Chapter 38
Thirty-Eight
“ I know you’ve been so stressed about this, but the winter carnival is going to be great, Abby.” Mary Beth spread out the green table cloth, smoothing it down before Abby set down the bin with all the supplies they’d need to make cereal wreaths. Shoot, she really hoped John remembered to grab the butter out of the fridge like she asked.
Mary Beth’s partner, Mac, was outside the classroom with a few of the other parent volunteers and John setting up the carnival activities. There was a snowflake ring toss, snowman bowling, a winter wonderland bubble race, and a cute photo backdrop that Mac had really gone above and beyond to make. She was thrilled with how everything came together and couldn’t wait to see the excitement from her students when they got back from music class.
“I hope so. I just want the kids to have a really nice time, and to be excited for everything we are going to be doing leading up to the holiday break. Which reminds me, did you get the songs to Ms. Naomi for the kids to start practicing?”
“I emailed the choices to her last night. She told me when I dropped the kids off that they would start practicing them next week.”
“Oh, good. I really want them to be confident with it by the end of next week. I mean, the presentation for parents is only two weeks out.”
“One thing at a time, Abby. Stress about today is fine, no use getting yourself spun up about everything that is left to do before those two glorious weeks off.”
Abby took a deep breath as she started to portion the cereal into bowls.
“Very true. One thing at a time.”
The carnival went by in a blur of laughter and smiles from her kids. Now, thoroughly exhausted, her class was plopped in front of her projection screen, waiting for a cup of hot cocoa and small snack to go with the movie they were watching.
“It seems like Katy and Honey are really attached to each other.” Laura set the box of hot chocolate mix on the table next to Abby.
“I think they are. They hold each other’s hand to gym class and out to the playground. It’s very sweet.”
“Well, we should set up a playdate for them. I mentioned it before, but with the holidays coming up, it might be nice to get them together before the long break. Maybe next week sometime.”
“Oh, you’d have to ask Katy’s dad about that. I’m not sure it’s something I can help with.”
“You’re dating him, aren’t you? I mean, the two of you aren’t really subtle about it. The way he was looking at you a few minutes ago… let’s just say I was happy the kids were all focused on the movie.”
“I don’t think this is an appropriate conversation to be having, Laura.”
“Why not? Clearly Katy knows something is going on. She’s called you ‘Mom’ in class before.”
“Excuse me?”
“Honey has come home on quite a few occasions and told me about the mistake.”
“Honey has also called me ‘Mom’ before in class. It’s a very common mistake for kids their age and is nothing to be concerned about.”
“Well, my mistake. I’m sorry if you took offense to thinking you were dating a very handsome single father. Although, I guess maybe I could see where you wouldn’t want to date while your disfigurement was still healing. I imagine it will continue to look quite nasty for a while still. Honestly, I know I would feel better if you covered it up while in class.”
Keep calm, Abby. Don’t give her what she wants.
Abby wanted to tell the vile woman to leave, but Margery was still watching from the corner of the classroom, and she didn’t want anything jeopardizing the observation.
“I was attacked, Laura. I could have died if his blade was just a little more to the right when he sliced into me. What is wrong with you?” Her voice was hushed, and she grabbed the cookie tray out of Laura’s hands, setting it down a little rougher than she meant to.
“Well, excuse me for wanting to keep my daughter innocent to the evils in this world for just a little longer.”
“It’s a good thing I’ve had my scar uncovered for weeks and the children haven’t brought it up once. They haven’t even noticed, so I think your daughter’s innocence is still perfectly intact.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”
“How’s everything going over here?” Margery asked.
“Oh, surprisingly well.” Laura smiled. “Abby, I would still like to get the girls together. Do you know where John went? I’ll just coordinate the day and time through him.”
She looked at Ms. Margery. What the hell was she supposed to say? That she didn’t want Katy anywhere near Honey because her mom was a bitch? This was all part of her job as a teacher, and as a woman growing into motherhood for Katy. She could set aside her dislike for Laura for the girls.
“I’m sure if you suggest Sunday, he’ll be open to it. I asked him to go to the supply closet at the end of the hall and grab some more cups for the kids. He’s probably on his way back now.”
“Perfect. I’ll just run and find him before he gets busy with another one of your tasks.”
Cups. Cups. How the hell was it so hard to find some Styrofoam cups? Was he even in the right place? Abby had said the closet at the end of the hall, and that was where he was currently standing.
“Hey there. Abby sent me in here to help. We apparently need more cups, and she was worried you might have gotten lost.” Laura’s voice carried into the storage room.
“Okay, yeah.” John looked over his shoulder at her and then back to the shelves. “I must be missing something because I can’t seem to find them.”
“There isn’t really a system in here, but last year, they were over…” Laura slipped behind John, her hand brushing across his back. “Here. Yup. Still in this corner.”
“Ah. That explains why I couldn’t find them.” He took the box from her and turned to head back to the classroom.
“Oh, before you head back, I was thinking we could do that play date with the girls this weekend. I’m sure it just slipped your mind to respond after we first talked about it. And Abby seemed to think if I suggested Sunday, you would be free.”
So much for a quiet weekend alone with his girls.
“Yeah, sorry. Life is busy. But we can do that. Honey is more than welcome to come over and play at our house.”
“I’d need to stay, too. Not that I don’t trust you, it’s just that I’m very protective of Honey.”
John nodded. He understood being a protective parent. “Honey and Katy are still so little. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving her at a friend’s house either. You’re welcome to stay, too.”
“That won’t be a problem for you? I don’t think Ms. Abby likes me very much. I don’t want to cause any trouble at home for you.”
