April didn't have to turn around to know who was speaking. Leslie's voice had that particular edge it always got when she was about to say something catty.
"Hello, Leslie," April said evenly as she turned to face her.
Leslie was in white capri pants and a coral blouse that probably cost more than April made in a week. Her son Regis stood beside her looking miserable, his eyes darting toward Kevin and Shane with something that looked like longing. Despite Regis being and utter brat and a bully, April did feel sorry for the little boy.
"I see you brought yourfriend," Leslie said, her gaze sliding to Shane. "Shane Foti. My, my. I’m surprised to see him with you. But then again, some people move on and up in the world."Her smile was razor-sharp. "And some people lower their standards and date trash."
The words landed like a slap. April felt her face heat, but before she could respond, one of the other mothers—Melissa Chen, whose daughter was in Kevin's class—stepped closer.
"That's uncalled for, Leslie," Melissa said quietly.
Leslie's smile didn't waver. "I'm just saying what everyone's thinking. April runs off to Vegas, comes back with a kid and no husband, and now she's got her hooks in Shane? Please. We all know how this ends."
"Actually," Melissa said, her voice still calm but with steel underneath, "we all know that April is a wonderful mother who runs a successful business with her family. And Shane Foti is a decorated veteran who works for the most respected security company in the state. So maybe keep your opinions to yourself."
Leslie's face went red. She opened her mouth, closed it, then grabbed Regis's arm. "Come on. We're leaving."
As April watched her go, she felt her chest grow warm with gratitude spreading through her chest. "Thank you," she said to Melissa.
Melissa waved it off. "Leslie's been unbearable since her husband started spending more time ‘at work’,” she punctuated the words with air quotes, “than at home. Don't let her get to you." She smiled. "Besides, anyone can see that man is crazy about you."
April glanced over at Shane, still surrounded by grade-schoolers, patiently answering questions about Pete and boats and what it was like to jump out of helicopters. He caught her looking and winked, and yeah. Melissa might have a point.
An hour later, they were standing in the school parking lot watching kids board the bus for the annual end-of-year camping trip. Kevin had his backpack and sleeping bag, and he was practically vibrating with excitement.
But when he got to the bus steps, instead of getting on he turned back and ran over to Shane.
"You're in charge while I'm gone," Kevin said, very seriously. "Take care of my mom."
Shane crouched down, equally serious. "I will. Man to man, you have my word."
Kevin nodded, satisfied. Then he bit his lip. "And Shane? Can you stay with her again? Like, at our house? So she's safe?"
"Kevin—" April started.
"Please?" Kevin looked between them, and April could see the worry in his eyes. The fear that had been there since the day he’d begged Shane to be her bodyguard, the fear that something bad might happen if he wasn't there to watch. "I'll feel better knowing you're not alone, Mom."
April's throat went tight. Shane looked at her, silently asking permission to speak. She nodded.
"If your mom says it's okay," Shane said carefully.
April only barely succeeded in keeping a straight face.
"Okay," she said softly. "Just while you're gone."
Kevin's face split into a grin. He hugged them both—hard, fierce hugs that squeezed April's heart—and then ran for the bus.
They stood there watching as he climbed aboard, claimed a window seat, and waved frantically. April and Shane waved back.
The bus pulled away, and they stood there in a sea of parents until it disappeared around the corner.
April felt a laugh bubble up in her chest. She tried to hold it in. Failed.
"What?" Shane asked, looking at her with amusement.
"If he only knew we were planning on our own sleepover anyway," April said, and then she was laughing for real, the kind of laugh that came from relief and joy and the sheer absurdity of their situation.
Shane started laughing too. His hand found hers and threaded their fingers together. "He probably does know. That kid's a tactical genius."
