Page 35 of Succeeding Love

“It’s a catchy song,” I said, then whistled the melody as it played through my head again. I was thinking about my date last weekend with Vin and the song was one we listened to. Now I can’t get it out of my head, or keep the smile off my face.

Jessie grabbed her waffle I made for her from the counter, covering it in syrup before sitting at the bar to eat. I grinned at seeing the fresh roses from Velma’s greenhouse on the counter beside her. Vin brought them over yesterday with a note saying how excited he was to see me tonight. I squeal with glee every time I read the note.

Jessie was watching me with curiosity as I seasoned the chicken before fastening on the lid. I am feeling hyperactive, but I don’t know how to rein it in. I’m just so excited about tonight.

“I just love Fridays,” I sighed. “Don’t you?”

Jessie’s little brows pulled down. “You never like Fridays, mom.”

“Of course I do!” I twirled around and went to the fridge to pull out their lunches. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because we’re not here,” she reminded me.

“Oh. Yeah,” I smiled apologetically.

“What are you cooking for, anyway? Is Aunt Kate coming over tonight?”

“Hmm?” I busied myself with their lunches suddenly. I haven’t told either of the kids about our new neighbor across the street yet. It felt premature for that. Preston might approve, but I didn’t know how Jessie would react.

“The crock pot. Are you having a girl’s night with Aunt Kate again?”

“Oh, that. Nope.” I pressed my lips together and shook my head. “I’m just cooking my dinner tonight.”

“Hmm,” Jessie gave me an appraising glance, then looked at the flowers beside her. Before I knew it, she was pulling out the note stuck between the stems and reading the handwritten sprawl. I held my breath, nervous about her reaction, but then a slow smile spread across her pretty face. “Just cooking for yourself, huh?”

I shrugged, unable to confirm or deny. She read the note. There’s no point in denying it, but I’m not ready to share who I’m seeing tonight with my sensitive little girl. She doesn’t appear to disapprove though.

“What’s going on?” Preston asked, coming into the kitchen. He has the added baggage of all his baseball gear. Hemoved up to varsity this week because of a senior’s injury, and he has an away tournament this weekend. He’s staying in a hotel with the team tonight, and I’ll drive to watch him in the morning.

Jessie took the note and hurriedly hid it behind her back. “Nothing,” she said, sounding all kinds of suspicious. I tried not to laugh. She’s so cute.

Preston set his overflowing duffel bag and backpack on the ground, eyeing her.

“Here’s your breakfast, sweetie,” I said, kissing his cheek and handing him a plate of waffles and bacon with peanut butter on the side. He eats waffles like his dad does. Peanut butter and no syrup. “Are you nervous about this weekend?”

“Not really,” he smiles slyly. “Are you nervous?”

“My little boy is spending the night with seniors.” I pretended to pout. “Of course I am.”

“I’m not that little anymore, mom,” he laughed with a crooked smile. “Are you still coming in the morning?”

“Yes! I wouldn’t miss it. I’ve got my giant print out of your face that I’m planning on waving around the whole time. I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Please don’t,” he groaned.

Jessie laughed at her brother’s grim expression. I noticed she slid the note from the flowers under her bottom when Preston was distracted with me.

“I want to come,” Jessie whined.

“Is your dad not going?” I looked at Preston. He had a guilty look on his face.

“I didn’t tell him,” Preston admitted.

“Pres,” I looked at him disapprovingly.

“What?! He’s busy moving this weekend. He won’t have time to come.”

“I’m sure he would make time,” I argued.

---