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“You’re positive she won’t be there?” If I know one thing about her, she loves to make a scene even when I try to ignore her.
“She has a work event that weekend she can’t miss.”
I let out a long sigh. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”
“Thanks, I can’t wait to see you,” Mom says, and I can hear the cheerfulness in her tone.
“I didn’t say yes, Mom. I said I’d think about it,” I point out so she doesn’t get her hopes up. I don’t want to let her down, but the thought of going back makes me anxious.
“But you also didn’t say no. So maybe I’ll see my son soon.”
“Well, anyway, I’ve had a long day and am really tired so I think I’m gonna call it a night.”
“No problem. Sleep well. Let me know when you decide. Your aunts are staying with me, but I can keep the couch free if you do come.”
“Nah, it’s okay. I’d book a hotel room.”
“Okay sounds good. I love you, Grayson.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
I don’t have the best relationship with my stepdad either so this reunion comes with a host of dread and nerves. But I do miss some of my family members.
After I finish my beer, I rustle through the mail until I find the invite. I look at the date, then decide to go ahead and book a hotel room. If I change my mind at the last minute, I’ll cancel it.
I’ll ask Diesel for that weekend off, and it'll be up to him if I attend or not. I’m just crossing my fingers that going is the right decision.
Chapter Seven
MACKENZIE
After working all summer, I finally finished planning the after-school program. Lacey has been a huge help, and once we realized we didn’t have enough staff or volunteers to do all the activities I initially wanted, we decided to do a dance program. Hopefully, we can expand it to more in a couple of years, but we’re focusing on this one for now.
Registration forms were sent home with the kids during open house, and they were required to send it back if they wanted to participate. Right now, fifty kids are signed up, and I know it’ll grow over the years.
When I pitched the idea to my mom, she was excited about it. After Grandma learned about it, she was ready to invite the whole town to our first show, which will be in December before Christmas break.
Today’s the first day of school, and I’m expecting it to be chaotic. The kids are usually little bursts of energy, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I pass right out after dinner.
Teachers and students always have so much built-up excitement, and there’s underlying energy flowing throughout the halls. It’s a new school year, a fresh start, and though I’ll have to learn all about my new students, I’m looking forward to getting to know their personalities.
After I’ve gotten dressed and ready, I stop by the B&B. A few of the older ranch hands are sitting at a table with Grayson. Immediately, I groan at my luck.
It’s been six weeks since I had the twins help me fill Grayson’s truck with cow shit, and I’ve been anxiously waiting for him to retaliate. But he hasn’t. It usually takes us weeks to get back at each other, and time’s been ticking. Based on his reaction last time, I know whatever he’s up to will be next level, and I’m completely dreading it.
I grab a cup of coffee, snag a blueberry muffin, then find a place to sit.
“You look very pretty today,” Grayson compliments with a grin as he moves to my table.
“Thanks,” I mutter, not wanting to get worked up before school.
“You ready to admit you filled my truck with shit, or ya gonna keep denying it?”
I glare at him. “Please don’t start with me today. I really—”
He holds up his hands. “Fine. Just know, I haven’t forgotten, sweetheart.”
Grayson stands and puts his plate away, then leaves.
If he only knew what I haven’t forgotten.
I open my lesson plan on my phone and read over it real quick as well as look over the list of my student’s names so I can start memorizing them. Then I look over the choreography Lacey and I created for the after-school dance program. I’m both excited and nervous. After ten minutes, I get on the road and head to the school.
This year, I have a little girl named Ashlin, who’s in foster care and is such a sweetie. Tracie, her foster mom, explained what Ashlin had been through when I met her last week at our open house. The little girl's mother was an alcoholic, and her deadbeat dad left them before she was born. At five years old, she was basically taking care of herself. Child Protective Services found out Ashlin was living in filth and starving. She’s been with Tracie for the past year and quickly attached to me when we first met.
