Make a Wish (Spark House #3)(14)
“They’re a lot of fun, and it still stings a bit, but we need to focus on the bigger events now.”
“I saw that on your social. You do a lot of weddings, charity events, and corporate team building, right? You’re kind of a big deal now.”
I laugh and duck my head, my cheeks flushing, but this time, not because I’m mortified. “I’m not a big deal. Spark House is doing great, but I’m not the reason it is. I’m just along for the ride.”
“Now you’re being modest. You seem pretty involved for someone who’s along for the ride.” When his phone buzzes on the table, he flips it over and ignores the message. “Did you finish your child development degree?”
I glance at the play structure, where Peyton is jumping into the foam pit. “I put it on hold when my gran decided to retire, but I started taking courses again last fall. I’m working on it slowly, so it’ll be a while before I graduate, but I wanted to finish what I started.” It took six years for me to finally make the decision to do that. I’d only been a year and a half from graduation, but what happened with Gavin all those years ago made me reassess my goals. Gavin and Peyton’s abrupt move was devastating in a way I didn’t know how to handle. I realized that being a nanny was a way for me to heal from the loss of my parents. And that maybe I wasn’t ready to fully commit to that career path, so I shifted gears. It helped that I had an excuse to put the degree on hold in the form of being needed full-time at Spark House.
“I’m glad you decided to finish. You’re a real natural with kids. And you have the patience of a saint.”
I laugh at that. “I don’t know about the last part. But I’m not afraid to get covered in glitter, and kids speak to my creative side, which goes a long way in winning them over.”
Peyton comes tromping over, panting and sweaty. “Dad, I need a drink of water.” She falls against him dramatically, and he wraps his arms around her slight frame.
“Looks like someone’s worn herself out.”
She nods against his arm. “My fun bucket is empty.”
“Sounds like something a nap in the car will take care of.” I wink at Peyton and throw a knowing smile at Gavin. When she was a baby, Peyton could fall asleep in seconds if she was comfortable.
I try to give Gavin money for my share of the meal, but he won’t accept it. Once Peyton and I have said our goodbyes and she’s secure in the car, Gavin turns to me. “It was great to catch up with you.”
“You too, the both of you.” I smile and fiddle with a loose string on my shirt, not really knowing what to do with my hands, the awkwardness suddenly back.
“I know you probably don’t have a lot of free time, but maybe we can do this again sometime?” He flips his keys between his fingers. “Peyton really loves you, and you’re a familiar face for her, and I think she could use some of those in her life, especially with all the change.”
“Of course. That’d be great. I’d love to see Peyton again.”
“Okay. Good.” He smiles. “I’ll message and we can set something up.”
I wave at Peyton as he gets into his car and then return to mine. It’s nice to feel … needed, even if it’s by a nine-year-old girl who’s just looking for someone familiar to hold on to.
Four
THE SEED OF DISCONTENT
HARLEY
I’m sitting in my living room, my laptop propped on my thighs so I can finish my assignment for my Mental Health Intervention Planning for Children course before Chad shows up. It’s an online class, but more work than in-person. However, it’s also more convenient than trying to work around my Spark House schedule. And I’m fascinated by the different ways to create an inclusive environment for children coming from a variety of backgrounds and family structures.
Tonight Chad and I have dinner plans with some of his work friends. I would cook for everyone, but Allen and Andrea are vegan and I’m not a master of vegan cooking, so we usually go to their favorite restaurant when we hang out in our neck of the woods. It’s a safe bet, and I don’t want them to suffer through me testing out new recipes.
I’m on the last question when Chad lets himself into my condo with the key I gave him a few weeks ago. “Honey, I’m home!” he calls out and adds, “What smells so freaking good?”
I glance around the living room, unsure what he’s referencing until I realize it’s the candle I lit when I sat down to work on my assignment. It has a mint base and is supposed to be great for stimulating the brain. Which I need right now, because I spent all day at Spark House in meetings to prepare for our upcoming conference call with Mills Hotels to discuss the franchise opportunity. I’ve needed all the help I can get since my heart isn’t fully into this, but with our majority rules motto, and both Avery and London being all in on this, I need to try my best to do what is asked of me. “It’s a candle.”
He appears in the living room, still wearing his shoes, and also a frown. “Why do candles have to smell like delicious food? I thought you’d made those mint chocolate chip brownies I love so much.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, but on the upside, this candle apparently lasts for days and the brownies are usually gone inside of twenty-four hours.”