“You coming?” Colin asks me, the grin evident in his voice.
“Dude, Sydney’s going to be so proud of your matchmaking skills coming out to play,” I hear Brynleigh say excitedly. They have a bunch of meddlers in their group, it appears. I dig it.
“I’ll be there. Text me the time so I have your number.”
I hear a bell chime through the connection.
“Hey, gotta go. My next appointment’s here. See you tonight. Bryn will text you details.” He hangs up before I can say goodbye back. A few minutes later, my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number.
Unknown: It’s Bryn. I’ve also attached Colin’s info below. Now you have two numbers and no excuses. Phil’s at six.
I save both numbers and send a quick thank-you back.
Tonight.
???
Holly
Buzz.
My phone lights up to the right of my planner just as I pick up the small stack of printed multiplication assignments to pass out to my third graders.
“Take one and pass the rest back, please,” I urge as I hand them to my kids in the front row seats. A few groans waft up from the back of the room, but I ignore them. If onlythey realized that these assignments are the ones they’ll be wishing they could have back in a few years. “This is just review homework in preparation for the test on Friday. The back page is for extra credit. I’d like them turned in by Thursday. That way, if someone needs any help, we are able to address it before the test. You have ten minutes before the lunch bell sounds. That’s enough time to look through and get a couple of them done.”
When I get resituated at my desk, I pull out the pile of spelling assignments to grade. My phone buzzes again, indicating the girls are likely blowing up our group chat.
Brynleigh: Change of plans tonight, ladies.
Sydney: Oh don’t tell me you’re sick.
Jane: Better not be, I got Mom to take Charlotte so that I can have a glass of wine and relax!
Ava: I’m in more of a margarita or daiquiri kind of mood tonight. Anyone else?
Me: What’s up???
Brynleigh: We’re going to Phil’s instead of my place. I need some bar food. Are you all okay with that?
Jane: Woooo!!
Ava: Affirmative
Sydney: Some loaded tater skins sound pretty good right now.
Me: I’m fine with whatever. I’m ready to see your faces!
Brynleigh: Six sharp! Get cute!
Sydney: You’ll get what you get.
Me: Oh Syd, you’re always cute.
Sydney: I’ll waddle my butt in there for you all.
???
The evening, April air invigorates my lungs as I step out of my SUV. Not only that, the smell of bar food has my stomach rumbling after my long day. That turkey sandwich didn’t fill me at lunch at all. I refused to snack this afternoon in anticipation of tonight though.
