“That’s great. Now, Jack, why don’t you take a little break while I talk to your parents?”
“Okay!” Jack went into the other room with his juice and his coloring book, and Anita turned to Theo and Nina.
“How would you describe your parenting style?” she asked. This time, Nina answered.
“We try to provide a supportive framework for Jack to make good decisions,” she explained. “That means helping him in tough situations and being understanding and educational rather than blaming or upset. If he spills something or makes a mess, instead of scolding or imposing a punishment, we help him clean up and come up with a strategy to avoid repeating the same problem.”
Theo couldn’t help being impressed. Of course, it made sense that Nina had a parenting strategy, but it was interesting to hear her speak about it, and it helped him understand how she was with Jack.
“Theo,” Anita continued, “what’s it like adjusting to be a stepdad?”
“I’m not going to lie,” Theo said. “It was hard at first. I wasn’t used to being around kids, so it took some getting used to for everyone. But like I said before, Jack is a great kid, and Nina is a great mom. The two of them were so kind to welcome me into their family, and I think I’m getting the hang of things now.”
“Definitely.” Nina smiled at him, and for a split second, Theo’s heart warmed — before he remembered that this was all fake.
Anita nodded and continued the interview. After a while, she called Jack in and let Nina and Theo into the living room. Nina paced for a while before Theo called her to sit on the couch with him.
“There’s no need to be stressed.”
“Yes, there is,” Nina said softly. “What if Jack says the wrong thing? This is a huge chance for us, but especially for him.”
“It’ll be fine,” Theo reassured her. “I think the school mostly wants to know that we’re a good family.”
“But we aren’t even a family!” Nina whispered. Theo smiled at her.
“Try not to worry.”
“Right.” Nina rolled her eyes. “Like telling someone not to worry ever helps them not worry.”
Theo chuckled, and Nina managed a smile.
A few minutes later, Anita called them in and thanked them for their time.
“It’s a little unusual for a student to join after the beginning of term, but I really enjoyed getting to know Jack and the two of you. I’ll get back to you with an admission decision in a few days.”
“Thank you so much,” Theo said. “And if you have any follow-ups, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
“Of course.” They brought Anita to the door and said their goodbyes. Once she was gone, Nina turned to Theo.
“Thank goodness you were here. You’re so good at schmoozing.”
Theo chuckled. “I call it being friendly, but thanks.”
“I was just so nervous.” Nina smoothed her hands against the slacks she’d worn for the interview. “I kept thinking I was going to say the wrong thing and ruin everything.”
“But you didn’t,” Theo said. “You did great. Now, all we have to do is wait.”
“Easier said than done,” Nina muttered.
“Even if he doesn’t get into the school, I can still find a way to reach Charles Ackley,” Theo said. He wasn’t sure what that way would be, but he would cross that bridge if he came to it. “He’s a bright kid, though, and we said all the right things, so I’m not worried.”
“Maybe you can still get your deal without Holyoke Academy, but it’s important to me that Jack has a good education.” Nina sighed. “But you’re right. There’s no point worrying.”
Jack came running into the hallway. “Miss Anita’s gone, huh?” he said. “I liked her.”
“What did you guys talk about?” Theo asked.
“Mostly superheroes,” Jack said importantly. “And she asked me some logic questions and about my friends and what I like to do.”
