Chapter 7
Lucy was amazed that she had managed to get back home. Her mind had been whirling as she rushed home in a daze.
Kenny was Aidan.
Aidan was Kaylee’s teacher.
Her one-night stand, the man she slept with and ghosted, was her daughter’s teacher! Of all the Irishmen in all of Ireland, why did it have to be this one? It boggled her mind. Ireland was small, but it couldn’t be this tiny.
Bursting through the front door, Lucy kicked off her shoes frantically, leaving them haphazardly in the hallway.
“Abbey!” she yelled, making a beeline toward the kitchen while yanking on the arm of her sweatshirt. “Abbey!”
“What? What’s wrong?” Abbey hurried into the kitchen from the living room, concern etched across her face.
“Abbey, oh my gosh, Abbey. It was him, it was him.” Lucy’s words tumbled out in breathless gasps.
Abbey looked her sister up and down, noting her disheveled appearance. “Good gravy, what happened to you?”
Lucy’s face was red, and beads of sweat rolled down her forehead. Her hair was windblown and tangled. One arm hung out of the top of her zipped-up hoodie as she struggled to wriggle out of it.
“It was him!” Lucy’s eyes were wide.
“Who?”
“Aidan. Aidan is the guy.” Lucy continued to fight with her sweatshirt, pulling on the sleeve to free her arm. “Confounded thing.”
“It helps if you unzip it first.” Abbey shook her head as she reached out and pulled down the zipper.
With her dangling arm finally freed, the sweatshirt swung to one side and hung off her shoulder. “Kaylee’s teacher is the guy,” Lucy said breathlessly.
Abbey squinted, her brows still furrowed. “You knew he was a guy.”
“Not a guy, the guy.” Lucy gripped her sister’s shoulders and gave a slight shake. The sweatshirt slid onto the floor; Lucy glanced down, momentarily confused about how it ended up there. “Tin whistle man. Kenny is Aidan!”
Abbey’s jaw dropped. “No!”
“Yes!”
“Hot, steamy, one-night stand guy is Kaylee’s teacher?” Abbey couldn’t hold back; she burst out laughing.
Lucy released her grip. Her face dropped, and she glared at her sister. “It’s not funny.”
“Oh, but it is.” Abbey nodded, still laughing.
“This is a nightmare.” Lucy leaned over and retrieved the sweatshirt, hanging it on the back of a chair before slumping down onto it. “I slept with my daughter’s teacher.”
“Today?”
“No, not today!” Lucy snarled, frowning.
Abbey shrugged. “You kinda look like you did.”
“What?”
“Sorry, you look a little––rode hard and put away wet.”
“I look what?” Lucy pushed up from the chair and rushed into the tiny bathroom under the stairs. “Oh my gosh!”
As Lucy cursed at her appearance, Abbey couldn’t help erupting into another fit of giggles. Lucy returned to the kitchen, slouching and shuffling her feet while running her fingers through unruly hair.
The coffee machine stuttered and sputtered before spewing hot coffee into a mug Abbey had set beneath it.
“All I know is you didn’t look like that when you left,” Abbey said, holding her hands up in defense. “You looked hot; maybe too hot.”
Lucy sat down and dropped her head into her palms. “This is a nightmare. I mean, I couldn’t even concentrate on what he was saying. All I could think the entire time––I tried not to––but–.”
“You were picturing him naked!” Abbey bent over in laughter, tears running down her face.
“You aren’t helping. This isn’t funny.” Lucy tried to keep a straight face but knew how humorous the situation was.
“This is making my day,” Abbey gasped, trying to catch her breath. “Do you think he was picturing you naked?”
Lucy groaned. “I didn’t even want to think about that. I hope not. Oh, this is so humiliating.”
Abbey handed a steaming cup of coffee to Lucy and began preparing another. “How did he act? He did remember you, right?”
