Page 37 of Suddenly Entwined

“My low was having to miss gym class this afternoon at school. And my high was that Caro picked us up.”

“Can we watch tv?” Natalie asks, even though she’s barely finished half her bowl.

I shake my head. “Not until Caro has a turn.”

Her blue eyes widen as she sits up straight. “Oh, that’s a family thing. I couldn–”

I click my tongue in disapproval. “Nope. Sorry. It’s your turn!”

Natalie nods in agreement. “Caro’s turn!”

“Alright,” she laughs, adjusting the clasp of the fine gold chain around her throat. “Let me think.”

She takes a moment, but eventually she smiles. “Okay, I’ve got it. My low was ending up being sick today.”

“That’s the same as mine!” Natalie exclaims.

I press my finger to my lips.

“And my high was getting to spend the afternoon with you two. Thank you for helping me feel better,” she says, reaching around each girl’s shoulders for a one-armed hug.

“Okay, now you can go watch a show. Bowls by the sink, please.”

When they’ve left the room and I can hear the sounds of cartoons from the television, I draw a deep breath.

“Well? What do you think?”

“It’s a really sweet tradition. Thanks for including me,” she says.

“You’re welcome. But I wasn’t asking about that.”

“Oh. I think it’s unfair to ply someone with so much yummy soup and kindness and then ask them to care for your cute kids right after.”

I laugh, then lean back in my chair, arms resting behind my head. Caro follows my movement and her cheeks go pink.

She’ll not only be taking on those hours of care, but also be driving back and forth. I know the girls would love it. And even though I shouldn’t have seen her texts, I know she’s having some money problems, so I know Caro would be better off for it. And as for me? This is going to make my days so much smoother.

“You do remember that I don’t have any experience with this, right? Like, I babysat, but I don’t know anything about early childhood education or whatever.”

I find it hilarious that every time she tries to talk herself out of this she only succeeds at making herself sound even better for the job.

“I don’t want some sort of child expert. I want someone who can be kind to my kids and who knows their way around a thermometer if needs be. Today has obviously proven both of those things to be true. Besides, it would only be short term.”

“It would?” She tips her head like she’s confused. “Why?”

“You have classes starting in September. Right?”

“Yeah! Yup. That’s sneaking up on me.”

“That’s why you moved back, right?”

“Of course.”

A frown creases her forehead, but I don’t prod her. She isn’t feeling well and I need her to say yes.

The words I know I need to say are on the tip of my tongue, but damn, they’re sticky. It’s time to spit it out.

“Caro?”

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