Page 2 of His Choice

“Totally,” Keller agreed.

“And you can’t drive to Hawaii,” Simone piled on.

“Must you be so literal?” I asked.

“You would have been quick to correct one of your students,” Keller shot back before grinning. “Speaking of things you suck at.”

“Thank you for the feedback,” I mumbled.

Keller almost seemed apologetic. “Well, I don’t think you’d embarrass yourself on the show, Mr. W. You’re the richest guy in town. You might even be one of the wealthiest in Vermont. And you made all the cash on your own. I gotta believe people would admire that. I’m pretty sure viewers would think you’re hot, too, if the way people in White Pines talk about you is any indication. You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve heard folks say you look like a superhero character. The good-looking ones, I mean. Not Ugly John, Deadpool or Spawn.”

“Comforting,” I murmured.

“Lots of times, guys with looks and money are total jerks,” Simone said. “Yet everyone knows you aren’t.”

“Since you quit teaching,” Keller added with a chuckle.

I glared at him as I had when he was a student. “I think you’ve already made that point.”

“Sorry,” he replied, casting down his eyes like he used to when I scolded him in class.

“You two have seen the show,” I said. “It’s so cheesy. There’s staged drama, over-the-top personalities, and worst of all…sleazy off-camera hookups. It seems every bachelor they’ve ever had has been a sex addict.”

“Well, Mitch thought you’d be well cast,” Keller responded. His encouraging tone made me think it hadn’t been intended as an insult on the heels of my description of prior bachelors. It did make me wonder what Mitch really thought of me, though.

I returned my gaze to Simone. “Anyway, who said I’m looking for a boyfriend?”

“Flynt. In his submission to the producers,” Keller answered for her with a playful grin. “Everyone read that profile he wrote once he posted it on his Facebook page. Dude, he made you sound desperate for a relationship.” Now it was Keller who imitated someone else, transitioning to a higher pitch. “Mr. Walker really, really, really wants someone to love!”

Simone laughed, then covered her mouth when she realized I wasn’t amused.

“He didn’t write ‘really’ three times! Jeez, is that the pathetic vibe I give off?” I wondered, not sure I wanted to hear the answer.

“Hey! Can I get some service over here?” The patron who had raised his hand earlier to grab Keller’s attention was waving it now. “Does anyone work in this place, or are you all paid to stand around chit-chatting?”

Keller rolled his eyes. “Good old cranky-pants Sampson. I already know he’s going to ask for more salad dressing on the side. He always does.”

“If you already know what he wants every time, why not just bring it to him to begin with?” I asked.

Keller ruffled easily. He always had. His face reddened. “Great idea, Mr. Walker. Thanks for that brilliant advice. Too bad I’m so stupid I never thought of it.” He huffed. “Clem won’t let us bring anything extra unless a customer asks for it. He doesn’t want us to waste food.” Clem owned the diner and managed the staff.

“That’s true,” Simone said in support before turning to her co-worker. “But, sweetie, in the case of Mr. Sampson, just bend the rules and save yourself the headache. If Clem gives you grief about it, I’ll support you. I’m sure he’d rather keep a longtime customer than lose him over a side of salad dressing.”

“Hello? Keller? Am I talking to myself here?” Mr. Sampson yelled.

“Since everyone in town knows Sampson’s delulu, it wouldn’t surprise me,” Keller muttered under his breath before turning the patron’s way with a forced smile. “More dressing, Mr. Sampson?” The man nodded. “I’ll get that for you right away.” Keller returned his gaze to us with a smirk. “Is tomorrow still good to come over so we can review my web design ideas?”

“Sure. And, I’m sorry if you thought I was insulting your intelligence before.” Keller had confessed months earlier that he thought I’d viewed him as a dummy when he had been my student. His impression had stemmed from my misguided belief, at the time, that trading barbs with him could win him over. After learning how he had felt, I’d apologized and assured him that I thought he was very bright. I guessed there were still times, though, that Keller wondered whether I had meant it. “Keller, I’m proud of the grades you’re earning in your college classes. You’re proving me right when I said you’re a smart guy.”

Keller grinned. “Thanks. Can I bring Henry over, too? Mitch needs to go into work tomorrow, and I hate leaving Henry alone.”

Keller had bonded with Henry the cat at a pet shelter before Mitch had adopted him as a surprise gift. He was an unfortunate looking beast—ragged and missing an eye. But he was affectionate, playful, and adored Keller. “Fine. Bring his scratching post, though. It seems to deter him from destroying things.”

“He’s just lulling you into believing that. He’ll find the perfect moment to rip your most expensive upholstery,” Keller replied. His expression was serious, and it made me wonder if he had some surreal insight into cats’ minds. Or worse, he could control their actions to wreak havoc on former teachers who had pissed him off. “See ya tomorrow.”

“Why do I have the feeling Mitch’s new family will put him in an early grave?” I mused out loud once Keller had walked away.

Simone laughed. “Or Keller will keep Mitch young and spry. You know that boy is grit and vinegar on the outside, and all sweet and squishy on the inside.”