Lucy scowled. “Of course he remembered me. Actually, he didn’t seem very phased at all.” A pensive look crossed Lucy’s features. “I think he was shocked but recovered faster than I did. I was still processing things when he jumped right into talking about Kaylee.”
“They have several meetings to get through; he was probably just short on time.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “Probably. I made a fool of myself. I was fidgeting like a child; I could not hold still for my life. If there was any chance for a second round, I screwed that up. I didn’t just burn the bridge; I bombed the shite out of it.”
“Wait! What are you saying?” Abbey stopped mid-sip of her coffee. “I thought it was one and done? Do you want a second go?”
“No,” Lucy protested a little too harshly. “I feel guilty for running out on him. I made a fool of myself, so there is no chance at a second chance.”
“You sound like you want there to be?” Abbey raised a brow.
Lucy forced a laugh. “It may have crossed my mind when I thought he was just another parent in the school. But not now, I’d say that line of thinking is off the table.”
Abbey shrugged and sipped her coffee. “That’s probably for the best. From how you describe his response, he probably feels the same way. It was just a one-night stand and something he doesn’t intend to repeat.”
Lucy’s face fell.
Abbey didn’t miss the gesture. “Ah-ha, so you do want there to be something.”
Lucy pursed her lips and sat back, crossing her arms over her chest. “No, that’s not––I don’t––.“
Abbey arched her brows and silently drank her coffee, allowing Lucy space to sort through her thoughts.
Lucy couldn’t put into words what she was feeling. The truth was Aidan had rattled her to the core, stirring up emotions she hadn’t felt for so long. With Abbey grilling her, she was now unsure of her true feelings. She had wanted to believe it had only been a one-night stand, but the memories taunted her. Ever since the day she spotted him in the schoolyard, flashbacks from their night together played on constant repeat.
Why had she acted like a complete buffoon in his presence? That was not a reaction she usually had. As shocking as it had been to see him again, she had always been able to compartmentalize her sexcapades and laugh off awkward encounters. This wasn’t Lucy’s first time seeing a one-night stand in the real world, but it was the first time she reacted so strongly. Typically, encountering casual partners in places like the grocery store didn’t faze her, and she had no problem acting as if they’d never met.
Aidan had thrown her off; he had been so calm and collected as if their night together had never happened. In contrast, Lucy froze up, feeling weak in the knees and losing all control simply by being in the same room as him. Her reaction was surprising.
Lucy waved a hand as if to wave off her thoughts altogether. “It doesn’t matter. Now that I know he’s Kaylee”s teacher, he’s off limits.”
“Oh, don’t say that,” Abbey warned, a teasing tone to her voice. “Off limits might make you want him more. We always want what we can’t have.”
“I don’t even think I can show my face at that school again,” Lucy said, rubbing her eyes.
“What about the Halloween disco?” Abbey asked. “I was hoping you would help.”
Lucy sat upright. “Oh, crap. Kaylee and Lola begged me to help. I think I said yes.”
“You can’t go back on your word.”
“What am I going to do?” Lucy drank the coffee, enjoying the warmth as it slid down her throat.
“You’re going to show up.” Abbey gave her a stern look from across the counter. “No one knows about you and Aidan unless he spills to the other teachers.”
A surprised gleam filled her eyes. “He wouldn’t!”
Abbey laughed. “Your face is priceless!”
“You’re cruel.” Lucy scowled.
“You make it so easy.” Abbey picked up a towel and began wiping down the counter. “Look, I’ve done this disco countless times. It’s not a big deal. The hall will be so crowded, I doubt you’ll see each other.”
“I’ll know he’s there.” Lucy cradled her mug. “I’ll be self-conscious the entire time.”
“It’s Halloween. Wear a mask, and he’ll never know you’re there. You are not getting out of this.”
Lucy sighed, knowing Abbey was right. Besides, she would never be able to tell Kaylee her reason for backing out. The last thing Kaylee needed to know was that her mom had seen her teacher naked.
