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“If you have something to say, just say it.” I sigh.
“Dylan, this thing is two inches thick.” She holds the binder up in her hand for emphasis. “Lola is six. All I need to know is if she has any food allergies and where to drop her off at school.”
“It’s all in the binder.” I tap it for emphasis.
She lets out a heavy sigh. “Fine, I’ll read through the binder. Now, don’t you have a helicopter to catch or something?”
“Oh, shit.” I check my watch to see that I’m running late.
I would prefer to work from home on Marlow’s first day, but that’s not an option since I have several in-person meetings scheduled today. I’ll have to trust that she can handle things on her own this morning.
“I hope you watch your mouth in front of Lola. Or should I expect the principal to pull me aside during school drop-off and ask why Lola is swearing in class again?” She chuckles.
“Who told you about that? It only happened once, and that was over a month ago,” I scoff.
This is one of the downsides of living in a small town. News spreads like wildfire, and it’s all anyone can talk about for months.
“My friend Quinn owns Brush & Palette, the local art supply store. All the teachers and parents from the elementary school shop there, so she’s well-formed about town gossip.”
I cross my arms. “Did she also tell you that Henry Livingston’s parents got a call from the principal because he was flipping off a classmate? He thought it was a gesture used when you like someone because his parents used it so much. Oh, and Judy Callister snuck in her phone to school last week and played her favorite song for her friends. Apparently, it drops the f-bomb every other sentence. Did I mention both kids are in Lola’s first-grade class?”
Marlow shakes her head in amusement. “Yes, well, according to the gossip mill, Henry’s parents have been in marriage counseling for years, and Judy’s dad is a record producer who works with several famous musicians based in Los Angeles. In your case, it’s quite the scandal that a chief financial officer can’t control his language,” she places the binder back on the counter.
My phone buzzes, alerting me to a message from the pilot asking me where I am.
“I have to go. Promise you’ll read the binder before Lola wakes up?”
“Yeah, yeah,” she waves me off. “Lola is going to be fine, I promise.”
“I’ll check in once I land in the city,” I tell her before rushing out the door.
Dylan: How’s everything going? Is Lola okay?
Marlow: She’s perfect. Just like the last thirty-six times you’ve asked.
Dylan: I left you alone with my kid. Of course, I’m going to check in.
Marlow: But thirty-six times in an hour?
Dylan: Has she had breakfast yet?
Marlow: I’m hurt by your lack of confidence.
Marlow: Here’s proof that we’re doing fine without you.
Marlow: Sent Attachment
Dylan: What the hell, Marlow? Why is Lola eating Lucky Charms? Did you not read the binder? She needs a healthy and nutritious breakfast before school, not sugar cereal. Where did you find that anyway? And are those unicorn marshmallows???
Marlow: Yup, aren’t they adorable? Lola’s obsessed.
Marlow: And FYI… I brought the cereal with me ??
I’m on the verge of going back to Aspen Grove until I look closer at the photo Marlow sent.
Fishtail braids.
She has woven Lola’s hair into perfect fishtail braids, with sparkly red bows tied to the ends.
