14. Chapter 14
Frank
This morning Edie met my eyes. She even smiled at me.
Watching her and Evie tackle the breakfast rush impressed the hell out of me. Those girls worked in sync, and it reminded me of a dance. Head motions, one word spoken, and looks between them was all they used.
I leaned back against the wall and felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. Pulling it out, I smiled at seeing the message from Romeo.
Hey brother, how’s it goin?
Got a job, found a house, and got a thing for a single mom
Outstanding
Now I’m fucked
Why’s that?
Are you kidding? Mom’s all over the fact that you have a woman
She ain’t mine yet
But I’m working on changing that
Besides it’s not like I planned to come here and fall for someone
The best relationships never are
How is Edith?
She’s fucking amazing
And I like the kid too
So what’s the story there?
Pregnant right after graduation, he cheated on her and bailed
What an ass
Yep
He’s not allowed in the pub or the diner.
That’s a good thing.
I just need her to give me a fair shot.
You know? If she would trust me
Trust comes with time, brother
Dammit. He’s right.
Edith came over and handed me a Styrofoam cup. “This is about the time you dip out. Here’s a coffee to go.”
“Edie? Are you being nice to me?” I smiled at her, loving how her cheeks turned red.
She shook her head and sighed. “Don’t push your luck, Francis.”
Scratching my beard, I put my phone away and reached for her hand. “I’m looking forward to Friday.”
Her lips pressed together in a line, and I noticed she bit her bottom lip before nodding. “I might be too.”
I lifted her hand to my lips and pressed a kiss to it. “Have a good day, Edie.”
“Get the fuck outta here.” She pulled her hand back, chuckling. “You too.”
Laughing, I left the diner and made my way to the school. I couldn’t take two steps without someone wanting a high five or a fist bump.
And I loved it.
My dad used to volunteer with the boy scouts and did all the father/son events.
I wanted that.
Making my way back to my office, I opened the door and flipped on the light, noticing a red envelope on the floor.
It had my name on it printed by a child. Opening it up, I found a heart-shaped invitation for dinner and dancing with a very special lady . There’s an address, a time, and a date.
No other information and I smiled like a fool because I had a pretty good feeling I knew where this invite came from.
Setting it aside, I got ready for my first class. I knew when they arrived from the pounding feet and whoops. Mrs. Forrester stepped into my doorway and shook her head.
“You’re up, Doc.” She laughed. “They are wound for sound today.”
“I hear that.” I laughed and stepped out of my office, blowing my whistle.
All twenty-two kids lined up and became quiet.
“You suck.” She muttered with a laugh as she left.
I can’t help that I got the students trained. They know when I blow the whistle, it’s time to line up and get to work.
First, we do some relays to get warmed up. Then I give them the rack of basketballs and let them have some fun on their own. Some kids gathered and play PIG, others shot hoops, and I saw Matt walking over to me.
“How’s your day, Doc?”
“Just starting. How’s yours?”
“Oh, not too bad.” He smiled up at me. “I was wondering. What do you think are good qualities for a wife?”
Turning my head slowly, I looked down at him, trying to stay serious.
This kid was more persistent than Miss Cora.
“Well, she’d have to be a good cook, like kids, have a good sense of humor.”
He nodded. “Good, good.”
“What makes you ask?”
His shoulders lifted in a shrug. “Oh, doing some research for later in life.”
Julie and Anna walked over. “What are you doing, Mattie?”
“Talkin’ with Doc about man stuff.”
“Like what?” Anna bounced the basketball.
“Do you guys ever want to get married?”
Julie tipped her head. “Well, not like now, but when I’m older.”
Anna nodded, and she accented her words with her hands. “Yeah. I want a big wedding, with a huge gown, cake, and family. Like a princess would have.” She looked at me. “What about you, Doc?”
Madi joined us. “Do you want to get married?”
“Someday.”
As I monitored the gym, I saw Tyler give Matt a thumbs up.
“So Doc?” Matt tried for subtle, failing miserably. “You got any big plans this weekend?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. I received a special invitation to dinner Saturday.”
“And you’re going for sure?” Matt asked and all the kids standing near us nodded.
“Call me intrigued.” I gave him the assurance he needed. “I’m happy to meet a very special lady.”
“We gotta go, Doc.” The girls grabbed Matt, and I heard them all giggling over the noise of the other kids and bouncing balls.
The rest of my work day sped by and I went to look at furniture since I had time before the closing of my house.
In my head, I knew I wanted one with a huge backyard, garage, and kitchen. There was one local real estate company in the area. The young woman I worked with showed me places that fit my wants and didn’t try to upsell me.
