well. 

"So it's just going to be the two of you?" Dani asked, sitting sleepily on the couch, still in her pajamas. She's so lucky. 

I nodded and grabbed my purse. I didn't have the energy to dress up so I just wore some jeans, a white tee and chunky white sneakers. 

"Yes," I sighed. "We didn't get home from work until almost 5 am. Hopefully I won't have to stay long."

"Well, at least you'll be with the hottest principal ever. Maybe he's trying to make a move on you!" 

"He is married remember? We are just boss and employee now. Nothing more."

"If you say so. I'm just saying, sneaky is sexy. Everyone knows that."

I ran inside the front of the school, keeping my eye on my watch. 9 exactly. I got to my office and set my bag down and saw Hayden's door open.

He looked up and gave me a hint of a smile, "Good morning. How are you?" He was in a regular black shirt and light wash jeans with holes on the knees and some Vans. He looks like a normal 26 year old, definitely not like the principal. As much as I hate even thinking it, he looks so good.

I walked into his office and sat down. "I've had better days. I'm running off of only a few hours of sleep."

"Late night at the bar?" He asked.

I nodded and sighed, "Very busy night."

He looked at me with concentrated eyes like he wanted to say something, but he didn't. Wow his brown eyes are intense. The fact that he doesn't smile much makes his eyes pop out more. There's so much behind his eyes and it's telling of how he's feeling. He didn't even need to smile. I could feel his emotions through his eyes. 

"So, did you make a list?"

"A list?" I repeated, racking my very tired brain.

"Yeah, the list of homecoming theme ideas."

I sighed and rubbed my makeup free eyes. "I'm so sorry I haven't had a chance. However I have a couple ideas."

"Okay, what are they?" He asked, serious expression apparent on his face.

Suddenly I felt like I couldn't remember, "Uh- um."

Hayden stopped me, "Why don't you go get some coffee. We will continue in a few minutes. I need to make a call anyways."

I nodded. Hayden seemed like something was up. He seemed angry? Upset? Sad? I got up from my seat and made my way to the teachers lounge where I saw a new face.

He looked young and he was pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"Excuse me," I said quietly, reaching for a styrofoam cup.

He moved over a bit then set down the pot of coffee for me to use it. "Hi," he said and stirred some sugar into his cup. "You're Audrey, right? Audrey Perez?"

I looked up to examine his face. Did I know him? "Yes I am. You are?"

He smiled, "I'm Lucas Hamilton. I'm the new 10th grade English teacher."