Chapter 20

The day of the school dance had finally arrived. They were celebrating the end of winter and the coming of spring. Any reason was a good reason for an event in Middletown.

When Jenny wheeled into the gym, she was impressed by how hard the dance committee must have worked all week. They had gone all the way with the whole End of Winter concept. Hundreds of tiny paper snowflakes—some white, some shimmering with tinfoil, glitter, sequins, and anything else that could be made to sparkle—hung on fishing wire from the ceiling of the gym. Powdery soap flakes of fake snow drifted into the corners of the gym, and twinkling white lights fell in strands from the risers.

Liam looked around in awe, wearing a wide smile. He was impressed by what he saw. It was the first town event he attended.

Andrew had offered to drive Liam to Middletown since he also gave classes at Middletown High.

“You’re a substitute teacher, you don’t need to attend,” Liam had told him.

“It’s better than staying home alone,” Andrew had said.

Most of the drive was uneventful, but Andrew kept silent. He looked as if he had something in his mind. Liam decided not to push him about what it might be. They weren’t that close.

“I’m going to talk with the DJ,” Liam told Andrew.

“Okay,” Andrew said. He looked nervous, uncomfortable even.

Liam approached the DJ, gave the guy a USB drive, and explained to him what he wanted him to do. The DJ nodded, and assured Liam it wouldn’t be a problem.

Jenny scanned the gymnasium, past the dance floor, and spotted Liam. A man was standing at his side.

“Hi, Jenny, you look lovely,” Liam said, approaching her. “Sorry I’m late,” He pointed at the man at his side, and said, “It’s his fault. He was late to pick me up. Jenny, meet Andrew Collins, a colleague of mine in Tacoma.”

“Good to meet you, Jenny,” Andrew said, leaning down and extending his hand.

Jenny disliked Andrew immediately. He was outright staring at her, not bothering to hide his pity. There was something else in his expression that she couldn’t identify.

“Nice to meet you, too,” she lied. Then, there was a quiver of recognition on her face. “You teach here, Andrew, right?”

“That’s right. Being a substitute teacher I’m not guaranteed a job every day from one district, so I registered in several districts. That’s why I also work in Tacoma.”

“I understand,” Jenny said. Andrew was still staring at her. She was beginning to get upset with him.