I'm Not in Love

Remi

Late the next afternoon,Tristan races toward my SUV, his cheeks pink, his face split into an uncharacteristically giddy grin. When he opens the door and slides into the passenger seat, I say, “I take it your day at Kid Castle was a success.”

“Oh, my God…” He launches himself over the center console and into my arms. “I’m as happy as Tommy was yesterday at his clay lesson.”

When he pulls back, I can’t stop myself from kissing his nose. “That’s saying something.”

“The kids are so sweet. There are a few challenging ones, but I’m used to being with kids, and I think I’ll be able to work with them.”

“How did your lesson plans work out?” Tristan put an impressive amount of effort into them.

“I packed way too many activities into too short of a time, so I could only get done about half of what I planned. At Kid Castle, the focus is on play, and I agree that it should be.”

I pull out onto the street. “Do you need to go straight home, or can we stop for a celebratory drink?”

“A quick drink should be okay. Tara doesn’t start work until seven.”

“There’s a prosecco bar down the street.” I did a little research on my phone while I waited for Tristan to come out of the preschool.

“Sounds perfect.”

He places his hand on my knee as I drive, as if he’s more than just a random guy I’m dating. It feels like he’s my boyfriend, and I’m not scrambling for an exit.

“They wanted me to spend today getting familiar with the kids and the way they run things. Next Thursday, Wendy can join my class. And get this—at no charge.”

I wish, probably too fervently, that being a preschool teacher was Tristan’s fulltime job. Why does it twist my heart into knots to think of him taking off his clothes in front of strangers? The concept of life drawing models exposing their bodies to classrooms full of artists never bothered me before. In fact, nude models are integral to my development as a student—and will be essential to my success as a painter.

Looks like I’m a hypocrite—a selfish hypocrite who wants to hoard Tristan’s naked beauty, keeping it all for myself. In any case, his choice of work isn’t my decision to make. I have no claim on him, and thus, no say in the matter.

“Earth to Remi.”

“Ha.” I glance at him.

“You were lost in thought.”

“Nah. I was just trying to remember where the prosecco bar is.”