**********
A week later, Lucy sat at the kitchen table, staring at her laptop while gulping down a second cup of coffee. She had been awake for several hours working on an application that stubbornly refused to back up.
“You’re up early.”
Lucy jolted, nearly spilling her coffee. The house had been silent, and she had been so engrossed in her work that she hadn’t heard Abbey pad into the kitchen.
Abbey didn’t seem to notice Lucy’s surprise. She stifled a yawn and headed straight for the coffee machine. “Love the formal attire. Is that what all project managers are wearing?”
Lucy smirked, glancing down at her emoji-covered flannel pajamas. “Don’t you know, this is all the rage?” She stood up and stretched out her back. “And it’s Systems Administrator Manager.”
Abbey swatted the air. “That’s too techie for me.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. She didn’t care what Abbey called it; she was glad to be done with the migration project and rewarded with a promotion. The promotion came with a raise, bigger projects to manage, and the opportunity to work from home three days a week. Finally, it felt like she was settling into this new life.
“Now that you’ll be home more, I’m going to bug you about helping me build the website for the business.” Abbey started the coffee machine. “I don’t understand that side of things at all.”
Lucy carried her mug to the kitchen sink, debating whether to have a third cup of coffee. “I’ll help as much as possible, but I’m not a website developer. Also, just because I’m home doesn’t mean I’m not working. I have my own things to do and want to spend my free time with Kaylee.”
“I know; I’m just excited to get this business up and running. Maeve quit her job to make this happen. I haven’t given up anything–– yet.”
Lucy smiled at her sister. “Trust me, you’ll be giving up sleep stressing about things. This business is about to be your baby. You’ll lose a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, but it will be amazing.”
Abbey was in the process of building a travel business with her old boss, Maeve. They had met years ago when Abbey worked in the travel industry before she decided staying at home full-time was more important for Lola. Maeve wanted to start a company creating travel experiences around Europe. She offered a job to Abbey, begging her to help build the dream with her.
“I’m also going to push you to join the PTA with me,” Abbey added. “Trust me, after tomorrow’s festivities, you’ll be begging me.”
Lucy glanced up to the ceiling. “I highly doubt that. I’m helping you tomorrow as a favor.”
“The PTA is a great place to meet people,” Abbey told her. “How else are you going to make friends?”
Lucy gave her sister a look. “I have you; what more do I need?”
Abbey carried her mug from under the coffee machine to the counter. Opening the fridge, she pulled out the milk and twisted the top off. “Lucy, you live here now. Don’t you want to become part of the community? You know, make friends, go out and socialize, build a support group? You need more than just me.”
Lucy rinsed out her mug and dried it on the dishrack. Picking up a towel, she began to wipe her hands. “Support for what? Single, working moms?”
“Yes. It’s nice to have like-minded friends.” Abbey stirred her coffee and set the milk back into the refrigerator. “You’re more than just a project manager and a mom. It’s okay to have a social life, mingle and gossip with the ladies occasionally. That’s all I’m saying. I mean, I didn’t have many friends growing up; finally, it’s nice to have some good people in my life.”
“You didn’t have friends?” Lucy spat, tossing the towel onto the counter. “You were so popular. You were always going out.”
Abbey stared down into her coffee. “It wasn’t as if I could bring anyone home.”
“Well, no, you definitely wouldn’t have done that,” Lucy scoffed, heading back to her place at the table. “You spent so much time at other people’s houses, though; surely you had a good group of friends.”
Abbey chuckled awkwardly. “It wasn’t because they were my friends. I invited myself places and practically forced them to let me in. In fairness, many parents didn’t want me hanging around their kids, and some refused to let me in their homes.”
Lucy’s gut twisted; she hoped Abbey’s childhood had been better than hers; clearly, that was not the case.
“I used to tell kids I was adopted.” Abbey hung her head. “I said my real parents died in a fire, and mom was an aunt who had taken me in.”
“Did they believe you?” Lucy asked softly.
