“He’s right. It’s normal.”

He nods then asks, “Is your sister going to be at dinner tonight?”

“No, tonight, you’re just meeting my parents, but you’ll meet my whole family on Memorial Day. My parents have a huge pool party and barbeque every year, and all the Maysons, along with tons of friends, show up. It’s always a lot of fun.”

“Awesome.” He grins.

“It is awesome.” I grin back then glance at the clock and take one more sip of Gareth’s coffee before I hand it back to him. “I need to stop at my place to pick up some stuff before I go to work, so I need to run.”

“I don’t know why you don’t just move in. It’s weird that you’re always here and still have an apartment,” Mitchell tells me, and Max nods like he agrees.

My heart lodges in my throat, and I stare at the two of them, unsure about what to say.

“I’ll walk you out,” Gareth says, setting down his coffee and placing his hand against my lower back as he looks at the boys.

“We know—eat and get packed up,” Max mumbles, making Mitchell laugh.

Still feeling overwhelmed, I look at the boys. “I’ll see you both tonight. Have a great day at school.” I pick up my bag from the end of the counter and make sure I have my lesson plan and the tests I graded last night before going to the door to put on my coat.

“Wait,” Mitchell calls, and I stop to face him. “Are you still picking me up after school?”

“Yeah. I mean… if you still want me to?”

“I do. I just…” He looks away for a moment like he’s suddenly uncomfortable. “It’s just we’re having a mock track meet, so you can come down to the field to watch if you want.”

My chest gets warm and tight at the same time. “Of course I want to,” I say without crying, which is a surprise. “What time does it start?”

“As soon as practice begins.” He lifts one shoulder. “About 3:45.”

“I’ll be there with all the bells and whistles.” Why did I say that? “I mean, I’ll just be there like a normal person, not with bells or whistles. That would be weird.”

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.”