I get off the bed and grab my shoes from beside the dresser. One last look in the mirror to make sure the wetness in my eyes didn’t ruin my mascara and I’m ready for the day.
When I get to the kitchen, Lexi is staring at something on the table. “What is it?”
“He’s a keeper, Mom.” She points at the soft pink lunchbox sitting in the middle of the table.
There’s a note attached to the box, and I pick it up to read it.
Have a great day at work. I’ll see you when I get home.
There’s that word again…home. It’s wild how much he feels like home even though it hasn’t been long since we’ve reconnected. A girl could get used to this.
Only ten more minutes until I get to leave work for the day. Alexandra texted me earlier saying she’s getting a ride home from Joan. That is a weight off my shoulders. At least, for today. I should probably find out what time the bus runs down our road. I don’t want to rely on other people to get her home all the time. I feel bad.
It’s the one thing I miss about living in our old neighborhood. Lexi was able to walk to and from school. At least it looks like we already have a community here to help out when needed. The perks of living in a small town where everyone knows you.
I begin the process of shutting everything down and clear off my desk. It doesn’t take long because there’s nothing of my own on it. My bright pink water cup is the only spot of color. Maybe I should ask if I can bring a couple of pictures to put on here. Something to make it my own space.
There are a few things I need to take care of first thing in the morning, and I put those sticky notes on my monitor so I don’t forget. This is probably the most organized space in my life, and it brings me peace knowing I won’t be a mess when I come in tomorrow.
Mrs. Hernandez comes out of her office and glances over my desk. “You can head out now. It’s a good idea to take advantage of the early days while you can. There will be a couple of weeks in the coming months where I’ll need you here later.”
“Oh, okay.” I’m not sure why I’d need to be here later than that.
“It won’t be a lot of extra work. Just making sure people have everything they need for their taxes. We’ll get a rush of people coming in at the last possible second to get their taxes done for the year.”
“That makes sense. People love to procrastinate.”
“Unfortunately. They know it happens at the same time every year, but they are shocked when the deadline approaches. But that’s why they come to me. They know I’ll get them done and help them out as much as I can.”
I love that I have a boss who is confident in their work. Plus, she’s not constantly watching over my shoulder and trusts me to do my job.
“That is something I can understand. My daughter is the queen of procrastination.” I grab my purse out of the bottom drawer of my desk and sling it over my shoulder. “Have a great night.”
“You too.”
My steps are quick as I leave the office and head to my car. I barely have it turned on before my phone rings through my speakers.
I hit answer on my steering wheel as I put my purse in the passenger seat and secure my seatbelt.
“Hey Miles.”
“How’s the job going? I trust Mrs. Hernandez is treating you well.” The wind is loud in the receiver and I wish he’d call me when he’s done with all his responsibilities.
“It’s good. The work is fairly easy and she’s sweet.”
“That’s good.” He grunts as he does something and I’m too afraid to ask what he’s doing. “How are things going at Peter’s? Any word from the plumber?”
Crap. Do I tell him about me and Peter now? I’m not going to tell him we had sex obviously, but does he need to know we’re seeing each other? Probably. I mean he knew every detail about my marriage, there’s no reason not to tell him.
“No word from the plumber. Though, I’m sure he’ll call Peter.” I take a deep breath and let the next words rush out of my mouth. “Peter and I are dating.”
The line is quiet for a while. I know he didn’t disconnect because I can hear ranch sounds. “It’s about time.”
Wait, what? He knew about the crush when we were kids, but I didn’t expect him to be excited about this new label.
“You’re not mad?”
“Why would I be? Two of my favorite people finding happiness. It’s the best thing I could hope for. But I will break his hands if he hurts you.”
