“I’m shaking,” Lindsey admitted, holding up a trembling hand. “Can we take a picture? Please? This is incredible.”

Micah moved close. “Sure. Let’s take a couple.”

He handed the phone to Dena, who looked slightly chagrined as she snapped several photos. Lindsey checked them out before nodding.

“These are great. Thank you so much. I’m having a day. I stopped by to tell Dena that I can’t finish my class mom duties this month. My husband’s in the army, and he’s stationed in Germany. My parents surprised me with airline tickets for me and the kids to join him, and we’re leaving in three days. Then I met you.”

Tears filled her eyes. “It’s just I miss him so much, and he’s a big fan, too.”

Micah sensed her emotions were spiraling out of control. “Your children are going to be excited to see their father,” he said, trying to distract her from focusing on him. “They’ll remember the trip a lot longer than any toy. Is it a direct flight?”

“What? Oh, we fly to Frankfurt, then go from there. They’re so excited to see him. I am, too.”

“Then you need to go home and start getting ready,” Dena told her. “Lindsey, don’t worry about anything here. I’ll get someone to fill in for you. As for Martina’s schoolwork, I’ll have her assignments pulled together before you leave. She’s such a bright girl and always motivated. Don’t worry about her missing out. She’ll catch up easily. Besides, this is a trip of a lifetime. She’s going to get so much out of it.”

“I know, right?” Lindsey collected her bag. “Thanks for understanding.” She looked at Micah and waved her phone. “Thanks for the pictures.”

“Anytime.”

When she’d left, Dena sat on the corner of her desk. “To quote Lindsey, OMG. She went crazy.”

“Naw, that was nothing. She was polite, she spoke in complete sentences and she didn’t ask me to sign any part of her body or offer to have sex with me.”

“That happens?”

“It does.” He sighed regretfully. “You’ve never once fawned over me. I’ll admit I’m disappointed.”

Something flashed in her eyes, then was gone. “I’ve never been the fawning type, but I can try to make the effort.”

“No. If it’s not genuine, it doesn’t count.” He slumped his shoulders. “I’ll get over the pain.”

She laughed. “I’m happy to hear that. I would hate to be responsible for breaking the spirit of a famous rock star.”

He straightened. “Thanks for distracting her by gently asking her to leave.”

“I didn’t ask her to leave,” Dena said. “I just pointed out she was busy. And now that I know how difficult things can get, I’m glad I did.”

“What does a classroom mom do?”