Page 75 of Designs on You

“I can’t imagine the bullshit you have to deal with being a parent. Not just arguing with your ex, but the one-upmanship from other moms, too?”

“Everything’s a competition these days. It’s exhausting. I feel bad for the kids who have friends with shitty overly competitive parents. Instead of letting them just have fun, it’s a constant requirement that they be the best.”

Eugene had no idea. “That sets them up for failure. Or at the very least resentment.”

“Right? There’s plenty of time for vigorous competition when they get older. Why not just let them have fun and make friends when they’re little?”

“I don’t disagree. So what’s your solution to the ballet competition?”

“I talked to Cheryl, the owner of the ballet studio, to makesure she wasn’t on the same wavelength as Mariah. She definitely wasn’t. There are no tryouts, and they all go in the same classes by age group. They aren’t separated by skill level until they reach middle school age, and even then, there are still beginner level classes for kids who are just starting out.”

“Seems fair.”

“It does, and I was relieved to hear that Cammie wasn’t going to have to get competitive. Not yet, anyway. Not that my daughter isn’t competitive. She’s very fierce in that regard.”

Eugene laughed and lifted his glass for a sip. “Hey, nothing wrong with wanting to win or be the best at what you do.”

“True. And I’m fine with that. I just don’t want either of my kids to be forced into something if they’re not ready.”

“I understand that. How about Christopher?”

“He’s ready to tear it all down at a moment’s notice.”

Eugene laughed. “So, a little competitive, huh?”

“Very. He’s looking forward to soccer season.”

“I loved playing soccer. I wanna see Christopher play.”

She gave him a curious look. “You would? I know he’d enjoy that.”

“Good. Let me know when his games start.”

“He’s little, you know. They’re not exactly what I’d call official games.”

“I know,” he said with a laugh. “More like bees buzzing around each other.”

“Yes. Exactly like that.”

After dinner, they headed outside and Eugene called for the car, which had been parked nearby.

“Feel good?” Eugene asked.

Natalie inhaled and let it out on a sigh. “I feel great. Thank you for a fantastic dinner. I’ve had a wonderful night.”

He slid his hand over hers, entwining his fingers with hers, giving her a secretive smile. “Night’s not over yet.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Natalie looked down at their hands, then crooked a smile up at him. “Is that right?”

“Yeah. How about a drink? I know this unique, very quiet, very dark place that plays great music. But you have to be able to keep the place a secret.”

“That sounds interesting.”

“It will be.”

When they got out of the car, Eugene slipped his arm around her and led her down a dark alley. She looked up at him and gave him a skeptical look.

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