Page 9 of Over Time Advantage

I smile. “True. I wish you were coming. You could be my wing-woman.”

“Me too, but I’ve got a big project at work. I can’t get away. That’s why I’m calling. I have to work on Saturday. Trevor wants to take the kids to the theater in the afternoon. Mamma Mia is playing at the Kimmel Center. Are you okay with Harper seeing that? There are a few adult themes in that show, so I figured I’d check with you before he buys the tickets.”

I nod. “Of course. She’s seen the movie a thousand times. I think she knows all the songs by heart. Thank you. That’s a nice treat for them. She’ll be thrilled.”

“Great. I’ll have him get the tickets. Have a fun weekend. Don’t stress about finding the forever man. They usually come at unexpected times from unexpected places. Live for the now. Go get laid.”

I roll my eyes. “I’ll do my best.”

There’s zero chance of me getting laid this weekend.

Walking back downstairs feeling much more relaxed, I notice Bailey is just setting dinner on the table for Harper and me. I smile. “Wow, this smells and looks delicious.”

Bailey winks at me. “Harper made everything. I just supervised.”

Harper nods. “It’s true. And I pre-tasted the chicken. It’s delectable.”

Bailey and I exchange amused glances. When Harper was just learning to use the toilet, she was so excited to be done that she wouldn’t wipe properly. Tanner had the idea to get her word of the day toilet paper to force her to use it. It was genius. Not only did it solve the wiping issue, Harper also latched onto learning new words, absorbing them and using them in everyday conversations. She constantly amazes people with her expansive vocabulary.

“It certainly smells delectable,” I offer. “Bails, do you want to join us? You made plenty.”

She shakes her head. “No, thanks. I…umm…have…plans.”

Ah, having sex with my ex-husband. That’s her plan for the evening. I get the allure. No one fucks like he does. No one has ever satisfied me like he did.

Shit, Cassandra isn’t wrong. I do need a healthy dose of Vitamin F.

I smile innocently, as if I don’t know what she’s about to do. “Have a great time. Thank you for dinner. I really appreciate it.”

“My pleasure.” She reaches into Harper’s schoolbag and pulls out a piece of paper. “The class mom, Stephanie, sent a note about a bake sale. Do you want me to take care of that next week? Harper and I can bake cupcakes.”

I sigh. “Go for it, but she’s the school mafioso. Once she sucks you in, there’s no getting out.” I pinch all five fingers together and shake them in the air to emphasize my point.

Bailey giggles as she places the note back in Harper’s bag. “I’m sure I can handle her.”

I shrug. “Suit yourself. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Enjoy the wedding. Please give Arizona and Layton my best.”

“Will do.” She hugs Harper goodbye and walks out the front door.

We sit and begin dinner. Ya know what? It is pretty damn delectable.

“How was school today?” I ask.

She twists her adorable cherry-red lips. “It was women’s career day. Cassandra came in and talked about her job. I don’t understand it, but it sounded kind of cool.” She’s a mergers and acquisitions attorney. “Amanda talked about her art. She showed us some of her paintings. They’re super cool.”

My face falls. “Oh, I didn’t realize it was career day. I would have come in.”

Harper chews on her lower lip nervously.

“What is it? What aren’t you telling me?”

“Bails was super mad at me.” Harper drops her head in obvious shame. “I invited her to talk about playing professional softball.”

I’m taken aback. Is Harper embarrassed about my job? I do my best to pretend I don’t feel like I got kicked in the gut. “Oh. Well, I understand. Her job is super exciting.”

“Bails didn’t know you weren’t coming too. She was angry with me. She told me that all she does is hit a ball with a bat, but that you help people heal from major injuries. That you’re like Superwoman. She told me I owe you an apology and that I should go to work with you sometime so I can see what you do. I’m really sorry, Mommy. Maybe next year you can come in for career day.”

I squeeze her hand and swallow down my hurt. “It’s okay. I understand. I would love for you to come to work with me sometime.”