Page 20 of Taking The Shot

“My daughter cannot sit beside that girl…”

“Did you know that little Timmy lost a tooth today…”

“Why do you have an NHL star in your classroom – and who’s waiting in the next one to do autographs?”

Keith and Constance exchanged a glance as the bell rang again.

“Okay, everyone,” Constance said loudly as Keith scribbled his name as quickly as possible on a few items shoved in his direction. “That was the bell, and the next class is already seated. We’re going to need you all to move along to your child’s second-period class, please. Second-period class!”

“Constance,” he interrupted, seeing that no one was leaving the classroom. “I’m gonna go wait in the car. Take your time and text me when you’re done – Paige has the phone in the bag. Bye!” he rushed out quickly, ducking forward to kiss her on thecheek, immediately leaving with a trail of people following him out of the classroom.

Yeah, he was definitely causing a scene for her, and if she hadn’t told the kids yet, now was not the time to drop that bombshell.

6

CONSTANCE

Constance saggedin relief at the end of the Open House and looked at her kids sitting behind her desk, coloring amidst the empty Happy Meal wrappers – and saw the open iPhone box on the floor. Kneeling down in her heels, she picked up the lukewarm burger out of a Happy Meal box and quickly took a bite, savoring the tang of the pickles, ketchup, and mustard that hit her as she spoke with her mouth full.

“Paige, where’s the phone…” picking up the box and showing it to her daughter.

“Here,” Paige offered, pulling it out from under her leg and showing her the screen. “I put a photo of me and Kayla on the front for you, Mama…”

Her heart melted as she stared at the screen with her two angels lined up within the confines of the phone. They were snuggled together, obviously being sweet and trying to make it better since they’d helped themselves to her gift.

“I also texted Keith,” Paige announced, causing her to freeze as she stared at the top of her daughter’s head where she was coloring. “He’s so weird, Mom…”

“What did you text him?”

“Thank you,” she replied simply as Kayla smiled happily, showing off her teeth and scrunching up her nose.

“Tank you berry much, Mama…”

“I see that,” Constance smiled, kissing both of their heads as she shoved in another bite of the burger, chewing thoughtfully as she opened the text bubble on the shiny new cell phone. Honestly, she was stunned at the unexpected gift, but it made sense, too, if they wanted to get a hold of each other, they had to be able to reach the other person.

Thank you, Keith.

Is the open house over already?

Nope. Mom is still talking about her school stuff, and I’m bored.

Ahhh… hi Paige!

Hi Keith.

Cool phone, BTW.

BTW?

Oh my gosh, are you so old you don’t have the lingo? BTW – means by the way. It’s how people my age speak.

I’m not much older than you.

You’re older than my mom, and that’s old. Nice try.

Constance chuckled, rolling her eyes at the candid words from her child, and saw a couple of goofy pictures taken by Paige of the two children making faces – and texted to Keith, only to see him return one with his eyes crossed and sticking out his tongue to the side.

Tell your mom to text when she can talk – and save the battery Paige. I didn’t charge it when I went to pick up dinner.

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