Linda, anticipating a string of minor catastrophes for the first of the Career Day sessions, let the students go a few minutes early, so when the 10:50 bell rang, the gym was already half-empty. But she’d given the guest speakers a five-minute head start, for fear they might be trampled by a stampede of adolescents.
One of the last down from the bleachers was Gordon, looking pleased. “Well done, you.”
She flushed. “It seemed to go okay.”
“More than okay, it was spot-on. Even the jocks and troublemakers in the top row were paying attention.”
“That’s almost worrying. Oh, before I forget, could you help out in the cafeteria after lunch? My volunteer for that slot had to go home with a sick kid.”
“Sure. I hope the speaker isn’t talking about gynecology.”
She laughed. “Sports medicine. You should be safe enough.”
He nodded solemnly. “I can testify to the evils of shin splints,” he said, and they went their separate ways.