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She paused, closing her eyes and letting her head fall back against the chair.

Then she gave the screen a wide, fake customer-service smile. “Absolutely. Take all the time you need to locate it.”

She hit the mute button on her headset cord with a swift flick of her thumb.

“Lakelyn, make me some coffee before I commit a federal crime through this monitor.”

I stared at her as I walked past to grab Kaidence’s lunch box. “You have two perfectly good legs and working hands.”

“I am currently generating revenue,” she shot back, not missing a beat. “You’re just standing there looking pretty.”

“I am getting my child to school.”

Willow glanced over at Kaidence, her sharp expression instantly melting. “Look at my handsome nephew in his little uniform! You going to your new school today, Kaidence?”

Kaidence nodded proudly. “Yup.”

“Aww.” She reached over and straightened the front of his collar. “You ready?”

“Yeah.”

“You nervous at all?”

“Nope.”

“Good. That’s what I like to hear. And remember, if somebody messes with you on that playground, you tell your teacher.”

“I know.”

“And if the teacher doesn’t do anything about it, you tell me, and I’ll come up there and—”

“Willow.” I gave her a warning look.

She blinked at me with wide, innocent eyes. “What?”

“Do not finish that sentence in front of my child.”

She turned back to her laptop, typing rapidly. “I was about to say I’d schedule a professional meeting with the principal. You always assume the worst of my character.”

“Because I know your character.”

Kaidence giggled into his hand.

The swinging door from the lower hallway opened, and Granny shuffled into the kitchen, her soft floral robe tied neatly around her waist and her reading glasses hanging from a chain around her neck.

“Morning, my babies,” she greeted us, her voice smooth and raspy in that comforting, familiar way.

“Morning, Granny!” Kaidence ran straight to her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Granny smoothed her hand over his fresh haircut and kissed the top of his forehead. “Look at you, all handsome and ready for the world. You have a wonderful first day. And keep your hands to yourself, don’t be running in the hallways, and don’t be talking when it ain’t your turn.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Willow slowly lifted her head from her screen, giving Granny a flat stare. “Now why did your eyes drift directly toward my side of the counter when you said that last part?”

I burst out laughing.

Granny didn’t even blink. “I didn’t call no names, child. If the shoe fits, wear it.”