I grab a sandwich from the bottom of the tray to set on my plate, it appears to be egg salad. “I’m a teacher over at Lake Spark Academy, and Oliver works in law. I’ve kind of had my eye on starting a preschool. Teaching middle-school social studies is fun and all, but four- and five-year-olds have a different type of curiosity, with playful ways to discover things.”
Ingrid beams a smile. “That’s wonderful to hear. You’ve always lived in Everhope?”
I nod. “Mostly. I went away for college and then worked at a school in the Chicago suburbs before returning.”
“And I’m the fool who ignored her when we were younger but then noticed her when she returned. The moment I saw her walk into Foxy Rox, I knew I was a goner.” Oliver’s words strike me, partly because it’s not a lie, I can tell, and I love hearing it.
“What will you do in the summer when it’s school vacation?” she asks before she sips her tea.
“I want to run a summer camp perhaps. Preschool in a way but more games. It’s really so parents don’t get stuck without somewhere for their kids to go during the summer while they still work. Oliver is always busy, especially June and July, so it would keep me occupied.” Because clearly, I’ve apparently been planning the logistics with a husband that might divorce me once my name is on that contract.
He rubs my shoulder with one hand. “Hockey season is over, but it’s when we acquire and trade most players.”
“Hockey?” Her ears perk up.
“Yeah, I work for the Spinners.”
Her hands find her heart. “Believe it or not but this old lady loves hockey. That Connor Spears is such a looker,” she gushes.
Oliver chuckles, and a laugh clogs my throat.
“And kids? I know I shouldn’t be asking that since times have changed, but I’m trying to understand the long-term. I’m aware that the sale would mean that my family no longer owns the building, but it would break my parents’ and my late grandparents’ hearts if I sold to a couple that would only end up selling again soon. Even marriages end, but when you are married then you have another wall to break before you can give up.”
Please, Hailey, don’t throw up. It’s completely true, and hearing the obvious brings chaos inside of me.
“Uh, wow, what a question.” Oliver clears his throat. “If it happens then probably two.” He cocks his head to the side. “Three is a better number. We have to get a dog before that, and Hailey has to first mov—ah.” He quickly realizes he was about to say that I need to change my address to his. “Move all of her crafts sitting in the living room to the new preschool. Yep, a lot of crafts.” Before he can say anything else, he picks up his drink.
My face, thankfully, remains poised. “It drives him crazy. Clay, markers, crayons, paints. Did you know there is glitter paper these days?”
Ingrid studies the little cakes before taking her pick. “I have grandchildren, so yes. But business—I’d need to discuss my decision with my family, but we could get paperwork in order and then you would have the building quite soon.” Her attention turns to Oliver, ignoring me. “I would assume you will handle the finances.”
My mouth nearly drops. What time warp am I in? Did I get shipped back a few decades?
Oliver controls his own disbelief and rolls his lips into his mouth to give himself a second. “You know, I do enjoy taking care of Hailey. Anything she needs.”
Ingrid is satisfied with his answer and takes a bite from her little sandwich. “That’s wonderful to hear.”
“But,”I intervene. “That also means that I take care of Oliver, which is all the more reason that the preschool will be a success. He won’t have to worry about me and the stress that entails. I’ll do it all, and he can swoop in with a cape when I need a hand.”
I’m independent and I want her to know that. However, everything that I just said is support that I believe I have. A balance, I guess.
It’s impossible to read Ingrid’s face right now. I’m not sure she even heard me as she seems more occupied with her sandwich.
“That’s what I love about her.”
My head whips in Oliver’s direction, and maybe my eyes turn into the size of baby saucers.Love.Except, he meant it as a figure of speech. Nothing special. No different than someone who loves flowers or the color blue.
Now isn’t the time to remember the number of times over the years that I’ve dreamt of this guy and every possible way hecould say those words I wanted to hear, and touch my skin the only way that would make me come alive.
How is this meeting about a damn building untangling me?
Did the devil just want to pop in and say hello? Because his powers are coming through in the form of Oliver’s fingers under the table feathering my skin, right above my knee. He probably wants to soothe me, but I just tremble.
“As mentioned, I need to discuss with my family and then I’ll be in touch with Molly.”
Taking a deep breath, I pull my concentration forward. “Do you have a timeframe for that?”
“Is there a rush, dear?”
