Page 33 of Hate You, Maybe

---

The bro-in-law

Middle name, but still. Least we could do. For the record, my kids already blew through those packs you bought. No pun intended.

Me

Thanks for the visual. But I only buy the diapers. Changing’s not my job. On a different note, the new jerseys came in for you guys—even little ones for Rowan and Wally.

The bro-in-law

Nice. Hopefully, the Squirrels will beat the Bobcats.

Me

Heh. That I can’t guarantee. But I can take you out for a beer after.

The bro-in-law

I’m in. Catch you soon, man. Thanks again.

Next up is a text from Jo that must’ve come in after our phone call.

Little sis

Be nice to Sayla. She’s cool.

Me

She’s not that great. But I’m always nice.

Jo’s famous for ignoring texts for at least eight hours, so I’ll almost certainly not hear back from her, so I move on to Bridger.

Bridger

Dude. Fall break staff development is the ninth circle of hell without you. I almost dozed off during Wilford’s update on the accreditation thing. Every time he mentions the SACSS, I die another death. Send help. For real.

I’ve been to six years of these faculty trainings, and the days feel like they drag forever. The poor guy’s probably desperate for a break. But he can’t take a call if he’s still in meetings, so I go ahead and text him. If he’s free, he’ll respond right away.

Me

What’s Wilford been saying about the visitation? Besides the word SACSS. Heh.

Bridger

That torturous meeting ended an hour ago. We’re in fresh hell now. But to answer your question, he was all pumped about you and Sayla coming back with some big collaborative plan for the visitation. He’s trusting you to come up with something good to ensure a four-year accreditation. NO PRESSURE.

Me

Great. Kroft barely tolerates me when there’s no pressure on us. And now …

Bridger

And now, what? You can’t leave me hanging like that.

Me

Now we’re rooming together. Sayla and me. In one cabin. So yeah. Pressure COOKER.

Bridger

---