Abbey shrugged. “Who knows, but I was able to hang out with people more once I played the victim.”
A burst of anger ran through Lucy. Abbey didn’t need to play a victim; they both were victims.
“Everyone called her a drunk and a whore,” Abbey’s voice dropped. “They called you that too. I’m sorry I never stood up for you.”
Lucy huffed out a laugh. “I can stand up for myself, Abbey, and I don’t blame you one bit. You did what you had to do to survive. Besides, Mom was a drunk, but she wasn’t a whore. However, I wasn’t a drunk, but I was probably a whore, so they got things mostly right.”
“Don’t say that, Lucy,” Abbey chastised. “All those people just liked the sound of their voice.”
They both fell silent as they heard footsteps descending the stairs.
“Morning,” Kaylee shuffled into the room, yawning and scratching her head. “Working from home today?”
“Yes, starting today, I get to work from home three days a week,” Lucy replied, smiling. “Some projects may require me to go in more often, but I have a light load this week.”
Kaylee fingered through the boxes of cereal lining a shelf. “Good. So, you’re still helping with the Halloween Disco, right?”
A swarm of butterflies took flight in her stomach, slamming against her insides as if eager to break free. The simple thought of being in the same room with Aidan set her nerves on edge.
“Umm, yes, Sweetie.” Lucy gulped, her throat suddenly feeling parched.
Kaylee’s face lit up. “Oh, good. I was afraid you would back out for some reason.”
Kaylee pulled a box of Frosted Shreddies from the shelf and popped open the lid.
As much as Lucy wished she could back out, seeing the look on Kaylee’s face was priceless. Her daughter still wanted her to show up for things. There was a brief period, however short it may have been, when Lucy wanted her mother to show up for the school plays and concerts or show any interest in her child’s life. Her mother always had an excuse to be absent.
Kaylee shoved a handful of Shreddies into her mouth while pulling down a bowl to pour a generous amount into. “I can’t wait for you to meet Chloe, Hanna, Eve, and my teacher. Well, I guess you already met him, but he’s so cool, Mom.”
Lucy’s face flushed.
“Oh, she’s met your teacher, all right,” Abbey teased.
Daggers flew from Lucy’s eyes.
“What does that mean?” Kaylee scooped a spoonful of cereal into her mouth.
“Nothing,” Lucy said flatly, quickly changing the subject. “Let’s go shopping after school.”
Kaylee’s eyes lit up. “Halloween costumes?”
Lucy nodded and wiggled her eyebrows up and down. “Maybe we’ll get some hot chocolate and dinner.”
Kaylee gave the thumbs up. “Best day ever.”
Lucy’s heart continued to hammer in her chest as she turned back to her laptop. The words on the monitor blurred together, and she longed to be sucked into the screen if only to avoid another awkward encounter with Aidan.
Since their unexpected meeting last week, Lucy couldn’t get Aidan off her mind. She constantly pictured those piercing blue eyes, the dark brown hair that begged her fingers to run through it, and his sexy half-smile, half-smirk. And, of course, that accent; she could listen to him talk all day long.
Although she didn’t want an awkward encounter, she couldn’t deny her desire to see Aidan again. Maybe she wouldn”t be caught off guard if she was ready and knew seeing him was inevitable. Perhaps one planned meeting would erase the mystery and finally free him from the entanglement of her thoughts. Everything would be okay if she could keep her composure and not act like a squirming child.
If only she hadn’t been so careless that night. She shouldn’t have gone home with him, or anyone for that matter. It had been fun to flirt, to feel sexy, but she should have stopped at that. Of course, never in a million years would she have imagined Aidan would turn out to be her daughter’s teacher. That tidbit of information would have changed everything.
“See you after school, Mom.” Kaylee hugged her quickly, pulling her back to the present.
“Have a good day.”
Once the girls were gone, Lucy focused on work. She couldn”t let the thoughts of Aidan distract her any longer. Tomorrow, she would face him again; this time, she would be better prepared.