He winced. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“No, it’s fine. I was just working on a picture.”
He cocked his head and leaned in. “That’s a nice pirate ship.”
“Thanks.” She flipped the cover on her sketch book closed.
“You don’t have to stop just because I’m here,” he said.
“I’m working on ideas for your float. A pirate ship might be too elaborate on a limited budget and short notice.”
“Don’t be too quick to write off your ideas. We’re open to any and all suggestions. You’re the professional, remember?” He smiled as he gripped the back of the chair across from her own.
Levi was so thoughtful. How had she not remembered that about him? And why had Tori been so willing to let him go?
Not that their breakup was any of her concern. She dropped the pencil back into its slot in the case. “Did Wren go to the church this morning for Bible school?”
“She did, although it wasn’t easy convincing her to try something new.”
Savannah wrinkled her nose. “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you still want me to pick her up at one?”
“Yes, please. I’m working from one to nine at the store. If you’ll take her back to the house, then my mom will swing by and pick her up around five thirty. Sound good?”
She nodded. Levi had found a spot for Wren at the local church’s summer Vacation Bible School program. Four hours was maybe a bit much for a four-year-old, but Levi had told Savannah he wanted Wren to spend some time around other kids in a safe environment. She couldn’t argue with him about that, although she expected Wren might be worn out from all the stimulation from singing, making crafts and adjusting to a new set of expectations.
Levi gestured toward her mug, which, sadly, was empty. “Can I get you a refill?”
“Sure. Just regular coffee, please.”
“Be right back.” He weaved his way through the other tables and across the café. The barista stationed behind the counter smiled and greeted him. Savannah didn’t know the woman, but Levi clearly did, because they chatted for a few minutes before he placed his order.
Savannah ran her hand over her collection of pencils, enjoying the sensation of the instruments rolling underneath her fingertips. More details of the pirate ship she’d been sketching unfurled in her imagination. She flipped open the cover of her sketch pad again, then hesitated when the bell on the café’s door announced another arrival. And this time, she couldn’t help but notice.
Mr. Schubert, the principal at the high school, along with a young woman who followed him inside.
She wore her sleek, platinum blond hair twisted into a perfect bun. Her stylish red-rimmed eyeglasses, open-toed wedges, blue pin-striped blouse and denim skirt weren’t the kind of fashionable elements most women in Opportunity wore during the summer.
Definitely not a local.
Several other heads in the café turned. Levi spoke to Mr. Schubert, then shook hands with the stranger. Savannah quickly looked away. No need to get caught gawking.
A few minutes later, Levi returned and carefully set a steaming mug of coffee down in front of her.
“You don’t want any cream or sugar?”
“No, this is fine. Thanks.”
He claimed the chair across from hers. After setting his own mug between them, his gaze found hers again. “Are you sure I’m not bothering you?”
“No, not at all.” She forced a smile but quickly shifted in her chair, unable to resist studying the woman standing beside the principal. “Who is that lady wearing the red glasses?”
Levi hesitated. “Reese, or something. I didn’t catch her last name. She’s interviewing for a teaching position.”
Oh. “At the high school?”
He didn’t answer. “So tell me more about this pirate-ship concept. I’m intrigued.”
“Please don’t change the subject. What does she teach?”
He leaned close. “Don’t get upset, but she’s a candidate for the art-teacher position.”
Her breath hitched. “But the job hasn’t even been posted yet.”
“Like I said, don’t get upset. Or jump to conclusions. It’s probably an oversight.”
“Or they’re not going to post the job because they already have someone in mind,” Savannah said, dropping her voice to a whisper.
“The school district can’t not post a job.” Levi reached for his coffee. “That’s not legal. Is it?”
“I don’t know. But if they’re bringing in candidates already, then I don’t stand a chance.” Savannah’s throat tightened as she opened her tote bag and dropped the sketch pad and container of pencils inside.
“Wait.” Levi gently clasped her forearm, his fingers warm against her skin. “You’re panicking. Don’t do that. What’s meant to be will be. I’m sure the job will get posted soon, and you’ll get to apply.”
She wanted to believe him. Really, she did. But the stylish woman was currently laughing like she’d been the principal’s best friend for years. That made her panic. Who could blame her?
“Before you rush off, can we talk about what happened last night?”
Abandoning her bag, she slumped back in her chair and forced herself to meet his gaze. “What about last night?”
