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Sophie

OfcourseDrewis here. I thought it would be nice to have a night out and get my mind off of him, but there he sits looking so freaking handsome I can’t stop glancing over my shoulder at him. I came out tonight with three of the other ladies who teach at Heartland Academy. But a huge part of me wishes I was on the other side of the restaurant, sitting next to Drew instead.

Every exchange we’ve had this week has felt charged with electricity. Watching him walk through the door every evening, the girls running to him for hugs—yes, even little Samantha. He scoops her up for a hug everyday along with Penny like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Samantha adores him. Ever since he rocked her to sleep after Penny’s birthday party, she’s been obsessed with the man.

And I can’t even blame her. Is it weird that I’m jealous my three-year-old gets a hug from Drew every day and I don’t? Probably.

I’ve also really wanted to ask him how Emily is doing, but that feels private. I just can’t get the picture of her tear-stained face out of my head. What was wrong? Why was she so upset about Penny’s first day of school? It seems like such an emotional reaction to have for a niece, but who am I to judge someone’s emotional state?

Maybe since Penny never had a relationship with her mom (that I know of), Emily and she grew really close. Perhaps Emily even feels like she’s her mother.

Either way, my heart hurt for her. I can’t even imagine how emotional I’ll be when Samantha has her first day of school someday.

I glance at Drew’s broad shoulders across the brewery once more. His friends meet my gaze and eye me curiously. I wonder if he’s talked to them about me? They most likely know my father, too. If they work with Drew, they must work with my dad.

“Does this place have wine? Beer is disgusting. And I really need a drink after dealing with these moody fourth graders all week,” Mallory jokes. She looks sweet and angelic with her blonde hair and honey-brown eyes, but she’s tough and demands respect from her students.

Josie nods in agreement, making her brown curls bobble around her face. “Ugh, right? The fifth graders aren’t any better. The first week is a big adjustment for everyone though; next week will be less dramatic.”

Sadie chuckles. “I don’t know what you two are talking about. My pre-kindergarteners are sweet little angels.” She takes a sip of her Coke. Her blue eyes meet mine over the glass. “So, Sophie … who’s Mr. Muscles?”

My shoulders tense, but I try to keep my facial expression neutral. “What are you talking about?”

Josie and Mallory lean in with interest.

“That guy you keep staring at, the one you went to talk to earlier. Don’t play dumb.” Sadie winks.

I can feel my cheeks flush. “Oh, that’s Drew. I babysit his daughter. She’s in first grade at Heartland, actually.” I say in a nonchalant tone, but by the twinkle in their eyes, I know I’m not fooling them.

Sadie’s eyes widen. “Oh! You live in his basement, right?”

“You live with him?” Mallory whisper-yells.

“No, no. He converted his basement into an apartment. I rent the apartment from him.”

Josie glances over at Drew and his friends. “Who are his handsome friends? You should introduce us.” She waggles her eyebrows.

I smirk. “Sorry, I don’t know his friends.”

“Darn.” She pauses. “Don’t look now, but Mr. Muscles is looking at you, and oh my gosh, his face is even better than his shoulders.”

The girls burst into giggles. “Could you guys at least try to play it cool?” I bury my face in my hands.

“He’s definitely into you. Why don’t you ask him out?” Mallory asks.

The waitress brings our appetizer and places it on the table. We thank her and dig into the wings.

“Don’t think these wings will get you out of answering my question.” Mallory winks at me.

I shrug my shoulders. “Besides the fact I’m not sure if I’m even ready to date again? He’s really good friends with my dad and he’s technically my boss. That could get awkward.”

“Well, I understand the not being ready to date thing, but so what if he’s friends with your dad? Isn’t that a good thing?” Mallory asks.

Josie takes a sip of her wine and nods. “Yeah, my dad always hates all the guys I date.”

Sadie taps her glass against Josie’s. “Same, girl.”

“No, you don’t understand. They work together, and Dad took a liking to Drew and basically adopted him into our family. Drew lost his parents years ago, so they come to all of our family holidays. Plus, he’s gone out with this really great girl a few times. I'm not sure if he’s still seeing her.”