Chapter 3 (Indigo's POV)

"Okay everyone, so now that we've done our outlines it's time to focus on the details and we have our colors to use, yes?"

"Yes Ms. Quint" the class answered back

We were working on a new piece today using transparency paper to create layered 3D images, something new to try and even though they were young they understood the concept and were actually creating beautiful artworks. It made me happy to see young children enjoying art like this. It reminded me of myself when I was a kid discovering art.

I put on some music for the kids to listen to and chill, the mellow hip hop beats filling up the silence while they went to work. I walked around to each table giving direction and words of encouragement if they made a mistake making sure they stayed on task. Their hour quickly went by and it was time to dismiss.

"Okay everyone so it is cleanup time so make sure your materials are in your containers and I'll call you up to line up"

I said my goodbye to the kids and straightened up my room and got ready to lesson plan and clean for the next older group. I was going to be doing digital art with them so we didn't need anything else out.

My iPad pinged with a notification I went to look at it and saw it was a message from Sasha.

Damn this woman knows me cause I wouldn't say no to overtime. I was supposed to cook dinner tonight but I wouldn't get home until late now. I had already prepared the night before so it wasn't a big deal. I sent my sister a quick text to let her know.

After my next class the front desk assistant Jonah came in

"Hey Indi"

"Hi Jonah are those the forms I need for the new program"

"Yes also the list of kids who have signed up including the ones from the community outreach program we have"

"Alright thank you"

"You're welcome and thank you Indi for covering for me last week and today I have been having a family issue and have had to be leaving early"

"It's no problem Jonah and I hope whatever is going on gets resolved"

"Thank you they'll be finding someone else to fill in on a more permanent part time basis so you won't have to keep filling in"

"I don't mind at all plus I get overtime and you know I'm about my money"

We shared a quick laugh while talking amongst other things.

"Oh Indi, did you know that we have a few celebrities whose kids are enrolled here. It's mostly athletes children but they for sure have money"

"Not till recently but yes a lot of affluent; rich people enroll their kids here"

"Yes, including Jayson Tatum, his son is enrolled here. He's probably one of the top players in the league right now. The Celtics definitely have a chance for the playoffs this year"

"I did speak with him briefly while he was checking out Duce, he seems like a nice guy. I've caught a few games"

The Celtics had a few games the weekend before so I was able to watch them play on TV. He even looked good playing in that uniform (video above). He actually was a good basketball player though. His step back was deadly and he had a nice reach. And I didn't notice then when we spoke briefly cause he had on sweats but he has one of the nicest asses I've ever seen. I was probably looking more at his ass than the team playing. I was so shocked I had to turn halfway through but that ass was seared into my brain for sure. Thinking about it now I found myself in a daze while Jonah was talking to me and had to stop my thoughts for I started drooling, like girl get your head out of the gutter I thought to myself.

"...they'll have some steep competition against the 76ers for sure. But did you maybe want to go to a game, I could get us some tickets?"

"I'm sorry what did you say"

"I said, Do you want to go to a Celtics game with me sometime? I can get us some tickets as a thank you for covering for me"

"Uh I would have to see about it but I'll let you know thanks Jonah"

"No problem, just let me know. Well I'll see you later Indi"

"Alright bye"

I gathered my materials together and cleaned up the rest of my room before heading to the front.

It would be a min before check outs began but since my classes were over this would be a good time to prepare for tomorrow's lessons and the new program. I would be providing private one on one services but also giving lessons for our community outreach program giving back to the surrounding neighborhoods. I looked down the list of kids who were signed up. I only had about 10 which wasn't bad. But I froze when I came upon one name. Duce was signed up. I mean I wasn't surprised since Art was his favorite subject but still did that mean I was going to see more of his dad's face? I was more annoyed than intrigued because that damn face was distracting even though I was able to do my job the way he looked kept popping in my head making it hard to concentrate sometimes. But no matter what I have a job to do I'm not letting anybody stop that and it's about the children anyway. I said to myself trying to convince myself.

Sasha came around the corner making her rounds and stopping to talk to me.

"Hey Indi, how are you?"

"Fine. Jonah already gave me the materials I needed so thank you for that and thank you for selecting me for the program."

"Okay good and it was more of the other supervisor and Directors choice then mine they think you are a good fit here and can go far"

"I'm glad to hear that"

"Yeah I was surprised you fit in so well here but you do good work with the children."

What's that supposed to mean? I thought. You better be glad I'm not coming for your job next girl.

