“Yes.” Ally sighed. “We aren’t even in high school yet. How am I going to survive this?”
“Well, I’m not entirely convinced it was on purpose, but Wes got one of those tubes of GoGurt all over the back of her uniform and her hair. And that pretty bow.” I moved to my desk. “I managed to get it clean, but you might want to swish it in some watered down detergent and hang it up to dry.”
“Look at you.” Ally took the ribbons. “She found one on Pinterest and it was like thirty dollars. We made this one for five.”
“Impressive mama.”
She shrugged. “Hello, Michaels’ coupons.”
I laughed. “Don’t I know it. Now we need those same coupons on Etsy.”
We both laughed. We shared the planner obsession that was rocking the internet. We’d even had a few planner nights when we could squeeze it in until school had gotten into full-swing and my life had suddenly become a series of tests to prep for and programs for the kids.
Not to mention the never-ending meetings the academy seemed to have. I should be happy the principal was so hands-on, but it was exhausting.
“Well, I’ll save you a trip for parent-teacher night if you want. Unless Seth wants a face-to-face.”
“No, he’s good. And I don’t really want to burst his ‘my daughter isn’t dating until she’s thirty’ bubble.”
“Well, she certainly has a lot of friends. But she’s bright and she’s done very well on the handful of tests we’ve had so far. Her reading comprehension is already above-average. So just keep doing what you’re doing. It’s obviously working.”
Ally made a little gesture with her hand as if she was wicking away moisture. “That’s good to hear.”
“You knew she was doing well. She’s in a happy home and can’t stop talking about you and Seth. Well, in between being Queen Bee in here.”
Ally rolled her eyes. “Not shocking. She’s Queen Bee at home too.”
“These are the meetings I love. Unfortunately, I have a few bad news ones to give tonight. Most of the kids here are amazing though. I can’t complain in the least. Even if I’m used to kindergarteners.”
“I know. I hope everything’s okay there. About ten of the kids in Laurie’s kindergarten class went to the public school.”
I certainly hoped everything was okay. I didn’t want to go anywhere. I liked my apartment, and had even bought a cactus. And I hadn’t killed it. Then again, it had only been a month.
Just give me time.
“So far, so good. It’s been an adjustment, but I love my kids.”
“Well, Laurie loves you too. All she talks about is school and boys.” Ally sighed. “Boys. God, save me.”
“We’ve got a few nuns here that can help there.”
“If Seth had his way, she’d be in the convent already.”
We both laughed and Ally checked her phone. “Well, that’s Ruth in the car, making sure I’m not dead.”
“Go ahead. Unless you have any questions, Laurie’s a joy as far as I’m concerned. I’ll talk to Weston’s dad and we’ll get it sorted.”
“What about Wes?” The deep baritone made a shiver race right up my spine and explode in my brain. I knew that voice.
Far too well.
Eight
I jammed my hands into the pockets of my freshly pressed dark jeans. I never freaking ironed. It felt like my whole body was starched right now. But the worst part was hearing the woman I couldn’t get out of my head say my kid’s name.
Did I know Kelsey was a freaking teacher?
I’d been so busy working doubles to pay for the central air and heating unit I’d had to buy for my house that I hadn’t really had time to ask Wes more than a passing question about school. Not that my kid did much more than grunt at me about the subject. He was more interested in playing football with his cousins and an unrelenting obsession with Voltron. How that came back, I had no idea.