“I’m Hank.”
Her lips twitched as they shook hands. “Gemma. Nice to meet you.”
In the distance, she heard a woman’s voice call out to him. Hank sighed. “Looks like my wife needs some help. Is there anything else you need?”
She assured him she didn’t and waved goodbye to Hank and Ivy, her spirits much improved.
* * *
An hour later, she got a text from Tim.
Tim:Hey, Gemma-rella. How did the big appointment go?
Gemma:So-so.
Tim:That sounds ominous.
Gemma:It’s a torn labrum.
Tim:*Sad face emoji* I’m so sorry. How are you doing?
Gemma: I was upset earlier, but I’m a little more settled now.
Tim: Anything I can do to help or make you feel better?
Gemma: Seeing you would help. Would you mind if we met up later?
Tim:How about now?
Gemma: I thought you had a teacher’s meeting and a special baseball camp.
Tim: We just finished the meeting. Camp doesn’t start until five. You could even stay and watch tonight if you were serious about wanting to see what practices with the team look like. We can go out for a late dinner after.
Gemma: I’d like that.
Tim: Where are you now? I can come pick you up.
Gemma: Norma’s in downtown.
Tim: I’ll be there in five.
Gemma: Do you want a coffee as your reward?
Tim: Please and thank you.
Gemma: An almond milk caramel macchiato with an extra espresso shot?
Tim: *Thumbs up emoji*
Gemma: I’ll see you soon.
* * *
“The grand tour of the elementary school grounds concludes with the pièce de résistance: the playground, basketball courts, and baseball field.” Tim gestured to the open grassy area.
“It’s so different to see it during the daytime. Are all American elementary schools so big?”
“By this school district’s standards, Sequoia Valley Elementary is small. It’s one of the reasons they’ve decided to move the sixth graders to the new middle school next year.” He sighed. “We got the confirmation at the meeting today.”
