“Go,” Kamilah told her. She opened her hand and wiggled it until it popped free. “I’ll see you later.”
Defeated, Rosie slipped her other hand into Lola’s.
Kamilah ran a hand over Rosie’s head. “I love you, mamita. Be good. Learn stuff. Make friends.” With that she booked it out of there as if the devil were on her tail.
Lola looked down at the little girl, who was staring at her aunt’s retreating back. Her heart twisted. “I know you want to be home where you feel more comfortable, but I’m here for you, Rosie. Whatever you need.”
Rosie squeezed her hand, but she also let out a sad sigh.
Lola sighed too. Let another day begin.
In what seemed like both the blink of an eye and an eternity, the day came to an end. Lola watched little Bryson get ready to go home and fought the urge to growl. She honestly didn’t think she’d ever seen anyone move slower. Never mind that every day he requested to go to the bathroom at the last possible minute even though she’d try to send him earlier. She didn’t know what it was about kids that made them want to make things as difficult as possible at the most inconvenient times.
“Bryson buddy, the bell already rang. The parents and other grown-ups are waiting for us outside. I really need you to hurry please.” She eyed the rest of the students in line to make sure they all stayed put and kept their hands and feet to themselves.
“Okay.” He continued to move at the same pace. Actually, he began to move slower. It was like watching a sloth pack up a backpack and put on a jacket. After it wandered around the room for five minutes, of course.
Lola just happened to meet eyes with Rosie, who rolled her eyes and shook her head like a mini-adult. To keep from laughing, Lola turned back to Bryson. “How about I help you and we put the rest on as we walk to the back?”
“Okay.”
Lola wrangled his arms into his jacket, grabbed his things, shoved them in his backpack, and zipped it as she walked to the door. She purposely took Bryson’s hand so he couldn’t fall behind. “Alright, friends, let’s rock and roll.” She rushed them through the hall and out the back door as fast as she could without making them run.
As soon as they hit the back playground she spotted Saint. He was wearing yet another sawdust-covered flannel and pair of worn-in jeans. It was absolute nonsense how everything she told Yara and herself that morning jumped right out of her head as soon as she saw him. It was like her hormones took over and her brain went on vacation. On cue her nipples perked right up.Down, ladies.
At his side stood Papo looking like an adorably old Mr. Rogers in a cable-knit sweater and slacks. Lola was glad to see him out and about. He seemed to be having an animated but one-sided conversation with Heather, who kept tossing her long blond hair and making eyes at Saint.
Saint on the other hand was barely paying attention to them. His eyes were locked on her.
As her students began giving her one-armed hugs and fist bumps before running off to their parents, Lola kept her feet moving toward Saint. Rosie kept pace with her as did Trevor, but she hardly paid them attention. She was focused on how Saint took in her leopard print pencil skirt, white blouse, and mustard yellow blazer. His eyes caressed every curve in a very not-friend way before settling on her face.
“Miss León,” he said when she reached him.
“Mr. Vega.” She bit her lip and his eyes focused there.
“Good afternoon, Miss León,” Heather cut in.
Lola shook herself mentally and looked at the woman who was eyeing them both. She noticed that both Rosie and Trevor were standing a few feet away showing Papo the abstract art projects they got to take home that day.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Blake. How was your day?”
“Oh, you know, just slaying and being a boss babe.”
Lola cringed inwardly.
She turned to Saint. “I own my own business. With that and taking care of my son and working out every day, it’s a lot, but then you know that, being a single dad and all.”
Saint nodded.
She turned to Lola. “You are so lucky that you don’t have to worry about all that.”
Lola almost rolled her eyes. She didn’t understand why parents felt the need to say things like this to nonparents. As if it was only random chance that prevented Lola from having a kid and not conscious and deliberate decision-making. It was annoying.
But the woman wasn’t done yet. No, the shark was still circling the waters. “You get to keep spending your money on cute outfits like the one you’re wearing today.” Then she went in for the kill. “It’s so brave of you to wear bold patterns and colors like that. Go off, sis.”
Of course. “Brave” because fat women should only wear black to trick people into thinking they’re smaller than they are, while bold colors and patterns were only for thin women.Insert eye roll.She couldn’t even start on the “sis” thing. Lola opened her mouth, but Saint spoke first.
“You know, a few moments ago, in front of my grandfather and a group of other parents, you asked me what I find attractive in a woman. I didn’t answer then because the question seemed inappropriate, but I’m going to answer now. I think the most attractive woman is one who is so confident in herself, physically, mentally, professionally, that she doesn’t see other women as competition. She doesn’t feel threatened by their success, so she doesn’t feel the need to attack them with rude, snide, passive-aggressive comments. I like a woman who empowers, protects, and cheers on other women. But mostly, I find self-awareness and human decency attractive.” Then he completely dismissed her. “Have a good evening, Trevor’s mom.”
