We haven’t spoken a word to each other since the night of our date that wasn’t. I’d hoped she would come around once she took some time to think about everything I’d said. I’d hoped she cared about me the way I’d grown to care about her. But she didn’t. And she doesn’t.

“I don’t want you.”

The pain is all too familiar. Me wanting a woman who doesn’t want me back. So I ignore the twinge in my chest and push her out of my brain. I’ve got a school to run, and that’s what I focus on.

Once the fundraiser starts, students and their families surround the building. Music blasts through the speakers. The scent of popcorn and cotton candy fill the air. It’s a brisk night, but nobody seems to mind. Everyone’s too busy having fun.

I walk the perimeter of the school, thanking parents and high-fiving kids.

I spot Raegan by the animal pen, and decide to congratulate her on her success.

A goat nuzzles her hand as she strokes his head. He’s smaller than the other goats, and he keeps climbing onto the rungs of the fence to get closer to Raegan.

“Looks like you made a friend,” I say, sidling alongside her.

Raegan doesn’t take her eyes off the goat. “His name is Jeffrey.”

I reach my fingers into the pen and scratch behind Jeffrey’s ears. “Nice to meet you, Jeffrey.”

Jeffrey backs away and rams his head into the gate.

Raegan giggles. “He keeps doing that. The owner, Carol, said he’s the craziest goat she’s ever had. He doesn’t like to be with the other goats, and he’s always trying to escape.”

Jeffrey runs into the gate again.

I chuckle as I kneel down. He sticks his nose through the fence and licks my hand. “Poor guy doesn’t like to be locked up. Can’t say I blame him.”

Raegan’s quiet. I look up at her and say, “You did a great job with this fundraiser.”

She shrugs, looking out across the field. “Hopefully it raises a lot of money.”

“It will.” I stand and wipe my hands, brushing off the grass from my pants. “Thank you for doing all this. The school’s lucky to have you.”

“Jaxon—”

Raegan’s words are cut off as Jeffrey leaps over the fence and takes off running across the grass.

“Shit,” I mutter. The owner is busy giving pony rides, so I bolt after the goat. Really wishing I’d worn something other than my suit and dress shoes.

Jeffrey zigzags in front of me. Every time I reach out to grab him, he darts in the opposite direction.

“Jeffrey!” Raegan calls from a few feet behind me. “Come back!”

He bleats and keeps running. This little fucker is fast.