"Yeah the children are really great most of them are just as smart as the adults that work here"

"Well then I'll leave you to your work, check is going to start in an hour"

"Alright then, see you later"

Lol I can't believe I said that out loud but I meant nothing by it. She did seem thrown off when I said it. But since I had an hour to kill, I took it as a chance to listen to some music and draw. They were just doodles but some new concepts I wanted to try for some ideas I had for another painting if I ever finished the one I've started before. Hoping one day someone would buy my art but for now content with just working here and doing small pieces. Before I knew it, 4pm had arrived and the checkout began. The parents/guardians came in and got their kids. I gave them their forms they didn't receive last week and told them goodbye. "I wonder if Mr Tatum is gonna pick up Duce today? He probably won't, he is a professional athlete and they are almost at the end of their stretch in the season so he most likely is busy ''I thought to myself but speaking of the devil. With his charming smile and nice body he walked in.

"Sorry about not calling in ahead of time me and his mom had miscommunication"

"It's quite alright Mr. Tatum, Duce is ready I can call him for you now." "Duce Tatum for checkout please." I said into the intercom

"You can call me Jayson."

"Excuse me, I'm sorry I didn't catch what you said?" I told him with my eyes lifting up meeting his

"I said you can call me Jayson, you don't have to call me Mr. Tatum. Besides me and you may see more of each other so we can be on a first name basis." He said to me looking deep in my eyes and flashing me a smile. He did have a handsome face and I couldn't break away from his gaze. And that smile, sheesh, was practically blinding me. He probably could have anyone he wanted no wonder another woman had snatched him up he was a catch for sure. I wish I could be that woman. I felt guilty for thinking this and blushed a little at my envy. He spoke, making me pay attention "It is Indigo right? Your name I mean"

"Yes it's Indigo Quint Mr. Tatum, I mean Mr. Jayson, but most people call me Indi"

"Indi, that's a really pretty name it suits you, because you're pretty as well, especially your eyes they're amazing"

Is this man flirting with me? It seemed we both couldn't believe what came out of his mouth because his pale face went red and he turned around not looking me in my face anymore. How is he the one embarrassed when he said it?

"Um thank you I guess" I said in confusion

" I get a lot of compliments on my eyes they are like how my grandmother's were" I said trying to break the tension

"Oh that's interesting" he said his back still turned to me but it wasn't like I wasn't enjoying the view. Looking him slightly up and down even under those baggy sweats you can tell he had an amazing body. Working out and playing pro sports will do that I suppose. And he probably has all sorts of trainers and nutritionists that help him keep looking like this. Thank god for them.

"Oh Mr tatu-, Jayson I caught yall's game the other day."

"Really you watch the Celtics?"

At this point he turned back to face me forcing the show to a stop but the front view wasn't bad either.

"Yes I mean they are the home team but I watch everybody. Me and my family used to watch games together a lot, and I just started getting back into watching basketball. But y'all are pretty good. 2nd in the east isn't bad given the competition and how deep the teams are this year. It's been very interesting and entertaining to watch. Especially the games you have had against the 76ers and Hawks."

"Oh yeah they have been some of our biggest games, well I appreciate the support we have for sure this year."

"You're welcome"

And their was the awkward silence again where he was just looking at me as if trying to dissect me with his eyes I didn't know if I should be weirded out or mesmerized

"Well Duce should be here soon so you can already sign him out here"

"Alright, and I have a question"

"Yes Mr. Jayson?"

"So I signed my son up for the new in-home program y'all are offering. When will that start?"

"It'll start in two weeks ongoing for two days out of the week that you decide on this form and all information that you need will be on these other forms"

"Alright thank you, and you will be his instructor right?"

"Yes, I will be the instructor for Duce. I have a lot of great ideas for him to explore. I can't wait to start with him and the other children that will be in my schedule."

"That's great to hear, I'm sure he will enjoy it and so will I." He said to me with a smirk, my breath hitching for a moment "Ya know seeing him enjoy art this much and finding a new outlet. It'll be fun."

At this point my face was red but what was this man playing at who breaks off their sentence right there? I tried to pay it no mind as Duce came up the hallway.

"Hey Daddy!" He yelled excitedly

"Hey lil man you had a good time today?"

"Yes I learned some new things in math practice and got ahead on my art project"

"Really? That's good to hear, ya know Ms. Quint here is going to be your in-home instructor right for extra art lessons?"

"Alright this is gonna be so fun Ms.Quint! You're going to love my house " Duce said to me with the cutest smile

"Yes it is Duce. I have a lot of lessons planned that I'm sure you're going to enjoy. And the way you've described you're house I can't wait for the tour"

"Yeah I can't wait either Ms. Quint I gotta show you my puppy too"

"Alright well we gotta get going y'all have a good rest of your day. Tell them bye Duce." Jayson said

"Goodbye"

And just as they were about to walk out the door I heard Jayson say just loud enough for me to hear. His voice low but deep making me shiver

" I'm sure you and I are going to really enjoy this experience together as well. Goodbye Ms. Indi'' before he walked out the door

One of my coworkers walked up to me as they were leaving.

"Isn't he such a good dad?" My coworker said to me before grabbing some files off the table to sort.

"Yeah I suppose he is" I answered back

I have no idea what to expect when I go over to their home now. What did I sign myself up for exactly?