Page 41 of Mountain Bean Dream
He nodded. “Perfect.”
Whew, I breathed again. “And I’ll have a maple twist macchiato with a bear claw please.”
Annie typed in the order, and I paid before Jeremy could protest. “My treat. As a thank you for everything.”
“You didn’t need to do that.”
“I feel like I do.” I pointed outhisspot. “Let’s sit.”
We set our travel mugs on the table. His mug was completely empty, whereas I still had a few gulps left. They didn’t hold the heat as well so the coffee cooled rather quickly.
He unzipped his jacket, pulled out a pencil and a crossword puzzle, and placed his folded coat on the chair next to him. I did the same, only I struggled more taking my coat off.
Jeremy sat in his spot with his back against the wall, and I sat across from him, my back to the rest of the shop. I had to admit, it was a little unnerving. No wonder he preferred to look out. I had no idea what was going on behind me.
“I’m curious, what do you do after your ritual coffee and donut routine?”
His gaze dropped to the tabletop. “I run some errands.”
“Oh yeah? You stopping by the grocery mart?”
“No.” He slid the crossword in front of him and started to fill in the answers.
Annie called out our order and Jeremy jumped up to go grab it. Normally I would’ve done it, but with my one arm out of commission, I would’ve struggled and I hated that I needed him to do it. I’d come so far in being independent, and this was a realset-back. A minor one, but still.
Jeremy unloaded the coffee and treats and slipped back into his seat. There was a long, heavy sigh. “Every day after I finish here, I go to the elementary school, and from eleven-fifteen until eleven-forty-five I help out in the grade five classroom, most specifically with spelling lists and reading.”
“You do?”
He glanced up. “Crazy, right?”
I reached across the table and put my hand on his. “I think it’s awesome. You’re giving back to the community and such a great way to do it. I bet those kids are excited when you show up.”
That perked him up. “They are. There’s this one b—, I mean child,” he scanned the area and lowered his voice, choosing his words carefully. “That student hadn’t had the best upbringing, and don’t tell the teacher, but when we work together on Wednesdays, we do more chatting than schoolwork. D’s a cool kid. Likes to build things.” He took a bite of his chocolate knot.
My heart melted. Of course, after hearing about Jeremy’s own childhood, naturally, he would connect with a kid who was going through something similar.
“They’re lucky to have you. That student will always treasure the warmth and nurturing you’re giving him.” I set my hand on his.
“You think so?”
“I know so.” They say not all heroes wear capes, and Jeremy was proof of that. “Can I help out?”
“Do you have a security clearance? It’s required to volunteer with the school.”
I pursed my lips together. “No.”
“Then sadly, I’ll have to take you home before I go.”
My shoulders rounded in and sagged. It would be neatto be involved in something like that and to make a difference in someone’s life. “Well, I’d hate for you to make a trip there and back, so if it’s okay with you, I have a few things I need to pick up. I could meet you in front of the school for when you’re done?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Besides, I need to find some clothing options for the trivia night tomorrow.” I winked. “You’re dressing up, right?”
“I have something in mind.”
“Do you think we should match? Are we going as a couple, or as individuals?”