Best Friend's Ex Box Set

“Hey, guys,” I said with a cheery smile. “How are all of you this morning?”

“I'm happy,” replied one toddler with a big grin. “Daddy got me a new toy.”

“I got a new toy too, Miss Andrews!” exclaimed another one.

“And me, and me! I got one too, I got a toy too!” piped up a little girl with her hair in piggy tails.

I just smiled and sat down cross-legged on the mat with them, ready to hear all their exuberant tales of the toys, real or imaginary, they had received from their parents in recent days. As much as a handful as they could be, I really loved these kids and treasured the time I got to spend with them. And, of course, I did my very best to instill good values, polite manners, and solid morals in them, as was my duty as an educator.

At this moment, I couldn't help thinking of Everett. Did he also do his best to instill the same kind of values in the children under his care? I imagined that he was big on discipline and old-fashioned values; it was just the kind of vibe I got from him. And those were the sorts of things that kids needed these days, certainly now more than ever. I wondered how his first day at JFK was going. I knew the kids didn't go back for another few days, but it had to be pretty stressful getting everything ready for the new academic year, especially as the principal. I briefly considered messaging him to see how things were going, and even got my phone out... but then decided not to. I didn't want to be seen as coming on too strong or anything.

The morning went by uneventfully, and some of the kids got picked up by the parents who worked half days. After this, a bunch of older kids, who had just gotten out of kindergarten for the day got dropped off. These ones were a bit tougher to deal with; having been stuck with the rules and regulations imposed on them in kindergarten all morning, they just wanted to run wild, with all the pent-up energy and frustration they had built up inside them. It took a bit of effort to keep them all in line. It was good that we had a nice large playground area out back, with plenty of jungle gyms and other things for them to climb on and lots of space to run around.

At the end of day, between four and five, they all got picked up, and Graciela and I could finally close up shop and head home for the day.

“Have a good evening, Graciela,” I said to her.

“You too, Viv. Oh, by the way, it's my birthday tomorrow.”

“Well happy birthday! Would you like to take the day off? I don't mind.”

“That's very kind of you, but no, it's okay. But later this evening my husband and some friends of mine are going out for a drink or two. Nothing crazy, of course. You're welcome to come along and have a drink if you want.”

“Hmm, that actually sounds good. Where and when?”

“There's that little Irish pub just two blocks away from here. It's good for quiet, relaxed drinks; they have that pretty outdoor seating area.”

“Ah yes, MacFey's. What time?”

“Eight or so. You in?”

“Sure. So tomorrow you'll be... 22?” I asked with a wink and smile.

“Twenty-two indeed! Plus 16! Ha!”

I laughed. “You still look great. And even though you're close to the big four-zero, they do say that 40 is the new 30.”

“Ha, I'll remember that, Viv. See you later.”

Later That Evening

I was surprised about how busy MacFey's was, considering it was a Tuesday night. I pushed my way through the crowd, got myself a beer at the bar, and then headed out to the outside seating area where Graciela, her husband Miguel, and a couple other people were sitting.

“Hey, Viv!” said Graciela with a big, broad smile as she saw me. “Come on over!”

I headed to the table and took a seat next to Graciela. She handed me a glass already filled with wine and clinked her glass against mine then we both had a sip of our drinks.

“Everyone, this is my boss, Vivienne,” said Graciela to the dozen or so people who were seated around the table. “And she's awesome!”

I blushed as everyone greeted me warmly, and exchanged smiles with people around the table. I felt that I had to speak as well, though.

“And this, everyone, even though you already know her in a personal capacity, is one of the most dedicated and hard-working people I've ever met! Thank you for being such a wonderful asset to Peter Pan Daycare, Graciela. I don't know what I'd do without you.”

Everyone gave her a hand, and I could see that there were tears rimming her eyes.

“Thank you so much, Viv,” she said as she took my hand in hers. “It really means a lot to me to know that I'm appreciated.”

“You really are, Gracie, you really are.”