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“Okay, when you’re ready to talk, you know how to reach me.”
“Welcome to Bernard’s,” our server says, ending our uncomfortable conversation. “What can I get for you all?”
“Thanks. Coffee and eggs Benedict for me,” I say and hand the menu to him.
“Ah, an iced coffee with cream and sugar. The three-egg omelet with ham and cheese. And a kid’s scrambled eggs with home fries, plain. Oh, and a small milk.” Preston hands his menu to the server, and he leaves us.
“Good morning, Miss Turner,” Jaden’s voice says sweetly.
My eyes fly up, then dart around the room before I get control of myself. I breathe deeply, then smile, and look up at him.
“Good morning, Jaden.” My hands grip my thighs under the table. Looking at the older woman standing beside Jaden, I ask, “Who’s this with you?”
“Oh. Mom, meet Bl—Miss Turner, my culinary instructor.” Jaden places his hand on his mom’s back.
I smile wider and scoot to the end of the booth. Extending my hand to her, I say, “Please call my, Blaire. It’s so nice to meet you.”
Blushing, Jaden’s mom takes my hand in hers and pats it gently. “I’m Margret. So lovely to meet my son’s favorite teacher.” She pinches my hand before releasing it. Looking at my daughter, she asks, “And who is this precious baby girl?” She covers her face with her hands, then pops them open and plays peek-a-boo with Britney.
My daughter giggles and slaps her hands to her face, then flies them open, squirming in her booster seat.
“Yes, this is Britney, our daughter. And this is Preston, my ex-husband.” I wave my arm toward him.
Being the gentleman he always is, he stands and takes Margret’s hand in his, shaking it gently.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Margret, and you too, Jaden. I hope Blaire is teaching you well.” He sits back down after shaking Jaden’s hand.
“Miss Turner is the best instructor I’ve ever had.” He’s close enough to me as his foot taps against mine.
I move away and slide deeper into the booth. I don’t want Preston to notice anything between me and Jaden.
“I’m happy to hear that.” Preston picks up his glass of water and takes a sip, glancing at me over the top of the glass with his eyebrow raised.
Fuck!
“Your table is ready, sir,” a young woman comes up and says to Jaden.
He nods, then turns back to our table.
“It was nice meeting you. Mr. Turner. I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Turner.” Jaden bends his arm for his mom to slide her hand through as they follow the host to their table.
Preston clears his throat. “Blaire, is?—”
I throw up my hand to stop him from saying anything more. “Don’t, please.” I drag my hand through my hair and close my eyes for a few seconds.
He huffs out a breath and says, “Okay, Blaire.” He taps my foot under the table.
I meet his gaze, then shake my head before taking a sip of coffee.
We enjoy a quiet brunch once our food is brought to the table. Then afterwards, we walk out to our cars. I take Britney in my arms and hug her tightly.
“Mommie loves you, baby. Have a great week with Daddy.” I kiss her cheek, and she squeezes me with her short, pudgy arms.
Preston takes Brit, then leans in, and kisses my cheek. “Remember, Blaire. I’m only a phone call away. I’ll see you next week.”
“Thank you, Preston. Bye, baby.” I wave as he puts Britney in her car seat, then he gets in his car and drives off.
Unlocking my car, I slide in behind the wheel and drive home to prepare for my week at the university.
