Page 56 of Sweet Poison

I looked up and could see a cluster of parents gathered around the punch station. The women were all dressed in their best.

"Hmmm … This is supposed to be a session with parents supporting the kids in their lessons yet they're all just standing around relaxing. I think this has become another weekly town gossip meeting."

Pearl laughed because it was true. "It has. It really has, but lighten up, what's your problem? The kids are okay. Everyone's having fun.”

Just then, a very familiar car drove in. Despite the fact that it had only been to the school a few times, almost everyone turned to look towards it. The women ogled as Cole killed the engine and then got out almost as though they were watching a movie.

"Ooh, there you go. The main protagonist has just entered the chat," Pearl said.

I sighed again and began to wipe down the counters. "The students need to start bringing their bakes over.”

She gave me a look. "For God’s sake, live a little. Your almost-boyfriend is here."

"Keep your voice down," I admonished, looking around to see if my father was within earshot. Thankfully he wasn’t.

"Oh, please, this place is rowdy, no one will hear, but will you take a look at him though? Those boots, the itty jeans... the tucked-in flannel. How tall is he?"

"6'4," I replied.

She turned to him. "He is so interesting to look at and so handsome. How big is he?"

“Yeah, Montana. How big is he?” Kelly asked, sliding next to me.

"You can't possibly want to keep that private," she said. "We’ve always shared that info with each other."

"Yeah, but?—"

"Yeah, but what?" she accused. "It doesn’t feel right because this one’s a little bit too personal, or you just don't want me to die of jealousy."

I stopped and laughed at this, which caught the attention of Natalie.

"What happened?" Natalie asked. "Why is she laughing like that?"

"She's thinking of Mr. Swift's dick size," Pearl replied.

The laugh instantly died in my throat and I glared at Pearl. "Keep your voice down," I exclaimed.

"How big is he?" Kelly asked again. "I'm just curious because guys like him are usually a complete disappointment. They look like they’re packing and all until they drop their pants and you want to choke."

"I'm confused," Natalie sipped from her drink. "Choke from being impressed. Or?"

"Choke from tears!" Kelly said dryly.

"You all, we’re still at work, we need to supervise the baking."

"I'm ready with my students," Kelly said. "We’re now waiting for your oven to heat up, Miss Moore."

“By the way,” Natalie said. “I was at the hairdresser’s yesterday and Tiffany comes up to me.”

“What did that bitch want?” Kelly asked aggressively.

“Information about Anya’s father, obviously. She didn’t get anything from me, but she said something weird.”

My ears pricked up. “Weird?”

“Yeah, weird. She told me she had gone to Cole’s house to deliver some cake she bought from the bakery and she noticed that Anya was wearing an iconic, limited edition pair of Gucci shoes.”

“What is so weird about that?” Pearl asked. “There are so many fakes floating around.”

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