He presses his lips together like he’s fighting a smile, and I hear Max snort and I look at him. “You’re such a dork.”
“I’m not a dork,” I deny.
“Babe, you’re a little bit of a dork,” Gareth says, and I tip my head back and find him grinning. “An adorable dork, but still a dork.”
“Now you guys are just ganging up on me.” I fake pout, and they all laugh. “Whatever, you’re all lucky I love you, because if I didn’t, I’d be offended,” I say, and the room suddenly grows still. I feel Gareth’s hand come to rest against my back, and I chance a look at both boys, who are now watching me with expressions I don’t fully understand. Not sure what to do, I smile like I don’t feel the weird energy beating against my skin. “Have a good day at school, guys.” I finish putting on my coat then grab my bag as Gareth opens the door for me to step out before him. When we reach my car, I open the door and bite the inside of my cheek as I reach over, placing my bag on the passenger seat. “Did I just totally mess up in there?”
“No, baby.” He turns me to face him and curves his fingers around one side of my neck. “Their mom tells them she loves them, but she never shows it, and I’m sure you understand that love is just a word without action behind it. They love you. It’s just going to take time for them to trust that you love them too.”
“I’ll prove it to them.”
“I know you will.” He rests his forehead against mine. “You’re doing it every day.” He uses his thumb to tip my chin back then touches his lips to mine. “Have a good day at work.”
“You too, and let me know what July says after she sees Sloth.”
“I’ll send you a text.”
“Okay.” I force myself to let him go and take a seat behind the wheel. Once he closes the door, I roll down the window, and he grins as I tap my finger to my lips.
“Love you, dork.” He bends to kiss me one more time, and I smile as I start the engine and wave goodbye once I’m backed out of the driveway.
After stopping at my place to pick up the supplies I need for the project we’re doing today in class and my outfit for dinner tonight, I reach the school forty minutes later. As I’m parking, I notice a tow truck pull into the lot and stop. Wondering who’s having car trouble, I grab the handle of my bag, get out, and head into the school. I stop at the teachers’ lounge and poke my head inside, seeing a few teachers drinking coffee and chatting.
“Hey, guys. A tow truck just pulled into the teachers’ lot. I don’t know if one of you called them, but they’re here if you did,” I say, and everyone looks to where I’m standing just outside the door. Then Jetson, who’s sitting alone, pushes his chair back and rushes past me, almost knocking me over. I turn to watch him run down the hall and a moment later disappear outside.
“His wife left him a few months ago,” Mrs. Travis says, as I step into the lounge to grab a cup of coffee. “He was cheating on her, and when she found out, she decided to clear out their bank account and freeze everything. I bet his car is getting towed for nonpayment.”
Not feeling comfortable talking about a fellow teacher, even if he is a jerk, I don’t respond, but that doesn’t stop everyone else from continuing to talk about him. After I finish making my coffee, I take it with me to my classroom and sip it while I put my stuff away and get ready for my kids to show up.
When lunchtime rolls around, I grab my Kindle, my cell phone, and a cup of noodle soup from my desk. While I’m waiting to use the microwave in the teachers’ lounge, I read through a group text between my sisters and cousins, confirming that I really did agree to go out with them tomorrow night. As I’m texting them back to let them know I will be there, Gareth texts, but instead of reading it, I just dial his number and wait for him to answer.
“I just sent you a text.”
“I know, but I’m on lunch, so I’m calling instead. So how did the appointment go?”
“Sloth is healthy. He does have an infection between some of the folds on his face, and your sister thinks that, along with the fact that he can hardly see, is what’s making him seem so lethargic,” he explains.
“Did she give you medication for the infection?”
“She did. She also suggested he have surgery to remove some of the excess skin.”
“Surgery? Is it necessary?”
“She thinks so. She says it’s common for his breed to have surgery when they’re young, but he just never did.”
“Did she say when she can get him in for surgery?”
“Babe, it’s close to two grand, and that’s with a serious discount from your sister.”
“Okay. And?”
“And… right now, I don’t have that kind of dough to toss at a surgery that isn’t a necessity.”
I do some quick calculations. I’ve been saving for a new car for a while and have more than enough money saved. I just haven’t had time to go look for a car. “I’ll pay for it.”
“You’re not paying for Sloth to have surgery.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re not.”
“Why not? I have the money, and if it means he will have a better life, then I think it is a necessity.”
“I can’t even get into this with you right now. I need to get him back to my place and get to work,” he says, sounding angry, which is something that seriously annoys me, because I know it’s just his damn ego that won’t let me pay for the surgery.
“Fine, we’ll talk about it tonight.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. You’re not paying for Sloth to have surgery. I’ll work some overtime and take care of it.”
“Do you mean overtime on top of the overtime you’re already working? Because if that’s the case, you might as well just move to the shop, since you spend so much time there anyway.”
“I have to work to provide for my family,” he growls, no longer sounding angry but pissed.
“Yeah, and you know what? I have a job and am offering to help,” I hiss, becoming pissed myself.
“You have an apartment and your own bills to worry about, Ember.”