I looked around and when I didn’t see anyone near, I bounced up and flopped on the sectional I was looking at. Slight bounce, cozy back, didn’t hurt my head when I used an armrest to prop it up.
“Finding what you need?” A friendly voice asked from behind me.
“So far, so good.” I sat up and looked back at the sales associate. “I’m getting a house and don’t have much to put in it.”
“Well, you came to the right place.” She smiled as I stood up.
“I’ll take this set. Tables and all.”
“Let’s go get the paperwork started.” She motioned for me to follow her.
I glanced at my watch and after I got this taken care of, I could jet over to the title place and then get my stuff packed up at Miss Cora’s.
“It’s a lovely set. It’s perfect for a family.” She slowed down to let me catch up, and my eyes fell on a dining table with three leaves and it was solid wood.
Big E told me one time when he was a kid, his mom, and gramma broke a table in half, fighting over the last spoon when playing Spoons.
“Can I try something?” I thumbed to the table.
“Sure.” Her eyes twinkled at the prospect of a bigger sale.
I flashed her my best smile and climbed up onto the table, bouncing. “Seems pretty sturdy.”
The bright look in her eyes changed to horror as I jumped up and down a few times before hopping down.
“Can’t have something that wouldn’t hold up to what we’ll do to it.” I nodded. “Add the table and chairs.”
She blinked a few times, then continued over to the counter.
Games, dinner …
Or a midnight fuck when the kid’s not home.
That stopped me in my tracks.
I’m already thinking of this as our place. Am I in love with her? With her kid?
I already knew the answer.
Fuck yeah.
When my alarm went off I almost bounced out of bed. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.
After school, I would go home. To my home. And my furniture will arrive shortly after I do.
I hopped in the shower, cleaned up, and got ready for work. As I walked into the kitchen with my duffle, Miss Cora was at the kitchen table working on a crossword drinking coffee.
She glanced up and had a sad look on her face. “Good morning, Francis.”
“Morning, Miss Cora.” I cringed. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, pish.” She chuckled. “I am, it was nice having you here.”
“Well, Andrew comes around a lot.” I smiled. “So, you’re not completely alone.”
She clicked her tongue at me. “But you have a connection to my Wally.”
“Ah.” I finally understood. “He’s planning to come home for the holidays, but I’m not supposed to tell you that.”
“You’re a good boy, Francis.” She reached out and patted my hand. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did.” I helped myself to a cup of coffee and sat with her for a few minutes. “Signed all the papers, got some furniture and now all that’s left is family.”
“How nice!” Her eyes twinkle. “Now maybe Wallace will come home. And stay.”
Chuckling, I shook my head.
“How is the job going?” She set her pen down.
“Really well. Working with kids is a change from the Corp and I like it.”
“Kids are such a joy.” She sighed. “So is being a grandma. I know it’s not very Christian, but sometimes?” She lowered her voice and leaned in. “I am so jealous of Irene.”
“Really? Why’s that?”
She tilted her head and gave me that mom look. “Come now, Francis, don’t play coy with me.”
“Matthew?”
She smiled and nodded. “He came over last summer and cleaned up all the sticks in my yard after a storm. Wouldn’t even take payment. He said having lemonade with me was payment enough.”
“That sounds like Matthew.” I smiled. “Edith hasn’t told me about him yet.”
“She will. When she feels safe.” She reached out and patted my hand again. “It was such a shame what Greg did to her. But that part is better if she tells you. Just know Edith is a wonderful mom and stepped up.”
“That much is obvious. Matt is a really good kid. Polite. Smart.” I felt the smile on my face, and I knew it was full of pride. If Edie would let me, I would love to step up and be his dad.
Damn, Frank, moving fast there.
Draining my cup, I rinsed it and put it in the dishwasher and kissed Miss Cora on the head. “I am off to work. You have a wonderful day, ma’am.”
“So sweet.” She gushed. “You too, Francis. And don’t be a stranger.”
Heading out to school on my bike, I realized I needed to get a car. Can’t cart a family around on a motorcycle. Today after school I’ll go find something, with lots of room, so we can make out.
Shit. Edie would need to be in a dress for what I want to do to her.
I could put a bug in Evelyn’s ear.
Pulling into the school, I parked and made my way to my desk. I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Evie.
Need a favor
Who dis?
Evie!
Haha, okay, Frank.
What’s up?
Any chance you could help Edie prepare for Friday night?
Prepare how?
Could you get her to wear a dress?
You plannin’ on seducin’ my sister?
Yes.
And I’m taking her out to a nice dinner.
What’s my help and silence worth to you?
I threw my head back in laughter.
What do you want?
Honestly? I don’t know
People usually tell me to fuck off.
I owe you one.
How’s that?
Deal
I can’t wait for the weekend.