CHAPTER ELEVEN
LORI
The moment Lori walked into the daycare center and saw the smiles of “her” children and how they reached out to her, Lori knew she was truly home.
Her family’s delight over her gifts and the hugs they gave her as they welcomed her back couldn’t compare to this.
She knew now this job was where she was meant to be.
Janie Sherwood, the older woman who owned the day care and preschool center, gave her a warm hug. “I heard you went to Florida for our break. You look fabulous. Healthy and rested, which is good because I’ve allowed one more child to enter our program. That, and a new part-time person.”
“Oh, that’s smart. As the kids grow, they need more attention, more teaching,” said Lori. “I can’t believe how much bigger some of them seem to me.”
Janie laughed. “The center has been closed only ten days during the holidays. But having enough caretakers is important to me. We’ll now have a total of ten staff members, including two part-time people.
” Bright Beginnings was expensive, but the cost was worth what the children’s families could afford to pay.
There would never be a question about how safe and happy their children would be.
“When do we meet the new person?” Lori asked.
“She’ll come in later this morning,” said Janie. “I wanted to give us time to get back into a normal routine.”
“She’s welcome anytime,” said Lori. “I’ll try to help her settle in.”
“Thanks, “ said Janie. “You’re my number one employee.”
Lori had enough education and training to open her own place, but she could never compete with Bright Beginnings and didn’t want to.
After stowing her coat and purse in her locker, she put the leftovers she’d brought for lunch in the refrigerator in the kitchen.
Rubbing her hands together to warm them, Lori walked into the nursery and checked on the little ones to see who was awake. One of her favorites, a little girl six months old named Kyle, looked up at her and showed a toothless grin.
Lori swept her up in her arms and took a moment to cuddle her before changing Kyle’s diapers.
The baby reached up and grabbed Lori’s nose.
Laughing, Lori laid the little girl on the changing table and made silly noises while changing her. Then she carried Kyle into the kitchen and warmed a bottle of milk her mother had brought from home.
She took Kyle and the bottle into a nook off the nursery and settled into one of the rocking chairs. Kyle was drinking contentedly when a pretty young woman with light-tan skin and long, dark, straight hair entered the room.
“Are you Lori?” she asked. Her eyes, a lovely hazel, sparkled with life.
“That’s me. Lori Hamlin. Are you the new part-timer?”
“Yes. My name is Dawn Beecher. I’m new at the center, but not new at taking care of children. I’m the oldest of six.”
“You and my sister Aurelia would get along well. There’s something about being an older sister that is the same for almost everyone. Right?” said Lori.
Dawn laughed. “Do you mean bossy?”
Lori laughed, liking Dawn already. “I’ll show you around as soon as I get this little one fed and settled. Sit with us and ask any questions you might have.”
Dawn sat in a rocking chair facing Lori. “You’ve been here several years. You must like it.”
“Yes. I worked in an elementary school but decided I was ready for a change when this opportunity came up. Now, I do this and have a couple of side hustles. What about you? What brings you here?”
“I like kids of all ages, but I’m working on a degree in education, which is why I need the part-time job. I’ll use my experience here to write a few papers.”
“Janie is very kind and understanding about things like that. If there’s any information I can give you, just ask.
You’ll see as we go from one space to another how well-run this operation is.
Our babies and toddlers have excellent care and stimulation, and our preschoolers get an excellent education which makes the transition to public or private schools much easier. ”
“This whole set-up is unlike any I’ve ever seen. I’m sure it costs a lot,” said Dawn.
“It does. But most parents who can afford this are like any others; they want to know their children are in caring hands. We have a few entitled parents who think their children should be treated differently, but not usually. Janie deals with them and won’t allow them to stay unless they’re willing to participate on an equal basis. ”
Dawn’s gaze met hers, and they exchanged smiles.
Lori continued rocking and burping Kyle until, nestled to Lori, her eyes closed, and she slept.
Dawn followed Lori into the nursery and watched as Lori placed Kyle back into her crib. A little later, she’d want time in the special play area for babies. For now, Kyle was content.
Six other babies were sleeping in the nursery. One was being fed by another staff member.
Lori led Dawn to another room in the wing. “The toddlers sleep here in cribs or in small beds. The older children sleep in the room on the other side of the house.”
She led Dawn to the other side of the house where a large classroom and play area had been set up.
Behind it, a large bedroom held a number of floor mats holding pillows, blankets and a few stuffed toys.
“Each child has his or her own space,” Lori explained.
“Believe me, when it’s time for an afternoon nap, most of the kids fall asleep instantly. We keep them pretty busy.”
“It’s important for kids to have enough sleep,” Dawn commented. “Working parents often have schedules that are a little erratic.”
“Yes, they like knowing their children have balanced activities here,” agreed Lori.
“How old is your oldest child here?” asked Dawn.
“We have a boy who just turned six,” Lori said. “But most in the preschool program are four and five. Janie has been asked about taking older children, but she refuses to get into a private school arrangement. That’s another, different situation.”
“Bright Beginnings is the perfect name for this business. It all sounds fantastic,” said Dawn.
“Like any day with small children, some are easier than others. But we don’t have many serious problems here. Janie is excellent at talking to parents about troublesome situations,” said Lori. “I admire her a lot.”
“Do you have children of your own?” Dawn asked her.