“She’ll be happy to see the girls together. If she suggested Sunday, then I know she’s okay with it.”
“You know,” Laura took a step closer to him. “I get that there is the thing going on with you and Abby, but I’ve had a little thing for you since the girls were in the same class last year.”
He stepped back. “What are you doing?”
“We’re both single parents. I get how hard it can be. How lonely. And with your job, I imagine you often have stress that needs to be relieved. I could help you with that.”
“That’s incredibly inappropriate. I’m not single, and I’m not interested. I’m dating Abby.”
Laura scoffed. “Anyone with ears would know that. Katy can’t stop telling Honey how Ms. Abby is going to be her new mommy. She’s closer to Katy’s age than ours, isn’t she?”
What was with this woman?
“No. I’m sorry if I’ve done anything to make you think that I’m interested in you, but I’m with Abby. Happily.”
She shrugged and smiled at him. “You can’t blame a girl for trying. It’s nice to know some people in the world are loyal, even if it’s never to me.”
“Laura, I don’t think we should get the girls together after all…”
“Don’t punish Honey and Katy for my mistake. We can just walk out of here and pretend like nothing ever happened. You don’t need to be there if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”
“I need to talk to Abby.”
“John. We’re all adults. Nothing happened here. I simply was suggesting something. You told me no, and now I’m over it. Let’s just laugh about the mistake and move on. Here.” She took the box of cups from his hand. “I’ll take these back. You can talk to Abby now or later, but I’m sure she’ll still be fine with letting the girls get together.”
“Drink this.” John set a cup of coffee down on Abby’s desk. She must have given him a questioning look because he sighed before pushing it closer to her. “Coffee. Black. It’ll help with your headache.”
“How could you possibly know that I’ve got a headache?”
“Besides knowing I have one after spending the day listening to all those kids scream and watching them run around? You’ve rubbed your forehead five times in the last ten minutes and you’ve been squinting against the light.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah. So drink. And you have five minutes to finish up whatever you need to do so that we can get out of here and I can get you soaking in the bath at home.”
“Well, dang, Abby. You better lock this deputy down or I will.” Mary Beth moved from behind the bookshelf and laughed.
“Like you would ever even think about leaving Mac.” Abby rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. But boy, that display was H-O-T!”
“I’m sorry.” John’s face was the cutest shade of red as he looked between Abby and Mary Beth. “I thought we were alone.”
“Not quite yet. I’m just on my way out!” Mary Beth grabbed her bag from her desk at the back of the class and waved as she walked towards the door. “Katy, you make sure your dad and Ms. Abby stay out of trouble.”
“Otay, Ms. Mary Beth!”
John reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.
“Sorry, I just have to take this quick. It’s work.”
Abby smiled and waved him away. John was still on leave, although Abby had tried arguing that he might be better off switching to the day shift and just working in Bell Ridge. He wouldn’t hear of it.
She rolled up the last table covering and tied up the trash. John walked back into the room with a scowl on his face. It had been there on and off all day, but she hadn’t wanted to press the issue until they were alone.
“Alright, we’re the last two people here. Are you ready to tell me what’s wrong?” Abby asked as John pulled the full trash bag from the garbage can.
“Nothing. I just want to make sure you’re feeling okay. And I’m ready to get our weekend started.”
“Don’t give me that. Did I ask you to do too much for this? I just wanted it to be perfect for my first year. I’m really sorry if I overstepped or signed you up to do more than you wanted to.”
His head whipped up, and he dropped the garbage bag in the doorway, striding towards her. His hand slid onto her face, cupping her cheek before he leaned in for a kiss.
“You did absolutely nothing wrong. It was perfect and I’m glad the kids had such a great time. I’m glad I was here to help. I love you, Abby. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I love you, too. But something is bothering you, and I want to know what it is.” When his mouth stayed shut, she sighed. “If you don’t tell me, I’m just going to worry until I spiral and cry. I think I’m PMS-ing, and this is only going to make my emotions worse.”
John’s eyes went to Katy, who was busy playing with a wooden puzzle in the reading corner.
“Oh. Is it about the call? Did Hank tell you something? Is it bad?”
He lowered his voice to a whisper.
“No. There’s still no update on that. I didn’t want to say anything, but one of the moms was inappropriate with me. I handled it, but I don’t think she took it well.”
Abby’s heart sped up. “Who? Inappropriate, how?”
“Laura.”
“What did she say to you?” Abby picked up more plates to keep her hands busy.
“She said my job must be stressful, and that she could help relieve that stress.”
“What the hell?”
“I told her immediately that she was out of line and that I’m not single. I made it clear, we’re together, and I’m not interested in her.”
Oh, she was pissed. How dare Laura insult her and then corner John, trying to put him in an uncomfortable situation? What if someone had overheard their conversation?
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Are you? She shouldn’t have put you in that position. I mean, we haven’t been overly public about our relationship, but before she went in to ask about the play date, she gave me a big speech about making sure I was being appropriate with you here. I weirdly want to claw her eyes out.”
John pulled her into his chest. “Love that you’re possessive over me, baby. But I set her straight right away. I’m with you. I love you. You’re the only woman I want. And if you are at all uncomfortable with it, we can just say Katy isn’t free this weekend.”
“No. That’s not fair to Katy or Honey. Laura made it a big thing in front of both girls that they’d be seeing each other on Sunday before she left. We might as well just do it and get it over with.”
“Why do I have a feeling we are going to regret this?”
Abby shrugged. “Probably because we will. But at least the girls will have a good time.”