School's Out for Murder (Schooled in Murder Book 2) by Tracy D. Comstock Page B

but it's been fun working with the kids."
    Emily tried to keep her face schooled into neutral lines. She didn't want to betray the fact that Trent's apparent sincerity surprised her. She had never thought of Trent as someone who would enjoy working behind the scenes. She said, "I know what you mean. Working with the kids is definitely the most rewarding part of my job."
    "You teach English, right?" Trent asked her, and Emily nodded, surprised he knew that about her. "I'm afraid English was never my best subject." He gave a self-deprecating smile and a little shrug.
    Amelia's laugh rang out, and Emily and Gabby shared a smile at the sound of it. Amelia had always had an infectious laugh. "That's what you had me for," she said, looking up at Trent. "I'd help you with English as long as you'd help me with math. Sorry, Tad," she laughed again.
    Tad smiled back at her. "Oh, that's okay, Amelia. I'm used to being the lone math nerd."
    "Well, maybe now I can join your ranks," Trent joked.
    Tad, Amelia, and Trent took turns relaying high school basketball victories to Greg, Emily joined Gabby to help bring out the remaining dishes to the candlelit table on the deck. "What'd ya think?" Emily whispered to Gabby. "You okay?"
    "Of course," Gabby laughed. "I'm fine. High school was a long time ago, Em. It was just a shock seeing him here after all these years. Amelia looks really happy with him, don't you think?"
    "Yep," Emily agreed. "I just hope he's good enough for her."
    "They were always close friends," Gabby reminded her, "and as we know, some of the best relationships are built on friendships." When Emily still looked doubtful, Gabby added, "He certainly doesn't seem to be unhappy with where he's ended up, and he appears devoted to Amelia."
    "That's true," Emily relented a bit. "They look very happy together."
    Amelia chose that moment to stick her head in the kitchen to see if the girls needed help with anything. Gabby passed her a veggie tray and Amelia paused in the doorway to ask, "Can you believe it? Trent and I? I almost passed out when I saw him standing there in Walmart. And he's just as wonderful as I remembered him."
    "You two look very happy together, and we're thrilled for you," Gabby answered, motioning between herself and Emily.
    "Absolutely," Emily agreed, giving Amelia a one-armed hug as she was carrying a salad in her other hand. "Why didn't you tell us your boyfriend was Trent when we met for lunch?"
    "I wanted to surprise you. And," Amelia became engrossed in the tile pattern of the kitchen floor, "I know that some people found Trent's ego to be a little off-putting when we were in high school. I wanted you guys to see firsthand how much he's changed. I know his dream was always to play pro ball, but he seems to have found his true calling in coaching."
    "It would definitely appear so," Gabby agreed warmly as the three women headed back out at Greg's call, "Food's ready! Come and get it!"
    The meal was delicious, and the conversation flowed smoothly. Emily found herself truly relaxing for the first time since she'd discovered Mayor McBain's body. She looked around the table and saw nothing but peace and contentment reflected in the candlelight shining on her friends' faces. Gabby was snuggled up against Greg, who was absently dropping a kiss on Gabby's dark curls. It was clear that her momentary surprise of seeing Trent had had no lasting effect. She was one happily married woman. Tad was laughing beside her, enjoying a story Trent was telling about a disastrous practice he had while playing for Missouri State. Trent's sense of humor and ability to laugh at himself were a far cry from the egotistical young man they had known in high school. And the look of pure love on Amelia's face as she smiled up at Trent, their fingers entwined and resting on the table, warmed Emily's heart. The evening seemed to be an unqualified success. Amelia looked like she didn't have a care in the world. Emily sent up a silent prayer