Page 23 of Over Time Advantage

Reggie sighs. “This teacher is really pissing me off. She said she thinks Piper has a learning issue based on her homework last week. It was me. I did her homework. Anyway, thanks for grabbing her, Amanda. It was the only way I’d have time to see Fallon. I appreciate it.”

Amanda smiles. “Of course.”

Piper is a year older than Harper, Dylan, and Andie, and therefore not as close as the three stooges. She’s very shy, especially compared to her mom’s boisterous personality.

Amanda rubs my back. “How are you holding up?”

I force a small smile. “I’m fine.”

Kam’s eyes toggle between the three of us. “Do you want me to give you three some privacy?”

I shrug. “Not necessary. It’s no secret that Tanner is different with your sister than he was when he was married to me. It’s not breaking news. Sometimes I have a moment when I wonder why I never saw this side of him, but I ultimately want him to be happy.”

Kam’s face drops. “Are you still in love with him?”

I shake my head. “No, not like you’re thinking. When you’ve truly loved someone, even if they broke your heart, you want them to be happy. It shouldn’t be about revenge or punishment for a perceived wrong. You can be hurt, but if you loved them, you’ll always want the best for them. I know I’m not best for him, but I think your sister is. I’m hoping to one day find that someone who’s best for me.” I look at my concerned friends and widen my eyes. “So stop worrying. I’m fine.”

Kam reaches over and squeezes my hand. “If you need some action, feel free to stop by my room. Busty blondes are my type.”

Kam is bisexual, and even though she’s with Cheetah and he sleeps here with her most nights, she’s got a little crush on me and isn’t shy about it.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I joke.

Just then, my phone rings. I see that it’s my mother. I motion for everyone to be quiet. I haven’t told her I’m living here. She’d flip her shit if she found out. Fortunately, they’re snowbirds this year, so they’re not around to discover my secret.

I walk into the living room for some privacy before I answer. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, honey. How are you?”

“I’m good. How’s Florida?”

My parents finally bought a place in Florida this year. My father retired five years ago, and it’s their first experience as snowbirds. I think this is long overdue.

“I love it. It’s like sleepaway camp.”

I hear my father’s grumpy voice in the background, “It’s God’s waiting room, Doris. Three people in our community died last week.”

“Oh posh,” I hear my mom chastise. “They were in their nineties. Joel, be a good boy and go play golf.”

“I don’t want to play golf. It’s too hot,” he grumbles. “You can fry an egg on the cart path. Morty had heat stroke yesterday.”

“Then do pool aerobics, Debbie Downer. Just get out of this house before I throw you into the alligator-infested pond you’re afraid to walk by.”

“Helloooo,” I sing into the phone. “Do I need to be here for this conversation?”

“Sorry, honey. Grumpy Bear is being himself. Anyhoo, I’m fantastic,” she exclaims happily. “I have canasta on Mondays, Mah Jongg on Tuesdays, bocce on Wednesdays, book club on Thursdays, and yoga on Fridays. Plus, we have dinner plans at least four nights a week. The people down here are so happy and friendly.”

This is exactly why I wanted them to go. “That’s great, Mom. I’m happy to hear it.”

“Speaking of dinner plans, any dates of note lately?” she asks suggestively.

I roll my eyes. I swear, asking this question is the only reason she calls. “I’ve been busy.”

I hear her moans of annoyance. “Fallon, forty is around the corner. I want some more little Harpers before it’s too late.”

“Thanks for the subtle reminder, Mom. I’m doing my best.”

“Are you? Geraldine’s daughter met someone on one of those online dating thingies. You should try that. You’re very good with technology. Always have been.”