Page 108 of A Whole New Play

Months ago, commitment of this magnitude would’ve sent me running for the hills. But that was before I realized that the work-life balance I’ve been craving has been achieved.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take the job in California. Now, I know the last thing I want to do is move away from the life I’m building for myself here.

Some things are more important than money and prestige, and I’m not willing to trade them in.

Not even a little bit.

34

VALERIE

“Valerie!” Heads of blonde and brown bob in the crowd of kids coming out of the school just before Abby and Andy break through and run towards me. They crash into my legs. “You’re here!”

I laugh at the twins’ enthusiastic greeting and bend down to return their hugs. They’re the sweetest.

“Of course, I’m here. I can’t wait to see both of your experiments!” Abby might take the science fair more seriously, but Andy is just as excited to present his project as his sister.

“Have you seen Dad?” Andy asks.

I make sure the smile on my face doesn’t falter. “Your dad got caught in a meeting, but he’s going to do everything he can to come to the fair before it’s over.”

“Oh.” The excitement in Andy’s eyes dims. He and Abby exchange sad frowns.

I kneel and soften my voice, “Listen.” I take one of their hands in each of mine. “Your dad wants to be here. He knows how important this is for you both. I promise, what he’s doing is really important. Otherwise, he would be here right now.”

“What is he doing?” Abby asks, sniffing to hold back the tears I see gathering in her eyes.

Do I tell them the truth?

The twins know Carter is working to get them to live with him full-time, and they know about the custody case in kid-friendly terms. Is there any harm in being honest if it means it could ease some of the disappointment they’re feeling? It’s worth a shot.

“Your dad is meeting with his friend to talk about you guys. He’ll be meeting with your mom soon, and they need to prepare.”

Once again, Andy and Abby look at each other.

Andy’s forehead furrows before he asks, “Are they talking about where we will live?”

“Yes.”

“Oh.” Abby and Andy say as one.

I clear my throat. “How about we go inside and you both show me your projects before the event starts? That way I can see everything before it gets crowded with people wanting to check them out!” I inject enthusiasm into my voice, hoping it will help lift the twins’ moods.

It works.

The twins are back to bouncing on their toes. Smiles cover their adorable faces once again.

“Okay!” Andy says. He and Abby tighten their grips on my hands and begin pulling me to the gymnasium where the science fair will be held.

I smile politely at the parents and teachers we pass, choosing to ignore their lingering glances and murmured words once we’ve passed.

Rose Hill is a small town, but even if it weren’t, my face has been plastered on enough gossip sites that anyone who follows Carter Jones knows I’m his girlfriend.

For once, though, I decide to own the title. It feels silly that I haven’t done so before. I mean… this is Carter Jones we’re talking about. He’s sexy as hell and equally as kind. I hit the jackpot when I met him. And now that I’ve acknowledged our relationship is something I want to see through, I’m going to enjoy it. I’m done hiding.

We stop by Andy’s project first. He and Carter built a model volcano, complete with dinosaurs grazing on the trees at the base of the mountain and drinking from a lake they painted blue.

While Carter was on quality control, Andy researched different volcano eruption simulations on the internet. He watched countless videos of other kids demonstrating how it works until he found one he believed he could replicate. A quick run to the store for vinegar, baking soda, and red food coloring later, and Andy’s project was complete.

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