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After bus duty,I’m walking back to the school when I hear Diane Carter’s voice behind me. “Meg?”
I spin around to greet her. “Hey, Diane.”
She falls in stride next to me as we make our way back inside the school. “I heard the field trip went well today.”
I’m sure you did.
“Yeah, it went great.”
“My friend Monette said that you and Tyler spent a lot of time together.”
I’m convinced that Monette Peterson moonlights as a spy.
“I wouldn’t say we spenta lotof time with each other. I didn’t have a group, so I meandered around, taking pictures of all the groups.” I’m hoping she can’t hear the quiver in my voice.
“That’s good. I hate to bring it up, but you know the rules here at American Education Academy. We don’t tolerate any relationships between the staff and the parents. We had a bad experience a few years ago that almost led to a lawsuit, so we had to institute that rule. You understand, don’t you?”
“Of course. Not only do I understand, but I fully support it.”
“Excellent. Besides, Tyler shouldn’t be dating right now. All of his efforts need to go to parenting Krew.”
“You don’t have to worry about me,” I say. “I’m not interested.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
I thought Diane would turn and go her separate way, but nope. She’s still here.
“Have I ever told you about my daughter Kristen?”
I shake my head. “No, you haven’t.” I glance at the school. We’re still thirty paces away from the door.
“She was something really special. Superwoman was what all of her friends called her.”
Superwoman.
That’s not intimidating at all.
“She could do everything and look put together while doing it. Whether it was her PhD or motherhood or her work with sick children, she gave it 110 percent. I feel bad for Tyler.” Diane sighs. “He’ll never be able to find another woman as perfect as Kristen. How can anyone even come close to measuring up?”
My smile is strained, but it’s there.“I’m sure no one could.”
“Well, it was nice talking to you, Meg. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I watch Diane walk away. Five minutes ago, I was only worried about losing my job, but now I’m worried that I’ll never be as perfect as Kristen Dixon.
For Tyler, or for anyone.
CHAPTER17
TYLER
“I’ve been friend-zoned,” I tell Paul. We’re in our usual spot at the cemetery, sharing a bag of pistachios. Krew is stretched out on a blanket beside us with a coloring book and crayons.
Paul lifts his brows. “Friend-zoned?”
“Yeah, it’s when the woman tells you she only wants to be friends.”
