Page 93 of Hot Four Teacher
“Your mom and I met at a bar we were both working at. I was the general manager, and she was a server. Us being together was a big no-no. I was told in no uncertain terms that I was to stay away from her.”
“Well, I think I know the ending to this story. You had five kids. I don’t think youeverstayed away from her.”
He grins. “Nope. Even though they told me I’d get fired, I didn’t care. She was worth all the risk. And things worked out.”
“So, were you able to keep your job?” I ask.
“Nope. I got fired.”
“Alright, I’m not sure that this story is making me feel any better,” I tell him.
“Here’s the thing. Everyone, including your mother, told me it was a bad idea. They told me I should stay away. They said a woman wasn’t worth giving up a good job–especially when I just met the woman. And maybe it was crazy. But I made up my own mind because I knew that there was something special about her. Sure, I lost a job, butI got your mom. We opened our own bar and built the best life I could’ve imagined.”
“I just don’t know if it would be worth it for him to sacrifice so much for something that may not work out,” I say.
“All I’m saying is maybe don’t push him away just because you’re scared of the consequences. If he thinks it’s worth it, let him decide that for himself.”
“And what about Eve? What if she hates me?” I question.
“Mich, let me clue you in on a little secret. Eve is a teenager. She’s going to hate you one way or another. She’ll get over it.”
When I sit quietly, he says, “Just think about it, okay? You deserve to be happy. You had a baby young. That doesn’t mean your life ended back then.”
Maybe he has a point.
But lord knows I’m going to fret over it for the next few days just to be sure.
Chapter thirty-one
Left or Right?
Michelle
Ilook at the clock on the dashboard of my car and tap my finger on the steering wheel in annoyance. Danny was supposed to meet me at this gas station to pick up Eve twenty minutes ago. But he’s late…as usual.
I feel like I’m already giving up my time with her on our week off together, and I decided to be nice and meet him halfway when he asked me to. I swear I give this man an inch, and he always takes a mile.
Eve’s phone chimes, and she looks down to read it. “Dad says he will be here in five.”
Of course, he didn’t text me directly. He knows I would have a few choicewords for him.
And he knows with him texting our daughter, I’ll just say, “Okay. No worries.”
Eve can probably tell I’m irritated, but I’m not going to come out and say it. Her going to her dad’s is a big step…especially after he announced he had a new girlfriend. I don’t want to make her feel awkward right before she’s about to leave.
She asks, “Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”
“I’m positive,” I tell her…again.
“I just feel like you’re going to be bored.”
“I’ll be fine. Maybe I’ll deep clean the house.”
That gets a good laugh out of both of us because there’s no way that’ll actually happen.
“But seriously,” I begin. “I’m going to catch up on TV shows and hang out with your aunts. I’ll keep plenty busy.”
Really, I don’t have plans with anyone yet, but I don’t need her worrying.
