Page 127 of Johnathan

“Well, my mistake. I’m sorry if you took offense to thinking you were dating a very handsome single father. Although, I guess maybe I could see where you wouldn’t want to date while your disfigurement was still healing. I imagine it will continue to look quite nasty for a while still. Honestly, I know I would feel better if you covered it up while in class.”

Keep calm, Abby. Don’t give her what she wants.

Abby wanted to tell the vile woman to leave, but Margery was still watching from the corner of the classroom, and she didn’t want anything jeopardizing the observation.

“I was attacked, Laura. I could have died if his blade was just a little more to the right when he sliced into me. What is wrong with you?” Her voice was hushed, and she grabbed the cookie tray out of Laura’s hands, setting it down a little rougher than she meant to.

“Well, excuse me for wanting to keep my daughter innocent to the evils in this world for just a little longer.”

“It’s a good thing I’ve had my scar uncovered for weeks and the children haven’t brought it up once. They haven’t even noticed, so I think your daughter’s innocence is still perfectly intact.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”

“How’s everything going over here?” Margery asked.

“Oh, surprisingly well.” Laura smiled. “Abby, I would still like to get the girls together. Do you know where John went? I’ll just coordinate the day and time through him.”

She looked at Ms. Margery. What the hell was she supposed to say? That she didn’t want Katy anywhere near Honey becauseher mom was a bitch? This was all part of her job as a teacher, and as a woman growing into motherhood for Katy. She could set aside her dislike for Laura for the girls.

“I’m sure if you suggest Sunday, he’ll be open to it. I asked him to go to the supply closet at the end of the hall and grab some more cups for the kids. He’s probably on his way back now.”

“Perfect. I’ll just run and find him before he gets busy with another one of your tasks.”

Cups. Cups. How the hell was it so hard to find some Styrofoam cups? Was he even in the right place? Abby had said the closet at the end of the hall, and that was where he was currently standing.

“Hey there. Abby sent me in here to help. We apparently need more cups, and she was worried you might have gotten lost.” Laura’s voice carried into the storage room.

“Okay, yeah.” John looked over his shoulder at her and then back to the shelves. “I must be missing something because I can’t seem to find them.”

“There isn’t really a system in here, but last year, they were over…” Laura slipped behind John, her hand brushing across his back. “Here. Yup. Still in this corner.”

“Ah. That explains why I couldn’t find them.” He took the box from her and turned to head back to the classroom.

“Oh, before you head back, I was thinking we could do that play date with the girls this weekend. I’m sure it just slipped your mind to respond after we first talked about it. And Abby seemed to think if I suggested Sunday, you would be free.”

So much for a quiet weekend alone with his girls.

“Yeah, sorry. Life is busy. But we can do that. Honey is more than welcome to come over and play at our house.”

“I’d need to stay, too. Not that I don’t trust you, it’s just that I’m very protective of Honey.”

John nodded. He understood being a protective parent. “Honey and Katy are still so little. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving her at a friend’s house either. You’re welcome to stay, too.”

“That won’t be a problem for you? I don’t think Ms. Abby likes me very much. I don’t want to cause any trouble at home for you.”

“She’ll be happy to see the girls together. If she suggested Sunday, then I know she’s okay with it.”

“You know,” Laura took a step closer to him. “I get that there is the thing going on with you and Abby, but I’ve had a little thing for you since the girls were in the same class last year.”

He stepped back. “What are you doing?”

“We’re both single parents. I get how hard it can be. How lonely. And with your job, I imagine you often have stress that needs to be relieved. I could help you with that.”

“That’s incredibly inappropriate. I’m not single, and I’m not interested. I’m dating Abby.”

Laura scoffed. “Anyone with ears would know that. Katy can’t stop telling Honey how Ms. Abby is going to be her new mommy. She’s closer to Katy’s age than ours, isn’t she?”

What was with this woman?

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