Page 93 of Returning to Everton

“BB?” I question with a furrowed brow.

She laughs. “Yes, I’ve decided she needs a nickname so we can talk about her in front of people and no one will know who we’re talking about.”

I stand there with a confused expression on my face, waiting for her to enlighten me. She apparently is content to let me figure it out on my own, because she doesn’t volunteer the information. Finally, a lightbulb goes off and I realize who she’s talking about and I bust out laughing.

“You mean Britney?” I get out while still laughing.

“Yup!” she chirps.

I shake my head at her. “What does the other B stand for?” I ask, although I think I may know.

“Bitch,” she shrugs her shoulder and I bust out laughing again.

“Well, that sounds like a fitting nickname to me,” I agree. “When did you see her?”

She huffs out a breath and rolls her eyes. “In Declan’s class. He’s Violet’s teacher, by the way! Unfortunately, he’s also BB’s daughter’s teacher. God, I hope she’s not like her mom. I don’t have any problem teaching Violet the spells I used to use on her mother if she starts shit with her,” she says that last part on a growl. Thinking about someone being mean to her baby brings out the mama bear in her.

“Any way, BB walked in on Declan and I kissing and threatened to tell you that I was cheating on you.” She rolls her eyes. “I told her to do what she needed to do and that I was leaving to go see you,” she laughs. “I just feel bad for Declan having to deal with her after that. Hell, he has to deal with her all year now.”

“I’m sure Dec can handle himself,” I assure her. “So, how does Violet like her class?”

“Oh, she loves it! It’s so cute, there are little play stations set up all over the room, and two tables for the kids to sit at. I guess it’s a small class, because there were only enough seats for ten kids. Declan has five at his table, and his aide has five at theirs. Guess where Violet picked to sit,” she chuckles.

“Hmmm, I’m gonna guess at Declan’s table.”

“Yup! She was hoping her friend Chloe would be in her class, but I left before any other kids got there, so I don’t know if she is or not. I’m sure she’ll make new friends though,” she tells me.

“I’m sure she will too. Don’t worry about it,” I lean down and kiss her forehead. “So, I called...” I start to tell her when the front door opens and who should walk in but BB herself.

I glance down at Rowe to see her trying to hide a smile. Actually, she can’t even hide it so she turns her face into my chest and tries to stifle her laughter. I just shake my head at her as Britney strides up to the counter we’re standing behind. She sneers at Rowen then looks up at me with a pitying look.

“Oh, Hudson, I’m so sorry to tell you this, but I caught your girlfriend here kissing your best friend this morning,” she says sympathetically then sighs. “It’s so hard to find a loyal woman nowadays,” she says with a shake of her head.

Rowen just holds me tighter and chuckles into my chest, leaving this whole conversation to me. I sigh myself; she did warn me this was going to happen, but she could at least participate in this needless conversation. I squeeze her tighter to me.

“Yeah, Rowen told me that a few minutes ago. Your daughter’s in Declan’s class too huh?” I ask rhetorically.

She gapes at me. “That’s it?! You don’t care that this floozy was cheating on you with your best friend?!” she screeches.

Rowen’s head snaps up at that. “Hey! I’m not...” she starts, but I cut her off.

“That was highly uncalled for Britney. You apologize to Rowen right now, or you can stay the hell away from my bakery,” I demand.

Rowe looks up at me with a bright smile and Britney sputters. “You’re kicking me out because I told you your girlfriend is cheating on you?!”

“No. I’mbanningyou because you just called the love of my life a floozy. I will not haveanyonetalk about her like that. Least of all you,” I growl.

“But... but...she...” she points at Rowen.

“Don’t care. Apologize and get the hell out,” I command.

Her face turns bright red. “I havenever...” she stomps her foot and storms off without even finishing that sentence.

As soon as the door is closed, Rowen finally lets out the laugh she’s been holding in. She laughs so loud and carefree; it bounces off the walls and echoes around us.

“I’m glad you found that amusing,” I mock glare at her.

“I’m... sorry...” she tries to sober up, but she can’t stop laughing.

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