Perfect for a single woman.
Even though I’m far from my California roots, I love it here. I’ve created my own life.
I have friends that I can call whenever I need them. A good job. A community. Sure, I might be lacking in other areas, but I’m grateful for what I have.
“How about drinks next week after meet-the-teacher night?” Rina asks, checking her watch. “Ugh. I don’t want to go inside. I wish we could teach outside today.”
“Why don’t you?”
I’ve done it before on good days. It’s always nice for a change to get the kids doing something different.
“Math time.”
“Say no more.”
Checking the time on my own watch, I have to admit that recess is over. The teacher on the opposite side of the playground blows their whistle, and the students start scurrying to line up—haphazard at best.
“Next week?” Rina asks. “No backing out.”
“Hey!” I’m indignant. “I don’t back out nearly as much as you.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She rolls her eyes at me. With two young kids, it’s understandable.
Counting off my students, I note they’re all here and lead the group inside.
“Are we going to read again?” Vermilion asks as I unlock the door and hold it open.
“We’re going to read out loud as a class. Do you want to start us off?” I ask her.
Her face beams with pride. “Okay!”
It’s quite the change from earlier. Even just a few minutes of practice has helped shift her mood. And hopefully reading out loud will help her gain more confidence in reading.
Teaching might not be the most glamorous job in the world, but I love it. For students like Vermilion. My life might not be what I imagined for myself when I graduated and moved here, but it is what it is.
Even if there’s something missing—someone,really—I’m happy.
And that’s all that matters.
Chapter Two
MARCUS
“Dad, will you play chess with me?”
“In a minute, sweetheart. Why don’t you ask Sam to play with you until then?”
My words are met with a long-suffering sigh from Sadie. “Because Sam doesn’t like chess.”
“Chess is boring!” The words are shouted from the back playroom. “Why can’t we ever do what I want to do?”
Standing in the kitchen of the open floor plan, I brace myself for what is going to follow. Sending the girls to play together while I tried to get their backpacks ready for school tomorrow didn’t last long.
Stomps are followed by Sadie’s twin barreling into the kitchen with an attitude that could match an NHL player’s.
“We always do what you want to do!” Sadie fires back. “I don’t want to play dress-up. I want to play chess!”
“But—” Sam starts. I quickly step between the girls so a fight doesn’t break out.
