Hello, Sunshine

“I sure did. Congratulations!” I said.

“Thanks,” she said.

“I’ve really got to run, but let’s get ice cream when I pick you up later.”

Her face fell. “There’s cake, though. For the parents. Now.”

Seriously? Were there no points earned? “I’m sorry, Sammy. Next time, okay?”

“It’s really good cake,” she said under her breath.

How many times was I going to make her ask me? Was I that freaking selfish? “Next time,” I said.

I patted her awkwardly on the shoulder, already searching for the nearest exit.

Then I heard someone call my name. “Sunshine?”

I turned and saw Kathleen walking toward us, her long hair now loose. She waved excitedly.

I forced a smile. I was never leaving this place.

“Hi, there,” she said, picking up speed as she neared. “Kathleen Teague.”

“Hi, Kathleen,” I said.

She held out her hand. “Great to meet you. Sammy mentioned that her cool aunt was going to be joining us today.”

I looked down at Sammy, wondering if cool had been her word. Whatever she’d said, it was probably nice, or Kathleen wouldn’t be so friendly now. Which made one person in the world who didn’t loathe me. Even if she was only six.

Kathleen leaned in and whispered in my ear. “And, FYI, I don’t believe what I read in the papers.”

I pulled away. “I’ve really got to run.”

“Before you do, would you let Rain know that I’ve left her a few messages?”

“Sure,” I said.

But then she reached for my arm. “I need her to give me a call back,” she said.

I looked at Sammy, who was focused on her ribbon. “Is everything okay?”

“Oh, yes! Sammy is wonderful. It’s more than okay. She is having a great time at camp. And I’m so happy with how the summer is going for her.”

She put her hand on Sammy’s shoulder again, Sammy squirming away. Was this woman oblivious?

“I understand why Rain’s avoiding my phone call,” she said. “Sometimes it can be just as scary to hear that something is right with your kid as something is wrong with her.”

“I’m guessing she’s just slammed at work.”

“Perhaps,” she said. “Do remind her though. And please feel free to come anytime. Our doors are always open to Sammy’s family.”

She gave Sammy a smile and headed away.

Sammy looked up at me. “She’s the head of the camp,” she said. “I kind of like her.”

“She seems nice,” I said.

“She talks a lot, though.”