So what if it took me forever to earn my degree? Because I didn’t want to graduate with debt, I was only taking two classes a semester so I could pay cash.
“Maybe next time.” I really should accept their invitation. I’d lost touch with most of my friends as we transitioned from high school to college to adult life, busy with jobs and families.
Looking around, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me.
No.
Nana taught me to stay positive rather than focus on the negative, so, like I did every morning, I put on a smile and recited my gratitude list.
I still had Nana Sue, and I could help her.
I had a good home.
I had a great job with supportive managers.
I would graduate debt free.
Different things made the list sometimes, like when Mary surprised me with a generous bonus at Christmas last year.
And anytime Chase told me I was his favorite babysitter.
“Miss Nina!”Speaking of Chase.
“Chase, what voice should you be using?” Beth asked.
“Sorry, Ma,” Chase hung his head and let his shoulders droop forward. “I’m just excited.”
She rubbed the top of his head. “I know, but we can show excitement without yelling.”
Chase accepted the correction before taking my hand.
“What’d you want to tell me?” I asked, wondering what could’ve changed in the last hour to make him so excited.
In typical energetic eight-year-old fashion, Chase bounded off after telling me about his new baseball team in rapid-fire bullet points.
I was still laughing when Beth said, “Is it terrible that I miss him calling me Mommy?”
“No. When’d he stop?”
“Recently. He likes mimicking the J-Squad.” She shrugged with an emotional chuckle.
Eva had coined the term J-Squad for the Sheppards while she worked at SSI.Now everyone calls them that.
“Hey gals,” Ashley greeted us as she wobbled over, her hand on her giant baby bump. “I’ll be glad when this kid vacates the premises,” she joked.
Ashley was married to Nathan, making her one of the SSI wives. But long before marrying him, she was Emily and Meg’s best friend.
“How are book sales?” I asked. She’d self-published her first rom com earlier in the year.
“Good. Luckily, I’m great at marketing, which helps sales.”
“And it’s a good book.” I’d been lucky to get an advanced copy and had binge read it in a weekend.
We talked for a few more minutes before I excused myself to use the ladies’ room.
Chapter 4
Austin
