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I walk into her room, locate the diaper bag and duffle bag with her toys. Thankfully, Brit is up and smiling at me from her crib.
“Hey, baby girl. C’mon, let’s get you changed and dressed. You’re going to visit with Aunt Rae for a few hours while Mommie takes care of something.” I lift her from the crib and carry her to the changing table. After dressing Britney and tossing the diaper and duffle bags over my shoulder, I head out to my car. Buckling my baby into her car seat, I kiss her forehead, then slide behind the wheel and drive to Rae’s.
When I arrive at my bestie’s house, she’s sitting on the porch swing with her daughter, Grace. I get Britney from the backseat, placing her on my hip, then hoist her bags onto my arm. For a baby, she has a lot of stuff.
“Hi, Aunt Blaire,” Grace says as she runs off the porch toward me.
I slide Britney down my side so she can hug Grace. They’re almost nine years apart in age, but they act like close sisters. The girls embrace one another and Grace lifts Britney from her feet, spinning them slowly.
“Be careful, Grace,” Rae warns as she walks down the three steps and joins us. She pats my arm and smiles.
“It’s going to be okay.” She squeezes me.
I nod and try to smile.
“Thank you for watching Britney for me. You’re a lifesaver.” I reach in the side pocket of the diaper bag and pull out an oatmeal packet, then hand it to Rae.
“Brit hasn’t had breakfast. Sorry.” I scrunch my face.
“No worries. She and Grace can have a tea party breakfast together.” Rae shoves the oatmeal packet back into the diaper bag.
“This is perfect timing, anyway. Grace wanted me to call you and ask you to come over so she could play with BB.” Rae smiles down at the girls as they take hands and walk back up the porch steps and to the swing. We follow close behind.
I close my eyes and shake my head.
“You know we don’t call her BB. Preston hates nicknames.” I remind Rae.
“I know. But he’s not here, is he?” She sits beside Britney on the swing and gives her a kiss on the top of her head. My baby girl giggles and wiggles as she and Grace play patty cake.
Knowing I need to go, I take a few steps toward the swing, then lean down and kiss Britney.
“Mommie loves you. I’ll be back soon.” She turns to me and smiles her sweet smile.
Rae walks to the edge of the porch with me and grabs my hand.
“Call me when the meeting is over. I’ve got BB.” She smiles wide.
“Just please breathe.” She pinches my hand hard.
“I will.” Turning to go down the steps, I wave back to Britney and Grace.
“See you soon.” They both wave as I walk to my car.
Arriving at the university, and after parking in my usual spot, I walk straight to Trudy’s office. She’s the department chair for me and the other three culinary instructors. I’ve always gotten along with her. We’ve had coffee together in the lounge here on campus quite often. I hope if something was said about me and Jaden, she’d talk to me privately before calling me into her office for an official meeting.
“Hi, Pam. I’m here to see Mrs. Bowman,” I say to Trudy’s assistant.
“Good morning, Miss Turner. Follow me. Mrs. Bowman will be right back.” Pam stands and leads me into Trudy’s office.
“Thank you.” I smile and take a seat in one of the three wooden chairs before me.
Pam nods and leaves the office. I glance around at all the bookshelves filled with educational books. Trudy’s office is neat and organized. Much more than mine.
I clasp and unclasp my hands in my lap. Clenching my jaw, I remember to breathe as I wait for her to join me.
The door swings open and Trudy enters, followed by Priscilla and Gretchen. They are the two other culinary instructors. Missing is the newest instructor, Misty. She just began teaching this year. I smile politely at each of my colleagues as they take their seats. Trudy walks around to her black leather office chair behind the oak desk and takes her seat.
Clearing her throat, she begins, “I’m sure you’re all wondering why I called you in today. As you can see, Miss Parks is not here. I won’t go into the details because of privacy concerns, but I need you three to know she’s been dismissed for violating the university’s ethics policy. You know we have zero tolerance for anything unethical here. There are a lot of things this can be, so please do not assume you know what it is.” Trudy glares at me, then moves her eyes to Gretchen, and finally she looks at Priscilla.
