AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The girls attacked me with hugs and made their way out of the room. For little wild things, they sure were sweet.
Raelynn waited until everyone was out of the room, then came and gave me a quiet hug. “Thanks, Ms. Ivy.”
“You’re welcome, Raelynn. Everything okay?”
She sniffed. “I miss my mom.”
I had no idea what to say to that. I knew something was up last week when her dad introduced himself, but I also didn’t want to pry into their business.
“I’m sorry, Raelynn. But I’m here for you.” I smoothed down her sweaty hair.
She nodded and hugged me again. “See you next week.”
I looked over at the window and saw her dad, Derek, watching us with tears in his eyes. While Raelynn packed her bag in the studio, I made my way over to him.
“Is everything okay with Caitlin?” I asked. “I wouldn’t normally ask. I know it’s personal, but—”
“No, you should ask.” He took a deep breath and pushed his glasses up his nose. “She left a couple months ago.”
“Is she coming back?”
He shook his head. “It’s just me and the girls now.”
My heart sank. Those poor girls. And Derek, too. “I’m so sorry.”
He shrugged. “It’s been hard. But having the studio has made a difference. It’s like their second home.”
“I know the feeling,” I said, remembering all the times I came to the studio and forgot about my fights with Amy, or the mean girls at school. “Well, let me know if you need anything from me.”
“Thank you. We’re happy you’re coaching Raelynn’s team this year. I wish you had Adalynn too.”
I laughed. “You might be the only one. But thanks.”
Raelynn emerged from the bathroom and ran to her dad. I waved at them both and headed to my next room to finish teaching my classes for the evening.
On the way home, I was about to call Scott when I got a call from Thea. Maybe she could be my new friend, now that Hannah and Amy were both married and settled.
“Thea! Hi!” I said, with way too much enthusiasm.
“Oh, hey, Ivy. I wasn’t sure if you were done working yet, but I had a quick question for you before I head to my other job.”
“I didn’t know you worked a second job.”
“Yeah, technically sewing is my second job until I can get enough clients. I also work for a catering company, and we have a big event tonight. I heard the True Trophy Wives crew will be there again.”
I scoffed. As much as I enjoyed watching the show for entertainment, those women were the worst. Including their offspring. “Say hi to Ethan for me.”
“How do you know . . . never mind. I just wanted to double-check colors for you. I ran to the fabric shop on my way home and there were a couple different shades of blue, so I wanted your opinion. I’m texting you a picture now.”
I pulled into the driveway at my house and put the car in park, then pulled out my phone to look at the pictures. “The one on the left, for sure.”
“Okay, good. That’s the one I ended up buying.”
I laughed. “What if I didn’t like it?”
“I just know these things. Okay, I gotta get ready for work. Thanks, Ivy.”
“Wait!” I exclaimed. An idea popped into my mind. “How did you get that job for the catering company?”
“Nothing exciting. Just applied. Are you looking for another job?”
I blew a puff of air out of my mouth. “Yeah, I think so.”
“I’ll ask the chef if he needs another server. We have a big event coming in a few weeks, so I bet he’ll take anyone he can get.”
“Awesome. Thanks, Thea.”
“No problem. I’ll see you later this week for your other teams.”
We hung up, and I felt a bit of relief. Even though this meant I’d be working extra hours, at least I could contribute more for my family. They wouldn’t lose everything, not on my watch.
