One of the moms next to me grunted, causing me to peek over at them again. “Oh great. Gina Higgins is going to sink her teeth into him.”
The other mom snarled, “Bitch.”
Turning finally, I recognized both of them. “Wow, okay ladies, if I can hear you, the kids can hear you.”
They turned to me, shades of pink covering their cheeks. “Sorry, it’s just, he’s so good looking.”
The other mom wiggled her brows. “All the Parker men are gorgeous. I went to school with Waylynn, their oldest sister. I got to see them all. And damn they were hot as hell, even the younger ones.”
Both moms covered their mouths and laughed.
“Wait.” The one mom said as she faced me. “Oh. My. Gawd! Paxton, you dated Steed!”
The other mom’s jaw dropped. “What?”
“Mom! I’m ready to go now!”
The tall mom turned to her son. “Hold on, Jerry. Mommy’s saying goodbye to Paul’s mommy.”
I needed to change the subject and fast. “The first day of class was amazing. You should both be so proud of your sons. Jerry actually pulled Lilly’s chair out for her when she went to sit down.”
Jerry’s mom beamed. “That’s my boy!”
She turned to the other mom. “I’ve got to run. Tell me if Gina sinks her claws in.” Turning back to me, she said, “We need the scoop on you two!”
After the tall mom left, the other mom frowned. “Paxton, I’m sorry we were gossiping like that and I’m sorry I didn’t remember you dated him.”
Clearly this woman knew me and I had no clue what her name was. Damn. I usually had all the kids’ parents memorized by the first day of school. I gave her a polite grin. Turning, I glared at Steed.
His fault. Again.
Glancing over to Paul’s mom, I replied, “It’s okay. You were a couple of years ahead of me, I don’t expect you to remember something that happened so long ago.”
We gave each other small smiles before turning and watching the scene with Steed and Gina. I knew it was wrong, and I never gossiped, especially with parents. But I couldn’t stop the words that flew from my mouth. “So, Lilly’s dad?” I asked.
“Left her. For his boss. They moved to Dallas or something. She’s not from here so she hates it. She’s waiting to sell her house so she can move back to Denver I think?”
“Really?” I asked. “Chloe will be so sad if Lilly moves.”
“Well, if Gina hooks up with Steed Parker, she won’t have to go anywhere. Especially when she finds out he’s the son of the wealthiest man in the county. Hell, probably in the state.”
Jealousy raced through my veins.
“I’ve got to run, Paxton. I’m glad today was great!”
Forcing a smile, I waved.
The only two parents left were Steed and Gina. I watched them talk before I headed into the building. I tried not to, but I glanced over my shoulder. My eyes caught his and I quickly shut the door behind me.
I spent the next hour trying to get work done, but all I could think about was Gina and how she was laughing and placing her hand on Steed’s upper arm. I imagined she was making arrangements for a play date for the girls … or maybe for her and Steed.
Throwing my pen down on my desk, I let out a frustrated groan.
“Steed,” I hissed.
Someone knocked on the classroom door. “Bad day?” Corina asked with a frown.
“No. It was actually a great day. How about you? Your first official day as a first grade teacher. Well, a first grade teacher here.”
She laughed. “It was nice having the smaller class. The kids are precious. The parents are a pain in my ass already. And the need for a glass or two of wine is pretty strong.”
I lifted my brow. “That bad?”
“Let’s just say one of the moms asked if I was free this weekend. She had the perfect guy to set me up with.”
“What did you say?”
Her mouth dropped. “Well, I didn’t say anything at first because I was utterly shocked she knew I was single.”
I chuckled. “Welcome to small town USA. Everybody knows everyone’s business.”
“Hmm, I probably shouldn’t have told her I had plans with BOB this weekend.”
My eyes widened. “Please tell me you didn’t say that to a parent.”
She smiled. “I did.”
“Did she know what you were meaning?”
Corina shrugged. “Heck if I know, but that will teach her to butt into my business again.”
I dropped my head. “You’re going to get fired and I recommended you!”
Laughing, Corina turned to leave. “I’ve got some work to do before I call this day over. Tacos tonight?”