Page 48 of Reckless Kisses
Knox looked at me.“I don’t know what the school policy is about...When is coding even introduced?”
“Not in elementary school,” one of my high schoolers responded.
“But I like computers,” Nina went on.
“I could talk to the principal about looking into coding programs for the younger kids,” I offered.That had never occurred to me, but I was certain that there were educational programs tailored to young ages, even if it were an after-school specialty class.
“Can we all become cool like you?”another elementary kid asked Knox.
“Ha!”Knox laughed, then answered, “If you get really good at something, work hard and smart, many good things will come.”
Did he know how good he was at this?The way he spoke to them was inherently positive and motivating.He wasn’t giving them bogus answers like “Oh, you can be whatever you want.”He was inspiring them in a way they’d understand.
I was actually picking up some tips and tricks.On occasion, I would hold career hours for seniors who wanted to study English and the like.I was definitely going to steal some of Knox’s tactics.
“Cool,” many of the kids replied.
They bombarded him with more questions right up until the final bell rang.Wow, this went great!
“All right, everyone, that’s a wrap.School is over, and Knox needs to get back to his office,” I said.“See you tomorrow!”I hollered to the older kids as they were getting ready to leave.
“Amy, this was one cool afternoon,” Jimmy, one of the high schoolers, said.“Thank you.”His eyes radiated with excitement, and I recognized that spark in several of the kids.It was exactly what I’d hoped Knox would achieve.
As the high schoolers gathered their things and headed to the bus or pickup line—none of my class was old enough to drive yet—I turned to my little ones.“I’m guessing your parents are already here to pick you up.We’ll all walk out together, yes?”
“Yes,” they all yelled.
Before they ran toward the front gate, I instructed, “Grab each other’s hands like we always do, and we’ll walk in a line to the front.”
While they organized themselves, Knox came up to me.“This was a success.”
“Yes!They truly loved you, even these guys.”I nodded to the elementary students, who were still trying to form a line.“You’re good with kids, you know that?”
“I’m a hit with Jeremy, so I had an inkling that the kids would like me.”
“I’m impressed.Thanks so much for doing this.”
“No problem.”
“The principal was really thrilled about it.Just putting it out there, but she wouldn’t mind if you spoke to the rest of the high schoolers, especially the seniors.”
He narrowed his eyes, pressing his lips together.For a split second, I was sure that he was going to shut me down.
But then he winked at me.“I’m yours whenever you want me, Amy.”
Ooh la la, that sounded sexy.
His eyes clouded for a bit, but then he shook his head.What was that about?I didn’t ask, though.I didn’t want to prod.
“Are you done for the day?”he asked.
“No.Once I get these guys to the front and into their parents’ cars, I have a planning session with Ms.Adams starting in a few minutes.”
“Let’s catch up later, then, and talk about today.I need feedback.”He wiggled his eyebrows.
“I can text you when I’m done.”
Then he groaned.“Wait.I have a thing going on this evening.”He took out his phone and tapped the screen twice.“Yeah, I’m going to an industry event.”
