I smiled when she whispered and spelled out the wordbitch.
“Besides, it would be a great place for you to meet some people.”
One part of me wanted to decline, but the other part—the one that was never allowed to meet new people—craved friendship. “Thank you, I’d love to join y’all.”
“Great! I didn’t want to ask you in front of Aiden and put you on the spot. I think it’s going to be important for you to have time for yourself. When Aiden told me you watched Hadley on Sunday afternoon while he went out, I wanted to slap that boy. It was your first day!”
“I didn’t mind at all. It gave me and Hadley a chance to get to know each other better.”
“I’m glad, but don’t let Aiden take advantage of it. You need your personal time as well. We have a lot of very handsome men here in Estes Park.”
I laughed. “The last thing I’m looking for is a man.”
The way she smiled and looked me over made me squirm in my seat. It was as if she was sizing me up. Good Lord. I hope she wasn’t the type of woman who’d try to set me up on blind dates.
She finally pulled her gaze away and stood. “I’ll text you the information on next week’s meeting. You should probably attend church at least once before joining the group.”
I stood and followed her to the door. “Sounds good. Um, Patty…may I ask you something before you leave?”
“Yes, of course, you can ask me anything. I know everyone in this town and the best places to go to get any kind of deal.”
Laughing, I shook my head. “No, this has to do with Aiden.”
Her brow lifted. “Really? Go on.”
Did her eyes just light up with anticipation? No. No, that’s silly, Emma. Don’t even go there.
“I met Tammy for coffee this morning, and she was mentioning how Hadley didn’t have anyone to attend Muffins with Mom, or a parent more present in the classroom to help with volunteer-type things. She suggested I volunteer at the school. I’m assuming you’d join her for the muffins thing, but I wasn’t sure about volunteering.”
Her head tilted and she studied me again.
Crap. I’m stepping on her toes. Fudge!
Clearing my throat, I decided it was best to keep going. “I just wasn’t sure what level of involvement would be appropriate. Like I said, I assumed you’d go to Muffins with Mom. At least, I think it would be more appropriate ifyouwent and not her nanny. But I’m not sure how Aiden would feel about me getting involved with the school as a volunteer, since he’s not used to having a nanny yet. Do you think that’s something he’d be open to? Should I speak with him about it? Or maybe I should just tell Tammy that isn’t my place. Yes, I think that’s what I’ll do,” I said, speaking way too fast.
Patty reached for my hand and squeezed it. “Emma, no matterwhatthe event might be, Hadley isn’t going to have her mother there like most of the other kids. Personally, I think the more you can ease that pain for her, the better. Speak to Aidenabout it and be open with him like you were me. As for Muffins with Mom, I’ve got it on my calendar already. I’ll be there.”
I sighed in relief. “Oh, wonderful!”
“Anything else you want to ask me?”
Shaking my head, I grinned. “Not that I can think of. Enjoy your evening.”
With one more light squeeze, she dropped my hand and made her way back over to Aiden’s house. I shut the door and leaned against it, letting out a deep breath.
My mind thought back to a few minutes ago, how happy Hadley had been, and how both she and Aiden seemed excited about the pizzas. I’d wanted to stay and watch them together, but it was important for them to be alone and for me to remember my place. I was not a family member; I was the hired help.
Pushing off the door, I made my way into the kitchen and pulled out the items I needed to make a ham and cheese sandwich, along with a salad.
Tomorrow morning, I’d talk to Aiden about volunteering at the school.
* * *
Holding the sieve over the bread, I said, “Okay, Hadley, tap the sides to get the powdered sugar out.”
She did just that and giggled as the sugar fell like snow. When she told me she hadn’t had French toast since her mommy got sick, I knew we had to make some.
“What’s your secret ingredient?” Hadley asked as I poured some syrup over the French toast.
