Did I reply a little too eagerly when Samantha said she was going to take a shower after practice?
I've been teaching and coaching girls track at a high school in this rural community for nearly 20 years, while concealing my sexuality. Certain people would not appreciate a lesbian coaching their innocent daughters as they ran around the track in skimpy shorts.
I met Samantha a week before classes started. She was a first-year teacher out of college. A bit thin and gawky, but I found myself attracted to her nerdiness. Very cute. She unknowingly charmed me with her smile that first time I met her. Normally I'm not attracted to women who are significantly younger than me, but there was just something about her. I was glad when she accepted my offer to be an assistant coach for the girl's track team. My need for an assistant coach became an opportunity to build a friendship.
But I could feel myself wanting more than friendship. How would she react if she knew I was attracted to her?
Sometimes I thought that I caught her looking at me, especially when we were showering after practice, but I chalked it up to my wishful imagination. Still, when I told her I was going to join her for a shower after practice, did I imagine her hiding a slight smile? Was I just hoping or was I perceiving something real?