Kate made a face. “You know what I mean. He looks…content, I guess. He
seems to like being here. Teaching, I mean.”
“He does. And from what Lucius tells me, he's very good. His students love
him. Did he tell you he just got voted State Science Teacher of the Year?
Youngest one ever.”
That caught her. “Really? Wow…no. But I guess he's not one to blow his own horn.”
“No, he isn't. Just another one of his many fine qualities.”
Kate shook her head. “I know what you and your partner in crime, Lucius,
are trying to do, but before you get too far into the matchmaking, I'm letting you know now. High school was a long time ago. I was just a kid, and so was Peter,
and that's all. Everyone needs to grow up sooner or later.”
“Well, there's growing up, and there's growing up.”
What was that supposed to mean?
Carol stood and wandered to the window. “I just thought, since it was just high school like you said, you know…” She was suddenly very interested in a ceramic cow flower pot in the windowsill.
“No, I don't know.”
She turned. “Oh, Katie. I saw how upset you were that day after the fair. And
I don't think it was just because of…” She waved her hand, apparently unable to
say the words.
“Because Peter ratted on me and then destroyed my project?” Kate finished
for her.
“You know very well it was an accident.”
“The rocket, maybe. But him turning me in, taking Penny Fitch's side. That
was no accident.” Kate slumped back down in her chair. “I'm sorry. Can we talk
about something else, please?”
“That's all right. I understand. Old feelings sometimes make us angry.”
“I'm not angry.” She nodded. “Actually, you know what? He did me a
favor.”
Carol cocked her head as she took a chair opposite her near the window.
“How's that?”
She gestured with her hand. “Well, if I had gotten that scholarship, I probably would have gone to art school, right? Just to spend four years making
pots out of cow flops or splashing together existential paintings depicting the tragedy of the disappearing Brazilian rainforest.”
“But I thought you loved art.”
“I do. I mean, I did, but where does that get you? Working at a Burger King
while trying to guilt your relatives into buying your paintings every Christmas?”
She shook her head. “No, not getting that scholarship was the best thing that ever happened to me. It got me to think practically, to do something practical, something useful.”
“I suppose you seem to be doing well.”
“I am. And if I don't botch this deal with Nitrovex, I'll be doing even better.”
“I'm sorry, Kate. I shouldn't have brought it up.”
Kate rubbed her forehead. “No, it's okay. It's fine.”
“You want some tea? I've got some great peppermint decaf.”
Kate nodded, a slight smile wavering on her face at her friends' peace offering. “Sure, thanks.”
