Page 31 of Spying Under the Mistletoe
“They have two kids, both attending Dalhousie Elementary School. They share custody. She’s the president of the PTA, which you’re already aware of. She ran a high-end catering company before she married Atkins, and she’s currently a full-time mother.” He lists a bunch of other things, none of which set off any alarms.
“She could be here simply to talk to Chloe about the show,”Adam says.
I wince at the hit made on the Rock player, which sends him flying to the ice. “Assuming that’s who she’s there to see.”
“Keep us updated if you see anything else pertaining to Tabitha’s visit,” Liam tells him.
“Will do.”
“Speaking of the show…Isabelle,” I say, since I have her on the line. “What are the chances of your Grandma Josephine giving me advice about planning a Christmas concert for seniors?”
“Are you asking because she’s a senior and knows that demographic, or because she’s an Academy and Tony Award-winning actress?”
“Let’s go with C: all of the above. Zoe’s the one who’s usually responsible for the school performances. But since she’s on maternity leave—thanks to us—the planning all falls on Chloe. I’ve volunteered to help her, but I know as much about that sort of thing as she does. So I figured—”
“You’d get extra brownie points when it comes to becoming her boyfriend?” Isabelle asks, putting the puzzle pieces together.
“Yep, that pretty much sums it up.”
“You do realize my grandmother doesn’t like to do things half-assed, right?”
I laugh. “Yes, I do realize that.”
“Chloe’s probably thinking something along the lines of the kids singing a few songs. My grandmother will be envisioning something more along the lines of a Broadway-style production. But I can still ask her if you’d like.”
“Yes, please.” That should buy me more than enough brownie points.
Hopefully.
10
Chloe
I pullinto my parking spot at the school and turn off the engine. Before I have a chance to climb out of my car, Landon steers into the empty spot next to me.
He waves and gestures for me to wait a moment. I slide out of my vehicle and collect my purse and bag of supplies for the day.
“Mornin’,” he says, coming around to where I’m standing.
“You ready for this?” This being his third day at school.
“Definitely. Isn’t the number one rule when it comes to bears to never let them sense your fear?”
The corners of my mouth twitch. I’d hardly compare kindergarteners to a ferocious forest beast.
They’re more like a combination of Pooh and Tigger: always eager for something sugary and ready to bounce off the walls.
“Good point,” I say. “They’ll be swinging from the lights if they sense your fear. And I’m sure William, the janitor, wouldn’t appreciate that.”
He laughs, and we walk toward the building. The crisp November air is heavy with the promise of rain, and I can almost feel my waves frizz in the lingering dampness.
“Did you have a good night after I dropped you off at your car?” he asks.
“It wasn’t too eventful. I talked to my accountant for you. Sorry, he’s too busy to take on new clients.”
Landon’s expression says my news doesn’t surprise him. “That’s okay. Thanks for asking. What else did you do?”
“I came up with a list of Christmas songs the kids can sing for the concert. Now, I just need to find someone who can accompany them. You don’t, by any chance, know anyone who plays an instrument, do you?”
