A laugh bursts from me before I can stop it, and Abby giggles, too. She doesn’t need to explain. Our baseball coach and science teacher have been in a not-so-secret relationship for years. They’re always making lovey-dovey eyes at each other when they think no one is watching.
“What do you mean, he looks at me? He was only around me for a few minutes.”
“Yeah, well, you were washing dishes and I caught him giving you a look.” She places emphasis on the word look. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about Abby noticing that, but I can’t stop the little flutter kicking up in my stomach. I mean, obviously nothing will come of it, but if he was giving me a look, well, it sure does help a girl’s confidence, ’cause that man is fine.
Smiling, I shake my head.
“I don’t know about all that, sweetie. But it’s nice of him to tutor you.”
Abby nods enthusiastically, her face splitting into a smile. “I can’t believe I forgot the negative. That was so stupid of me.”
My nails are dry, so I rise from the chair and lean over to kiss the top of her head. Despite a couple of rough patches, she’s been such an easy kid lately. I don’t know how long it’ll last, but I’ll take it for as long as it does.
“Sometimes forgetting the negative leads to something positive,” I say with a wink as I leave her room.
Abby rolls her eyes, but she’s still smiling. “You are so cringey, Mom.”
Once in my bedroom, I cross to my bed and flop dramatically, face down into my pillow. With every ounce of strength I can muster, I will the flutter in my belly to cease and desist immediately. It does not work.
On a whim I reach for my phone and scroll till I come to Tyler’s contact.
Thanks for offering to tutor. You have no idea how much this will help.
Tyler
I should be thanking you. Thank you for letting me get to know our daughter, even if it’s under the guise of algebra.
Whenever you’re ready I’d really like to get to know her as her father, though.
I type, delete, type, delete for a good ten seconds, working to draft a response that won’t ruin the moment.
Do you think we need some ground rules?
Tyler
Ground rules?
Yes. Like no blurting out you’re her father.
I don’t know why I text that. I’ve been around him a handful of times now, and already I know this man does not blurt anything. Being footloose and fancy free with words is more my style.
Tyler
Jo, I won’t “blurt” anything. I’m following your lead.
Ok well. That sounds good. Keep her off her phone. It’ll distract her.
Tyler
Got it.
And Tyler?
Tyler
Yes, Jo?
Thanks for all you’ve done.