“Fine! Then I’ll just move in with you. That way you don’t have any more excuses for why I can’t help you out.”
“Give your landlord notice today.”
“I will!” I snap.
“Good,” he snaps back, and then rumbles, “I gotta go.”
“Whatever.” I pull my phone from my ear and press End on the call.
“Ugh, that was the most I’ve ever heard you say, and also the weirdest conversation I have ever heard,” Tasha says, and I feel myself turn ten shades of red as I look up at her. “Was that your boyfriend?”
“Yes.”
“Did you just tell him that you were moving in with him?”
“I think so.” I look at my phone. What the hell just happened?
“Girl, you’ve got balls. Good for you.” She smiles then shakes her head. “I also think you might be a little crazy.”
“He makes me crazy.”
“He’s a man; they do that. I’ve been with my guy for almost ten years, and most days I wake up thankful he’s in my life. But from time to time, I wake up wondering if anyone would suspect me of taking him out if he suddenly disappeared,” she says, moving forward to use the microwave after the person in front of her is finished with it. “How long have you two been together?”
“Probably not long enough to move in together,” I mutter, wondering if he was serious about me moving in with him. I mean, I want to, but I don’t know if he was just saying I should because I said it, or if he really wants me to.
“I hear you. Then again, I met my guy on a Friday and moved in with him on Sunday.”
“Did you really?”
“Yep.” She takes her stuff out of the microwave when it dings then turns to face me. “I know you normally have lunch alone, but you can join us if you’re up to it. I promise we don’t bite.”
“Are you sure? I mean about joining you, not the biting,” I c
larify, and she laughs.
“I’m sure.” She takes her container of food to a table, and I put my soup in the microwave. Once it’s done, I join her and a few other teachers for lunch, and for the first time since I started working here, I spend the hour getting to know my co-workers instead of reading. And surprisingly, I have to say I actually enjoy it.
_______________
When I reach the track field, I head up the bleachers and take a seat then wave at Mitchell when he looks up at where I’m sitting. He lifts his chin and his lips tip up slightly before he focuses on the older gentleman when he stops to talk to him.
I know this is just a mock track meet, but all the kids look like they are taking this seriously, including him. My stomach starts to fill with nervous energy when the guy pats his back and signals for him to go line up with a few other boys. Once all the boys are in position a horn sounds, and Mitchell takes off so fast he looks like a blur as he passes three runners. When he reaches a curve in the track, he passes another, seeming to pick up even more speed. I stand from where I’m sitting on the bleachers and start to jump up and down when he passes the last runner, and I scream, “Go, Mitchell!” as loud as I can when he crosses the finish line in first place. His chest heaves as he accepts high-fives and back pats from his teammates, and then he rests his hands on his hips and looks to where I’m standing. I catch his grin and grin back then look around, noticing none of the other people in the bleachers are standing, so I take a seat.
“Is that your boy?” I look down at a woman sitting two seats below me and feel my heart melt a little, because Mitchell and his brother have become mine.
“Yeah, one of them.”
“He’s fast.”
“He is,” I agree.
She tips her head to the side. “I’ve never seen you here before.”
“I work a lot,” I lie, and she nods like she understands, and then she stands and comes up the bleachers to sit next to me.
“I’m Amanda.” She holds out her hand for me to shake then lets it go and points down to the track at a kid who’s doing stretches. “That one with the blond hair is mine.” She waves when he looks, and he rolls his eyes at her. “He’s obviously overwhelmed with joy that I’m here,” she says sarcastically, and I giggle. “Will you be at the meet next weekend?”
I didn’t even know there was a meet next weekend. Still, I will for sure be there. “Definitely.”
“Awesome, me and a few of the other moms bring snacks and drinks to the meets. Would you want in on that?”
“Sure, is there a sign up or something?” I ask, wondering if I will be stepping on Lidia’s toes. I’m sure Gareth’s mom is the one who normally does this stuff.
“No, we’re not that organized. It’s just kind of a free for all. Bring whatever you want,” she replies, and then she grabs my hand, startling me. “Except things with nuts, gluten, dairy, or sugar.” I blink at her and she laughs. “I’m just kidding. Bring whatever you want. We also won’t judge you if you bring wine.”
“Got it.” I smile, and she lets my hand go. Then for the next hour, we chat and watch the kids practice, and when it’s time to leave, I get her number and tell her I’ll see her at the meet before heading down to the track to meet Mitchell.
“I want to hug you, but I don’t think that’s cool. So can I get a high-five?” I ask, and he laughs then holds his hand so high above his head that I have to jump to reach it. “You’re seriously fast. Do you want to run track in college?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.” He shrugs. “I used to want to play baseball, but last year the track coach asked me to try out for the team after he saw me doing some drills and I told him I would. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I do. I just don’t know if I like it more than baseball,” he says as we leave the field and head for my car. “This summer, I’m going to join one of the summer baseball teams and then decide what I want to do next year.”
“I bet you’re just as great at baseball.”
“I don’t know. There are lots of great players on the high school team. But I like the game.”
