Page 14 of The Parent Pick-Up
Owen adjusts his tie, grinning a little. “Aside from the first day of school assignment, I’m not that demanding.”
I laugh, letting his calm presence wash over me. I’m more than okay with Owen being Olivia’s teacher. His classroom is just as orderly as his home, and from the sound of the excited chatter of the children, he’s well-liked.
Each desk has a tidy name tag and a little paper bag filled with pencils, stickers, and a tiny eraser shaped like a taco. Areading nook is filled with books, magazines, and a huge potted tree.
Who wouldn’t want to be in Mr. Taylor’s class?
For the first time since seeing the house I bought sight unseen, I feel like I’ve made the right decision coming to Starlight Bay. This could be the fresh start I’ve been needing.
Then, someone taps me on the shoulder, and my world comes crashing down.
“Oh. My. God.You’re Ivy Ice!”
Several heads turn. A couple of parents glance our way.
I freeze. A woman has her phone out, camera aimed straight at me.
I summon my patience and force a smile. “That was a long time ago. Now I’m just… a mom.”
“I knew you looked familiar,” the woman says. “That song? What was it? ‘Neon Daydream?’ It washuge.”
“I’m not that girl anymore,” I say. “I’m just a mom. Here for my daughter.”
“A mom with a platinum record,” she says, not even trying to keep her voice down.
“Excuse me.”
I step away and hover just outside the door, needing a moment to breathe. A few seconds later, I hear Owen’s voice inside.
“She just wants her daughter to have a normal year. No attention, no spotlight.”
He doesn’t sound judgmental. If anything, he sounds protective.
But still, heat floods my cheeks. I know he means well, but I hate being a topic of conversation. I’m trying to just be like all the other moms, not someone who used to dance onstage in a cropped top and mini skirt.
“She’s just trying to keep a low profile,” he says. “I didn’t ask for the circus.”
The words hit like a slap.
Heat rushes up my neck. I don’t wait to hear more. I march back inside the classroom and find Olivia.
“Time to go, sweetie.”
“Already?” Olivia whines.
“Gotta get to bed early for your big day tomorrow.”
I walk fast down the hallway, the hum of cheerful voices buzzing in my ears. A lump forms in my throat.
I didn’t ask for the circuseither.
In the parking lot, Olivia skips ahead, chatting with her new friends, completely unaware of my spiraling emotions.
At least one of us had a good day.
Chapter Six
Owen
