Page 26 of A Play for Love

“Did she say she’ll be even closer?” Simon asked. “Was she serious? Shaun, I swear to God.” He pointed at him.

“I know nothing about her plans, bro.”

“I think it’s great that she’s getting help and starting fresh,” I said.

“I bet this was Charlotte’s doing,” Simon said. “Hey, Charlotte, come over here,” he shouted.

“Yes?” She walked over with a smile.

“Did you tell our mom to sell our childhood home?” he asked.

“I suggested it. As many good memories as the house holds, it also holds a lot of bad ones. For her to heal herself, she needs a new start which includes getting out of a bad environment where she’s constantly reminded of two failed marriages and a shooting. Do you have a problem with her selling? Do you want to stop by my office and talk about it?” She cocked her head.

“Umm, no. I think it’s a good idea.” He tipped the beer bottle to his lips.

“Okay. My door is always open if you want to talk.” She smiled as she placed her hand on his shoulder before walking away.

“You’re such a chicken shit,” I chuckled.

“Are you ready to leave, babe?” Sofia hobbled over to us. “I’m tired, and Nicholas is getting cranky.”

“I’m ready, babe.” I took my son from her arms. “I’ll see you, douchebags, tomorrow. Simon, behave yourself.” I pointed at him.

“Come on, man. I always behave.” A smirk crossed his lips.

CHAPTER10

Nathan

My stomach was in a knot when I pulled into the Oak Crest Academy parking lot. I pulled up to the curb to let Sofia and Ella out while I parked. Climbing out, I inhaled a deep breath and slowly breathed it out as I took Nicholas from his car seat and grabbed the diaper bag.

“It’ll be okay, Nathan,” Sofia whispered in my ear as we entered the school.

“How can I help you?” A young woman asked as we entered the office.

“I’m Dr. Kind, and we have an appointment with Headmaster Walters.”

“Welcome to Oak Crest. And you must be Ella.” She smiled.

“I am.” Ella giggled.

“And who is this handsome little guy?” She reached over and touched Nicholas’s hand.

“My brother Nicholas.”

“Headmaster Walters is just finishing up on a call. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

“Dr. Kind,” a man who looked to be mid-forties with jet-black hair approached us and extended his hand. “I’m Headmaster Walters.”

“It’s nice to meet you. This is my fiancée, Sofia Finnegan, our son Nicholas, and our daughter, Ella.”

“Oh my gosh, Miss Finnegan. It is an honor to meet you. My daughter just joined the American Ballet Company. You were always her inspiration. We’ve seen you perform several times in New York.”

“Thank you, Headmaster Walters.”

“Would you mind if I took a quick selfie of us? My daughter won’t believe me.”

“Not at all.” Sofia smiled as he held up his phone and snapped a picture of the two of them.

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