Lori shook her head. “My husband died a couple of years ago before we could have any.”
Dawn clapped a hand to her mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“How about you? Do you have children?” asked Lori, ignoring the pain that had shot through her.
“No,” said Dawn. “I’m not ready for children of my own. Maybe after I get my degree..” She chuckled. “First, though, I need to find a man. I’m going to be thirty-four soon.”
“Me, too,” said Lori. “I knew there was a reason I liked you.”
Dawn’s smile lit her face. “I have a male friend you might like to meet.”
Lori held up a hand to stop her. “I’ll let you know when I want to date. But I’m going to try to be more open to it.”
“No rush. You may already know him,” said Dawn. “He’s a teacher at my brother’s high school here in town. If you’re not ready, that’s okay. But maybe you and I could meet up after work sometime. Go to dinner or the movies.”
“I’d love to do that,” said Lori, happy she’d found a chance to expand her social life.
“Thanks,” said Dawn. “It’ll be great to have a friend to do things with.”
“Yes,” said Lori. She loved the idea of changing her life up a bit.
Cara Trainor walked into the room.
“Hi, Cara! Come meet a new employee,” said Lori.
Cara was one of Lori’s best friends. She was an attractive blonde who loved to have a good time.
Each time Lori agreed to go out with her, they ended up laughing over the silliest of things, which was healing for them both.
Cara had had a bad breakup and needed fun as much as Lori.
Lori introduced Dawn to Cara and noticed how easily they seemed to get along. The idea of growing her social circle was satisfying. Perhaps this new year was going to be better than she’d thought.
Janie joined them. “Let’s have you do some work in the preschool area, Dawn. Lori, one of your favorite babies needs you. And Cara, you’re needed in the crafts room.”
Lori gave them a little wave and headed into the nursery.
###
Guy Phillips called Lori a couple of days later.
The sound of his voice thrust Lori back to her high school years when just hearing him speak sent shivers of anticipation up and down her spine.
Guy was the high school football hero and honor roll student who everyone knew would be highly successful in life.
It was a shock when his family decided to move to California just before their senior year, and Guy opted to finish his high school years out west.
Lori and Guy had been dating the spring before, and she and everyone else couldn’t believe that Guy would leave his adoring audience, including Lori, behind.
She’d always wondered if that move had something to do with her.
Guy’s parents were polite to her, but Lori had always felt as if she didn’t measure up to their standards.
Maybe her growing relationship with Guy worried them.
“Hi,” Guy said. “I ran into your sister, Aurelia, and she told me you still live here. I’m sorry about your husband.”
“Thanks,” said Lori. “How are you? It’s been a long time. Tell me about yourself. Why did you move back?”
“Can I persuade you to go out for dinner with me tomorrow night at the country club?” asked Guy. “We can talk about it then.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t. I already have plans.” Lori wanted to say yes, but she’d already agreed to go out with Dawn, and she wasn’t going to start a friendship by bowing out of their first evening together.
“Oh,” said Guy. “I knew I should’ve called earlier. Maybe a movie on Saturday?”
“That sounds like fun,” said Lori.
“Why don’t we go out for a quick meal beforehand? I know you used to love Moretti’s pizza.”
She laughed. “I still do. There should be something playing at the theater downtown that we’d both like.”
“I’ll let you pick the movie, and I’ll confirm times with you,” said Guy. “Thanks, Lori. It’ll be awesome to catch up.”
“Yes, for me too,” she said, ending the call and putting her hands to her hot cheeks. Gawd! He made her feel as if she was in high school again!
She laid her cell phone on the kitchen counter and stared out at the wintry scene in her small backyard.
Their first real date had been on Valentine’s Day for the high school dance that was more about the private party afterward at one of the seniors’ homes.
That’s where they’d done a little more than make out.
The party broke up unexpectedly, giving both Guy and her the chance to cool off.
Back then, they’d been innocent, following their parents’ rules about dating.
The more modern dating rules were a little scary to Lori. She and Nick had enjoyed a passionate marriage with few inhibitions, which made it difficult for them to consider dating someone else or making love to them.
Her cell rang. Flo.
“Hi, Sis. Is it time for the baby?” she asked.
“No,” snapped Flo. “I’ve decided this baby is going to stay safe inside until she has no choice but to face the world.”
“If she’s a true Pierce girl like you and me and Aurelia, she’ll arrive when she damn well pleases,” I said, teasing Flo.
“That’s what I’m afraid of. Any word from Guy Phillips?” Flo asked.
Lori could hear the interest in Flo’s voice and responded. “As a matter of fact, he and I are going to the movies on Saturday.”
“Wow! Hooray for you, Lori. This is the first date you’ve had in a long time. I saw him the other day. He’s still as hot as he was in high school. This is exciting!”
“I admit I’m a little nervous,” Lori said.
“You’re still a hottie, if that’s the right word for you. But you know what I mean. You always were prettier than I am.”
“Not true,” said Lori. “But I think I’ll get my hair done Saturday morning. I need it, and this is the perfect excuse to spend the money on taming my curls.”
“I don’t think you need it, but if it makes you feel better, go for it,” said Flo. “My little boy is crying. I’d better go see what’s happened. We’ll talk later. Sunday morning, for sure.”
Lori laughed, knowing Flo wouldn’t be the only sister she’d be talking to that day.