“It was a wellness retreat,” I explain and Lexi’s head whips to me. I turn to look at her, knowing she just put two and two together. “I don’t want to talk about it,” I say and now Zoey’s interest is piqued. “It’s nothing and it’s just fun.” Even saying the words I feel like I’m going to be sick. It’s starting to be more than nothing. It’s starting to be a relationship, and it’s starting to scare the shit out of me. I know I should just end it and walk away, but every time I’m about to, he makes me smile or he makes me laugh, and it’s just not the right time.
“I thought about something for you two,” Zoey says to me and Lexi, shifting the conversation. “The kids and I were at the park the other day and it got me thinking.” I look at Lexi when she trails off.
“Is she going to tell us, or are we going to play twenty questions?” I ask her, taking a piece of sushi and putting it into my mouth.
“Why don’t you guys do a community garden?” she suggests. “Like pick one of the shelters that you want to partner with, and you can have it close to them.” I look at Lexi, who looks at me. “It would get everyone out and you can do a garden of veggies. Plant a couple of trees.”
“I think that’s a fantastic idea,” Lexi says.
“What you can do,” Ariella adds, “is make each corner a different theme.”
I point to her. “I like that idea.”
“You can build a children’s section in one corner,” she says, “for all ages. Then you can do a Zen garden in the other corner, not too far, where the mothers or fathers can sit and watch but be relaxed at the same time.”
“That sounds really cool.” I lean back on my hand. “You would need a piece of property, don’t you think?”
“You could ask the city,” Zoey suggests. “I’m sure they have pieces that they don’t really look after, and if it’s part of the community, they might just give it to you.”
“We’ll probably need to sign a contract for sure,” Lexi adds and I smile at her.
“I think we just found our next project.” I sit back up and grab another piece of sushi. “And it’s the perfect time,” I admit. “I need something to sink my teeth into and this,” I point to Zoey, “this is it.” I look at Lexi. “Schedule a Monday meeting with the big boss.” She laughs. “We’ve got some planning to do.”
twenty-nine
Knox
I grab my bag off the bed and head down to the kitchen, hearing forks or spoons hitting the plates. I put the bag at the door with my suit jacket on the top of it before I walk into the kitchen. “Okay, guys, five minutes and we have to go.” I rush around the kids, picking up the empty plates and putting them in the dishwasher quickly. “We are going to be late.” I look at Nora, who gets off her stool, wearing her school uniform of the plaid pleated skirt, blue tights, and white button-down shirt. Her hair is pushed back by the headband she insisted on wearing. “Nora, teeth,” I remind her and she rushes to the downstairs bathroom. “Westley,” I call him and he looks up at me from his second bowl of cereal, “you have two minutes and whatever is left in the bowl is left in the bowl.” He nods his head and then I look over at Vincent, who is filling a glass at the fridge with ice and water. He’s wearing his own uniform of blue slacks and a gray polo. Westley is wearing the same pants but a white polo instead.
We rush out of the house seven minutes later, and I put my bag in the trunk as the kids all climb into the SUV. I start the car with Vincent handing me a notebook. “I have to go over these spelling words.” I look over my shoulder at him.
“The time to do that was last night,” I grumble between clenched teeth.
“I forgot,” he says, and I take a deep inhale and pull out of the driveway.
“You didn’t forget you had hockey practice,” I mumble, looking in the rearview mirror, seeing Westley with his tablet in his hand and earphones on. Nora is bouncing her head to the music coming out of the radio.
When I get to the stop sign, I open the book on the seat and say the first word. He goes through them, only missing one word, which he knows right away is wrong. By the time I pull into a parking spot in front of the school, he has them all right. I get out of the car, opening the back door where Nora sits. She’s unbuckled and standing with her backpack on. I grab her under her arms and pick her up to kiss her. “Have a nice day,” I tell her. “I’ll call you tonight.” I put her down and watch her run into the schoolyard. Westley is the next one out on my side, and I bend to kiss his head. “Be good.”
“Gotcha,” he replies, running to the schoolyard.
I close the door and meet Vincent in the front of the SUV. “I’ll be back for your game Saturday,” I assure him. “Then there is a home game.”
“Okay.” He gives me a side hug before he walks into the schoolyard with his bag on one shoulder. I put my hands in my pockets as I watch them all with their friends, turning and heading back into the SUV.
I pick up my phone and press Kylie’s number. “Hey.” She picks up the phone after two rings and I can’t help but smile.
“Hi, beautiful.” I sit, looking at the kids lining up. “Whatcha doing?”
“I’m getting ready to board Air Force One,” she snarks and I can hear the little laugh in her voice. “You?”
“Just dropped the kids off at school, and I’m on my way to the plane.” I tap the steering wheel. “How long will you be at home?” I ask her.
“About twenty minutes,” she replies. “Why?”
“I’m going to do a drive-by.” I start the car. “I’ll be there in fifteen.”
“That’s crazy,” she says, but she doesn’t tell me no.
