Page 56 of Bleeding Hearts

“Right now, no. In a few days, probably.” As soon as both tumblers are half full, she corks the bottle and sits it back in the cabinet. “This has been in that damn cabinet for a couple of years. Not once have I thought of touching it until today.”

I accept the glass and bring it to my lips. It’s strong, not something I’d typically drink. The burn from the dark liquor as it slides down my throat feels good. “That’s why they tell you to save it for a rainy day. I like to substitute the rainy day for a shitty one personally.”

Tiffany chuckles as she looks at the tumbler in her hand and then takes another drink. “What did he say to you?”

“It was nothing. He was only trying to get under my skin.”

“I should’ve listened to you.” She rests her drink on her knee. “Sorry about that. I was too preoccupied with the money his father offered to heed the warning. You’ve never come to me with a problem unless it was worth my time. It won’t happen again.”

“I get it. Money talks. Trust me, I was tempted by the offer they threw at me, too. But there was just something about it that didn’t feel right.” I set my drink on the table next to me. “You really should put ice on your cheek.”

Tiffany reaches up and flinches when her finger brushes the red spot. “It’s not as bad as it looks. My ex hit harder than that.” She shakes her head and kicks her shoes off. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s why he’s your ex.” I’ve heard her story. She wasn’t a woman who let a man hit her and get away with it. He hit her once. That was all it took for her to leave him. “If I’m being honest, I kind of feel sorry for Theo. He’s never been held accountable. Mommy and Daddy have always stepped in and fixed his problems, giving him an unrealistic view of how the world works. Now that’s all about to catch up with him and I’mafraid his entitled ass is about to figure out that there are some things that can’t be fixed with money.”

“So, what brings you by today? Did you get things worked out with the boys’ school?”

“It resolved itself.” I pick up my drink again and take a sip. “I can’t really get into the details. I’m not supposed to know them. The school took care of it before I had to make demands.”

“Hmm.” With her fingernail, Tiffany taps the glass tumbler. “Why do I get the feeling that genius boy of yours had a hand in persuading them?”

“Because you’re a smart woman.” I tip my glass at her before setting it back on the small side table. “That’s actually why I’m here. I need to talk to you about that way too smart kid of mine. I’ve procrastinated long enough, and I’m not ready for him to leave home. How can I enroll him here?”

A slow smile spreads across her face. “It’s about damn time. We’ve got a few options. First would be to have a board evaluate him, test him to determine a plan that suits him best. We can work with the high school or district. Get him in a program that makes everyone happy. He’s what, fifteen?”

“Yes. A freshman.” I moan, not liking this but knowing it’s important.

“There are a few programs out there that have worked for other kids like Felix. It’s a flex schedule that allows him to attend both high school and college. Similar to how they do tech schools geared toward high school students. While he doesn’t need the core classes, he could take electives that would give him skills needed later. Split his day. And with the schools being so close, transportation would be easy.”

I listen as she goes into more details, and I like her ideas. After we’ve talked and finished our drinks, I feel better about what we can do.

“Why don’t I call the school and see if we can set up a meeting?” Tiffany pushes herself up and walks over to her desk. “This will be fun. A new adventure for all of us.”

“Fun isn’t exactly the word I was thinking, but sure.” I grab my bag and stand as well. “Thanks for meeting with me. Now please ice your cheek so it doesn’t swell more. And if you need to talk about what happened, don’t hesitate to call me. Day or night. Come to my office. If you don’t, expect me to stop by in a few days and force you to talk.”

Chapter 27

Nolan

October flew by quickly.

Bethany and I sat down with the kids a few days after our talk about us and told them we were dating. Her boys were the least impressed. It was no secret to them. They’d remain silent about witnessing my nighttime comings and goings at her place. Kellie smiled about it, but didn’t really say anything. Mollie squealed and jumped into Bethany’s arms and hugged her. She mumbled something against Bethany’s chest that I couldn’t hear, but it made her squeeze my daughter harder and tear up.

We’ve had dinners together every night since, as long as I was home. Our schedules determined whose home we hung out at, and it was nice.

What we haven’t done yet is tell others about us. I mean, my sister knew there was something between us. After all, she gave us her honeymoon suite. But she doesn’t know how serious it’s gotten. Lately, she’s been distant and preoccupied, and when I try to ask what’s wrong, she snaps at me to mind my own business.

I can’t fault her. I remember what I was like after Stephanie passed away. I was a total wreck. Talking about my feelingswas the last thing I wanted to do. It took me almost six months to gather myself and realize that pretending to be fine wasn’t helping anyone. That’s when I began therapy, and it proved beneficial. It gave me a place to say all the things I felt I couldn’t to those I was supposed to be strong for.

If someone had pushed me to go earlier, I’m not sure it would’ve worked. I wasn’t ready then. It had to be my decision. Which is why I’ve decided to not push Cora just yet. It’s only been a few months since her breakup. If she’s still struggling after the first of the year, I’ll start dropping hints about therapy.

“Hold still,” I tell Mollie for the tenth time, so I can braid her hair.

“I can’t. I’m too excited about tonight.” She tilts her head back and grins up at me. “I’m gonna get so much candy.”

It’s Halloween.

Since the first of October, she’s counted down the days, her anticipation building for tonight’s annual tradition. It’s her second favorite holiday. Christmas being her first. Tonight, she’s going trick-or-treating with Bethany since I have to work and Cora picked up an extra shift. It wasn’t something that happened often, the two of us working the same shift. It happened occasionally and when it did, Stacy came over to watch them for me. But Stacy is pregnant, and it’s taking a toll on her. So, I felt guilty asking her to watch the girls on the busiest night of the year where Mollie would drag her around the entire neighborhood and make her take her to as many trunk-or-treats as they could find.

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