She lets out a forced laugh. “Sweet boy. I was going to stop by when I finished up with Rylin, but I guess I don’t need to.”
I shake my head. “That’s kind of you, but I’ve got him.”
She hands her ID to the teacher at the desk and signs her name on the clipboard. The attendant gives her a visitor sticker and she pats it onto her chest. “I’ll see you around. Have fun.”
It’s my turn to check in, and the second I introducemyself, the teacher’s eyes bug out of her head. “Ruby Lynn Hayes. Wh-what are you doing here?”
Have I mentioned how much I hate it when people use my full name? Sure, it’s my legal name, but it’s played out. Sometimes I wish I’d picked a stage name so I could keep my personal life separate.
“I’m here for Aiden Murphy. He’s my… stepson.” I probably could’ve said I’m his nanny, but I don’t want to risk them not letting me in. The thought of being Aiden’s stepmom isn’t so bad, either.
I hear a snort behind me and come face to face with none other than Missy McBitchface herself. “You and Liam Murphy? Please.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Planting my hand on my hip, I pin her with a glare.
“Liam Murphy would never be with someone like you.”
“You sound jealous, Missy. Your husband not doing it for you anymore?”
Her nostrils flare, and she takes one slow step toward me. “You were always so full of yourself. Tell me, does Connor know you’re throwing yourself at his brother?”
“Does your husband know you’re cheating on him with your daughter’s swim coach?”
Her face pales, and she retreats.
“What? You didn’t think it was a secret, did you? I suggest you make sure your own shit doesn’t stink to high heaven before you try to come for me.” I hand my ID to the teacher and sign the paper next to Aiden’s name, take one of the visitor stickers, and stride away from the scene without looking back.
When I walk into the classroom, Aiden rushes over and grabs my hand, dragging me to one of the small tables that seats six. I sit down in a flimsy plastic chair, praying it doesn’t give out under me. They look like they can barely hold thekids, let alone a full-grown adult. I swear, a fat babe’s biggest fear is a poorly made chair.
There’s a light buffet set up on top of the bookshelves near the window with a platter of fresh fruit, a variety of muffins, and a stack of paper plates and napkins. Each table is covered with a pink tablecloth, and there’s a simple mason jar of artificial flowers in the center. The room hasn’t changed since I was here over twenty years ago, but it feels smaller now that I’m seeing it through the eyes of a grown ass woman.
Mrs. Thompson smiles at me. She must be close to retiring by now. She’s wearing one of her signature knit vests, this time with crayons along the bottom. It’s nice to know some things never change.
“Mrs. Thompson, this is Ruby,” Aiden says. “She’s my favorite.”
“Aww. Thanks, little dude. You’re my favorite, too.”
“What about my dad?”
I lean in conspiratorially, cupping my hand over my mouth like I’m about to let him in on some big secret. “Don’t tell him I said this, but I like you the most.”
He laughs, and I can’t help but smile back at him. “Mrs. Thompson was my third-grade teacher, too.”
“Really?” He glances back and forth between us, eyes wide.
She nods. “I knew this sweet girl when she was just a tiny thing. She used to hum a little tune while she was working.”
“I did not.”
“Oh yes, you did.” She squeezes my shoulder. “It’s good to see you. We’re all so proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”
I stand and wrap her in a hug. “Thank you.”
“I should make the rounds, but help yourselves to some muffins. We’ll be doing a craft together soon.”
As more parents file in, I notice some quiet whispers and pointed fingers.
The little girl sitting beside Aiden leans in and, in a mocking tone, asks, “Is Ruby Lynn Hayes your mom? I thought you didn’t have a mom.”
