Shady

Sadie tsked and shook her head. “Shitheads—“ she glanced over at him, blushing immediately. “Sorry.”

“For sure… well, for the age you teach anyhow. I’m not a fan of tiny kids. That’s why I went high school.”

“I do… mostly.” Sadie nodded. “It’s tiring. But I love the kids.”

“Art and theater,” she said. “And I mentor the debate and drama clubs.”

“That’s fine.” She shrugged and put her car into gear, getting buckled as she did so. “Give me a grading break.”

“Alpine…” Sadie bit her lip, not sure she remembered. “Up this way, take a right at the railroad tracks?”

“Ah… no,” she confirmed, feeling awkward. She started her car. “So where am I taking you?”

“Um. It’s my second year. But yeah.” She nodded. “Sadie Lovett.” She offered a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Sadie unlocked the driver door and got in then leaned across to unlock the passenger side door, tossing old fast food wrappers in the back along with the dress shoes ...

“Yup.” She grabbed them, then pulled out her keys. “I’m actually right ahead of you.” She pointed two spots up the street at a small but fiery red Ford escort ...

Sadie offered a hand to take something, not sure what all he needed to grab.

Sadie steadied him. “Mm… happens to the best of us.”

“No bother.” She shook her head, offering a disarming smile. “I like driving.” She jingled her keys. “I’d be happy to give you a ride. Shall we grab your groceries ...

“Right… um…” She nodded hesitantly, trying to think of how to broach this in the least offensive manner possible. “I see that… but you live a bit of a drive ...

“Hey!” Sadie hurried after him, which wasn’t that hard given how badly he was staggering. “How about I give you a ride? I was thinking of taking a drive to ...