Page 17 of Spying Under the Mistletoe
While we eat our food, I tell them about the canceled Christmas concert at the seniors’ residence and about my plan, and that I have to get Tabitha’s approval if I want my class to perform for the seniors.
“I take that back,” Kiera says. “Thatisworse than Joey dumping glue in his hair.”
“It would help if Tabitha at least liked me. Then it probably wouldn’t be an issue. For some reason, she acts like I’m poison ivy.”
“You know why, don’t you?” Ava says.
I shake my head.
“She caught her husband masturbating to your photo. She kicked his sorry ass to the curb and divorced him.” Well, that’s beyond disturbing.
“Seriously, how did I get so lucky when it comes to the men in my life? Is it any wonder I want to stay single? I should just join a nunnery.”
Ava’s gaze darts to Landon as Kiera says, “I think you might have to be Catholic to become a nun.”
“Good point.”
Dear Mom,I mentally write in a letter that will never be sent.
Why couldn’t we have at least been Catholic? That might have made my life somewhat easier.
Miss you greatly,
Chloe
“You really want to remain single for the rest of your life?” Ava asks.
“Given my history with men, that’s probably a smart thing to do. It’s not like they stick around forever.” I give Kiera a sad smile. “Sorry.”
She shrugs and gives me an it’s-okay smile that’s weak at best. Her husband died last December in a skiing accident. She understands firsthand about the lack of forever.
“Yes, your boyfriend ghosted you and then dumped you via text,” Ava says, “but that doesn’t mean you should give up on love.”
I laugh—not because what he did was particularly funny, but because… “I bet you didn’t expect to spend your lunch listening to girl talk on your first day of teaching kindergarten,” I say to Landon.
“I have two sisters. I’m used to it.”
“I don’t think staying single for the rest of my life is a bad thing,” I say to Ava. “Think of everything I can accomplish without having to worry if I’m doing something to scare the man away. And I can spend more time on my art.”
“You draw?” Landon asks and continues to devour his sandwich.
“I have an art degree, which is why I love art time with the kids.” And because I really don’t want to talk about my love life, I say, “Speaking of dogs, you have to see the picture of Landon’s puppy.”
Ava’s eyes widen. “You have a puppy?”
“Technically, I’m just his foster parent until I find him a new home.”
“Show them the picture of him. He’s absolutely adorable,” I tell Kiera and Ava.
Landon pulls up Whiskey’s photo on his phone and hands it to Ava.
“Ohmigod, heisadorable.” She passes the phone to Kiera, who also gushes over the puppy.
“So, what are you gonna do about Tabitha?” Kiera asks as I sneak another peek at Whiskey while she hands the phone back to Landon.
“Good question. Do any of you have any suggestions? Maybe I could send her on an all-expense-paid trip to the Bahamas.” I’m kidding, but given what Ava told me, even that might not be enough in Tabitha’s eyes after what her husband did.
Even though that had nothing to do with me.
