Lisas hackles went up. Shed already wondered if teaching children was the best place for her, but for reasons that had nothing to do with her ability to discipline her class. She suppressed the ache that nudged her heart and focused on the matter at hand.
Im perfectly capable of maintaining order in my classroom, Mr. Walsh. She drilled him with a look that her students knew well, the one that said shed reached the limits of her patience. Especially if I have the cooperation of the childrens parents in addressing at home any issues that may be at the root of behavior problems.
He scoffed. My son does not have a behavior problem. He may be having a bad day today, but you know as well as I do that hes not a troublemaker.
Which, if youd let me finish explaining, is why I called you to come down for a conference. Usually Patrick is quite well-behaved. In fact, since the beginning of school, it seems hes become more quiet, even withdrawn. His grades have slipped in recent weeks. Did you know that? Ive sent home his test papers to be signed, but you never sign them. His grandmother does.
My mother babysits him most afternoons until I can get home from work. My job keeps me on the road a lot, and Ive had to work longer hours lately, so Patricks grandmother handles his schoolwork.
But youre his parent, Mr. Walsh. You need to be involved.
His face darkened, and he narrowed a glare on her. Are you telling me how to parent my kid?
Why not? You were just trying to tell me how to do my job! Lisa bit back the caustic retort that would serve no purpose other than make her feel better for five minutes. Then shed feel bad that shed lost her temper and kick herself for being reactionary.
No, sir. Im not. She purposefully infused her tone with calm and concern, enough to capture the agitated fathers attention. She had to be sure he heard and understood the importance of her next statement. But earlier today, when I warned Patrick that I would have to call you if he didnt behave, his response was, Go ahead. Call my dad. He wont care. Hes too busy to care about what I do.
Peter Walsh jerked back as if slapped, his expression stunned. Thatscrazy! He knows I care about him. He knows I love him! More than anything in this world.
Maybe up here he knows that. She tapped her head. But kids need to see that love and affection in action to reaffirm what you say. He needs to see you express interest in his schoolwork, in his friends, in his life to really believe it here. She moved her hand to her heart.
A muscle in his jaw twitched, and he shifted his glowering gaze to a bulletin board on the far wall. The last few months have beenespecially difficult for my family, Ms. Navarre. Ive tried to protect Patrick from most of the fallout, shield him from the worst of it, but He heaved a sigh and left his sentence unfinished.
I read the newspaper. I know about your fathers murder, and Im terribly sorry for your loss.
His eyes snapped to hers. Pain shadowed his gaze, and her heart went out to him. Shed seen a similar sadness in Patricks eyes too many times since the school year had started. The reason I called you here is not because Patrick was acting out. I can handle disciplining students when it is called for.
Chagrin flickered across his face, and he shifted his weight.
I called because Im worried about Patrick. I think the recent events in your family have upset him, and he doesnt feel he can talk to you about it. He feels alone because he thinks youre too busy for him. Hes confused and scared.
Worry lined Peter Walshs face. He said that?
His withdrawal said that. His grades said that. His misbehavior today said that. Ive been a teacher for six years.
Ive seen this before. He just needs reassurance from you that his world is safe, that you care, that he is your priority. Mr. Walsh, more than discipline, what Patrick needs is his father.
Peter squared his shoulders, a bit of his temper returning. Obviously, he took her last comment as an indictment. Ill talk to him tonight. You wont have problems with his behavior again.
Lisas heart sank. Had he heard her at all?
Peter Walsh, his square jaw tight and his back stiff, turned to stalk out of the conference room.
Mr. Walsh, I
But he was gone. All six feet plus of seething testosterone and brooding eyes. Lisa inhaled deeply, hoping to calm her frazzled nerves, but instead drew in the enticing scents of leather and pine that Peter Walsh left in his wake.
She had no business thinking of her students father in the terms that filtered through her headsexy, virilebut with a man like Peter Walsh, how could she not?
Lisa dropped into a chair and raked fingers through her raven hair. She needed to collect herself before she returned to her class.
But five minutes later, as she headed back to her room, her mind was still full of Peter Walsh and his smoldering dark eyes.
Patrick tossed his backpack on the floor of Peters truck and gave his father a forlorn glance as he climbed onto the seat. So I guess Im in big trouble, huh?