Chapter 12.1

Nick shuddered to think what the boys would do if they didn’t like him.

At times, working at school was a great deal like attending school.

“I’ll ask anyway.” Shannon said, drawing his attention back to her.

“What’s with the overalls?” She nodded toward his chest, covered by the denim bib of the overalls in question.

He slipped his hands behind the bib and tapped his fingers against his chest. “What’s wrong with overalls?” he demanded.

“Nothing,” she said quickly. Boy, the man was touchy. “I just wondered why so many people, including you, are wearing them.”

“It’s Farmers Day,” he told her.

“Oh.” Shannon frowned. “Why?” “What do you mean, why?”

Shannon glanced around at the dozens of people, in addition to Carlucci, who were wearing overalls. “I get the connection between farmers and overalls, but why do you have a Farmers Day? What’s the purpose?

Local custom? Is the football team called the Tribute Farmers? What?”

He almost smiled. “The Tribute Farmers? You’ve got a great imaginatio