Kalliopi groaned.“Is that another FUC acronym I have to memorize?”
“I’m sure you’ve heard of this one: little black dress.”
“Yes, that one I’ve heard of, for sure.”
“Good, because we are finding you a sexy one.”
Kallie rolled her eyes.“Is this worth it?I mean, seriously, it’s not like this is going to go anywhere.He lives 10,000 kilometers away from me.”
“Girl, you know I love you, but you drive me crazy.Why do you have to break up with the guy before you’d even had a first date?”
“It’s easier this way because then I won’t get hurt.”
“Things have a way of working out, especially if the two of you are meant to be.”
“Not everyone can be like Amira and Richard, Treasure.I don’t think I could live six months here and six months there.”
“Who says that the two of you would do that?Either of you could choose to retire at any time.”
“Hey!I’m not an old biddy, you know!I still have more than a few exceptional years in me!”
“Says the girl who told me she dreamed of getting her own art studio and finally having time to explore her creativity.”
“You know I said that in a time of frustration.”Kallie tried to deny the silly dream she’d once spoken aloud.
They stepped into another store, and Treasure immediately began browsing the racks.Kalliopi followed, pushing some hangers around on the rack but not really paying attention to what she was looking at.There was a time in her life when she’d felt like a different person.One who could find joy in something like art.But she’d had to pick her battles, and the nameless ex had enough problems with her being a hardened military-type.She couldn’t defend thatanda “frivolous” hobby, too.So she’d stopped making art.
“I really thought I was in love,” she said with a sigh, letting Treasure know where her mind had wandered.“But I have to admit I think you’ve been right when you’ve told me, if he really loved me, he would have loved all of me.He wouldn’t have wanted to change me.He would have wanted to raise me up for the better.Allparts of me.”
“I’m glad you finally get that, girl.”
4
“We really could have flown commercial.”Kallie balked, stepping out of Treasure’s car and looking at the massive royal jet.“This is nuts, Treasure!”
“It’s a long flight,” Treasure reasoned, joining Kallie on the tarmac.“You may as well be comfortable, plus, this way, you won’t need to worry about corralling your troops in the airport terminal on either side of the ocean.You’ll step off the plane in BC and the bus will be right there waiting to take you all to FUCN’A.Easy-peasy, right?”
“Why do I get the feeling that you did this so I wouldn’t complain about the kids being a pain when I got home?”
“Yeah, okay, I kinda did it for that.But Stan also thought this would make things easier.You’ve got fifteen kids to keep track of, and that’s?—”
“A lot for even an experienced teacher, let alone someone who’s personal and professional life has been pretty far removed from dealing with fledglings.”
“At least you’re not alone.”Treasure gave Kalliopi a small smile.“I added three staff to help you on the plane with serving drinks, snacks, and meals.I get how rambunctious clutches can be.The staff will also assist you with the headcount when you load onto the bus, since Stan won’t be there to greet you on the tarmac.”Kalliopi watched as Treasure’s hand landed on her growing stomach.
“You take care of my growing niece or nephew in there,” Kalliopi teased.“Remind her or him that Aunty Kalliopi is going to spoil them rotten when they finally arrive.”
“You won’t be the only one!”Treasure chuckled.“Teo being the top of the list.He’s already going overboard decorating and reading every baby book he can find.”
“Yeah, well, try not to be too jealous thinking of me up in the sky enjoying the fully stocked bar.I know your family keeps the good stuff on hand, and lord knows I’ll need at least one stiff drink if I have to listen to constant gossipy chatter for the entire flight.”The women chuckled.
“You got the roster?”Treasure asked.
Kalliopi waved her phone.“It’s all pulled up and ready to go.Not a single fledgling will be unaccounted for.Guess there’s nothing left to do but board the plane.”
“Don’t worry, you’ve got this, Kallie.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Treas, but I’m not worried about the mission.”