“I’d like to see you play sometime,” I say as we get into my car. “And I hope you don’t mind, but I kind of told one of the moms that I’d be at your meet next weekend.”
“That’s cool,” he replies as I pull out of the parking lot and head for the house. “Are we going home?”
I glance over at him when I hear the anxiousness in his tone. “Yeah, I figured it’d be easier, since you need to shower and I need to get ready so we can leave in time for the reservation your dad made at Flame.” I chew the inside of my cheek. “I’m sorry. If I had my stuff at my place, we could go there. It’s just… I’ve been staying at your house, so everything is there.”
“It’s okay. I just....” His words trail off as he shifts in his seat. “Hopefully she’ll just leave when we get there. If not, I’ll stay in my room until it’s time to go to dinner.”
“Your dad said he’d be home early today. When he gets there—”
“She won’t leave just because dad comes home,” he cuts me off. “And dad won’t tell her to leave. He doesn’t want Max to get upset.”
He’s right about that. Gareth puts up with a lot of crap from her because he doesn’t want Max upset, and although I understand him wanting his boys to have their mom, I also see that she takes advantage of that knowledge. I just don’t think she understands that every time she does something to push the limits of his kindness, she’s pushing him closer to his breaking point. And one day, that thread is going to snap, and I personally do not want to be around when that happens.
“What is your mom like?”
I come out of my thoughts at his question and glance at him. “My mom?”
“I just mean, is she like you?”
“No. Well… I don’t know. Maybe. She’s sweet, funny, and sometimes annoying and overbearing. She was always the parent cheering the loudest when I had a game or something in high school, and she’s still one of the first people I call when I have something happen in my life.”
“So… like you.”
“I guess,” I concede, understanding just then that I’m like my mom. “When you meet her, she’s probably going to fawn all over you like you’re five and not fifteen.” I smile when he laughs. “She’s going to love you and your brother. Both my parents will.”
I turn onto the block and when I reach the house, I see Gareth’s mom’s car parked on the street, but Beth’s car isn’t in the driveway, so I pull in, park, and shut down the engine. Mitchell gets out as I turn to grab my bag, and then I open my door, hearing my name called. I look around and smile when I see my cousin Harmony coming across the street wearing a pair of gray scrubs.
“Every time I see your car parked over here, I want to come say hi, but it’s always way too late or too early.” She gives me a hug then looks at Mitchell, smiling. “Hey, kid.”
“Hey.” He lifts his chin then looks at me. “I’m going to go shower.”
“I’ll be in, in just a minute,” I tell him, and he nods, placing the strap of his bag up onto his shoulder before he heads inside.
“Are you living with Gareth?” she asks, grabbing my attention, and I focus on her.
“Pretty much. I haven’t officially moved in, but I’m here every night.”
“That’s the way it seems to happen.” She leans back against my car. “I’m happy for you. He’s a good guy, and his boys are sweet.”
“They’re the best,” I agree. “How are you liking your new job?”
Awhile back, she had some drama happen and she quit her job at the hospital in town. None of us were sure she’d go back to nursing, but a couple months ago, she got a new job in Nashville at the children’s hospital.
“I love it. I hate that I have to drive to Nashville four days a week, but I love what I do, so it’s worth it.” She turns, and I do the same. We watch Gareth pull into the driveway, and when his eyes come to me, I remember our conversa
tion from earlier today and wonder if he’s still mad.
Once he’s parked, he gets out and comes around the back of his SUV, lifting his chin to Harmony. I tip my head back when he stops in front of me, and my heart starts to pound from the look in his eyes.
“Did you give your landlord notice yet?”
“No.”
His lips twitch like he thinks something is funny. “Do you need me to call them for you?”
I narrow my eyes. “I think I can handle it.”
“Call. I’m gonna go get in the shower.”
“I will,” I snap, staring into his eyes.
“I think that’s my cue to go home,” Harmony says, sounding like she’s trying not to laugh, and I look at her breaking my stare down with Gareth.
“You don’t have to leave.”
“I think I do.” She grins. “Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow night. We can talk then.”
“Do you want to ride together?”
“Sure, just send me a message and let me know what time.”
“I will, and tell Harlen I said hi.”
“Will do.” She smirks then calls out later as she walks across the street.
“What’s tomorrow?” Gareth asks, and I turn to face him.
“Me and the girls are going out.” I wait for him to protest, but surprisingly he doesn’t. “Can we talk about this moving in business?”
“What do we need to talk about?”
“About the fact that I can’t tell if you’re being serious or not. About how the boys might react if we say I’m moving in.”
“I’m being very serious.” He takes a step closer, capturing my hip. “And you were there this morning when both boys agreed that it’s stupid for you to have an apartment when you’re staying here.”
They did say that. I just don’t know if they really get what that would mean. “I… I think we should still sit down and talk to them about it.”
“Then when we get home from dinner tonight, we’ll talk about it with them just to make sure they are good with it. If they are, you can give notice, and we can start moving you in.”
“Okay.” I lean into him. “Then me and you can talk about how we are going to divide up the bills and Sloth’s surgery.”
Until December: Until Her/ Until Him Page 19