Page 45 of Seeing You

Chloe was sharing how her and Tanner’s kindergarten classes were competing in a reading challenge. “Tanner thinkshis class is going to win, but we’re already twenty-five books ahead!”

“Are you scoring by page or book?” Billie asked.

“Book. So I keep picking shorter books,” she said with a wink. “And he hasn’t caught on yet!” Laughing, she poured herself a glass of wine.

“Why Chloe Donovan-Westyn, you cheating evil genius!” Ash said as she hugged her. “I’m so proud!”

They were all laughing and teasing her, and honestly, it felt so good to laugh and just feel happy. Ever since Marcus walked out on her, she had been in a funk, forcing her to keep to herself. Tonight was a little like therapy.

“Speaking of reading, Silas is struggling in his English class,” Jade chimed in. “They are heavy on the literature this year, and my child doesnotenjoy reading. I don’t even know how to help him with it because every time I encourage him to read or even offer him a reward, all he says is that he’d rather take the F. I mean…how do I change that?”

“Not everyone loves to read,” Chloe assured her. “When he finds a subject or a book that he enjoys, it may change. In the meantime, maybe encourage him to read in short sprints, like fifteen minutes at a time, two times a day. You know his teacher is going to let them read some in class and…maybe that will help?”

“I tried having him read out loud to me,” Cora shared. “That worked for a little while, but he’s easily distracted. Maybe talk to his teacher?”

“Maybe,” Jade said before taking a sip of her wine. “I’m so glad I’m not nursing anymore and can enjoy this!”

“Thanks for the reminder,” Ash murmured. “That just means I’ve got like…two years before I can drink again.”

“Talk to your OBGYN,” Jade said. “I was allowed a small glass of wine now and then while I was pregnant. I can count on one hand the number of times I did that during the pregnancy.”

While everyone was chatting, Billie took the lasagna from the oven, sliced the garlic bread, tossed the salad, and put everything on the table. “Let’s eat!”

“It all looks wonderful!”

“Everything smells delicious!”

“Good thing I’m eating for two!”

This was what she loved—making food that her friends and family enjoyed and then sharing it together. It made her happy and…

“So,” Ashlynn began after everyone served themselves. “There’s been some interesting gossip going around the salon this week.” She had that teasing amusement in her tone, and it was always fun to hear what was going on in Sweetbriar Ridge.

“Ooh…I wonder if it’s the same gossip I’ve been hearing at Books & Beans!” Jade commented. “You go first!”

Now Billie was even more intrigued because even though she had been kind of keeping to herself, while she was at work, she engaged with a lot of people. Nothing out of the ordinary had happened—at least not from anything she’d heard.

“Well,” Ash went on, “it seems like there was some hanky-panky going on at Iris and Jared’s wedding!”

Oh no…

Nodding, Jade said, “That’s what I heard too!”

Oh no, no, no, no, no….

“Oh my goodness!” Chloe said with a grin. “Did they get caught?”

“Apparently, they were seen practically clawing at each other in a corner right outside the reception hall!”

“They probably thought no one could see them, but…everyone could see them,” Ashlynn said as she met Billie’shorrified gaze head on. “And what was even more fascinating was the fact that these two, who were really packing on the PDA, have a history together. And not a great one.”

“No!” both Jade and Chloe said while giggling.

“That isbrand newinformation!” Cora loudly commented.

“Oh God…”

“Care to share with the class how you ended up making out with Marcus Calloway?” Ashlynn asked, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. “Because last we all heard, you had a simple dinner, texted Levi to pick you up, and then changed your mind and claimed you got closure.”

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