After saying my goodnights to Cody, I sank into bed and pulled out my laptop. It was all I had to snuggle up to at night now. Quite honestly, it was warmer than Neil had been the months leading up to our separation and divorce. And my followers were hilarious. There was a lawyer in the group that made up a mock NDA for me.
Section one started with, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. "Confidential Information" is defined as any information that I will personally see you maimed and silenced for if you share. It includes, but is not limited to, my weight, how many stretch marks there may or may not be, sagging skin in any or all locations, cellulite deposits . . .
My phone rang, interrupting my belly laugh. I picked it up without even thinking, assuming it was Avery calling to discuss the NDA and more of our plans for the Sidelined Wife.
"Hello?" I was still giggling.
"You sound like you're in a good mood."
All gaiety ceased with the deep voice I wasn't expecting. "Reed?"
"Oh good, you recognized my voice." He sounded happy, but tentative.
"How did you get my number?"
"That's a good question."
"It's one that deserves an answer."
"You're absolutely right, which means I should first ask you if you are still available to sell gameday tickets at the school on Friday during lunch?"
"Since when does the head football coach organize that schedule?"
"I'm not; you should expect an email from Lisa Cardston, the booster president, in the next couple of days."
"I'm confused."
He took a deep breath and let it out in what sounded like timed intervals.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Never better."
"So why are you calling, and how did you get my number?" I was more than curious.
"I pulled your number off Cody's paperwork." Some guilt mixed into his words.
What Peter said last week played in my head, something about me missing something. He didn't think . . . ? Did he? "Okay. Why?"
"We never got to finish our discussion about curtains versus blinds."
A tiny laugh escaped, making me forget I should probably question his judgement in using school information for a personal call. "I didn't realize how important that was to you."
"You have no idea."
"Do tell."
He had no problem obliging. "For starters, are curtains really manly? But, on the other hand, do I want to install blinds in a rental?"
"Those are deep and perplexing issues."
"I think you're making fun of me."
"I think you're right."
He chuckled on his end.
"Is that really why you called?"
He paused. "Honestly, I called to see how you are." His sincerity came through loud and clear.
"You did?"
"Yeah. You seemed upset when I arrived for dinner tonight."
One of those disgusted ugh sounds came out. "Could you please forget that whole conversation?" Ma had no decorum.
"I don't know. Sex and NDAs, that's an unusual conversation."
"I suppose it is." I smiled to myself.
"Samantha, I really am sorry for what you're going through. And just so you know, there's no reason for you to be embarrassed."
"Really? Does your grandma throw fake holy water on you, and does your mom feel the need to announce to your entire family and innocent guests the intimate details of your life?"
"I'm not sure I'm exactly innocent, unfortunately, I'm not even close. But no, both my grandmas have passed on and my mom doesn't announce anything publicly. But she calls me every day to ask when she can expect to finally be a grandma."
"Ma did the same thing after I got married. One of my wedding gifts from her was a bassinet."
"I think I remember that at your reception. Wasn't there a big pink bow on it?"
I guess he was there. I couldn't remember. "Yes. Ma was wishing for a granddaughter. We gave her three boys in a row."
"I heard about James's daughter. I'm so sorry."
I swallowed the golf ball of sadness down my throat. It always appeared whenever Hannah was mentioned. I loved that little girl. We used to have a once-a-month shopping and lunch date, just the two of us. I missed the way she said Auntie Sam and how she would cuddle into my side to watch girlie movies. Oh, how I wanted my own little girl.
"It puts life into perspective, that's for sure, along with making me more of a worrier. I would put a tracking device on Cody if I didn't think it was creepy."
"I'm sure he appreciates that."
"Not as much as he should."
"He really is a great kid. He's a natural-born leader, which isn't surprising considering who his mother is."
"Is that a compliment? Or are you saying I was bossy?"
"Definitely a compliment. But now thinking back, you were pretty bossy." I could hear the teasing in his voice.
"You know, if I'm forgetting your past, I think you owe me the same courtesy. And I wasn't bossy; I was in charge and trying to protect myself from your and Peter's antics."
"Antics? That's probably putting it nicely," he conceded.
"Agreed. At least one of you turned out nice."
"It's not very polite to talk about your brother that way."
I found myself smiling and laughing. "How about this? You forget how bossy I was, and I'll forget how you terrorized me."
"Deal."
"I should probably let you go. It's getting late."
"My mom gave me permission to stay up past my bedtime tonight."
I laughed again. "Now you're making fun of me."
"Never."
"Good night, Reed."
"Good night, Samantha."
"Reed," I blurted before he hung up.
"Yeah?"
"You can call me Sam."
Chapter Sixteen
Why did I still cry on the first day of school? You would think I'd be past it considering his age, but no. It was worse. Each year meant we were getting closer to me not being present on the first day. And someday there would be no more first days. Cody didn't appreciate the tears or the awkwardly long hug at the door where his friend Hershel could see. At least I was dressed with my hair and makeup done. Ma used to come out in her bathrobe with curlers in her hair. I would at least give him credit for not forcefully extricating himself from me. The kid had several inches on me and he was a lot stronger. He could have easily gotten out of my clutches, but he patted my back and kept saying things like, "Mom, I really need to go." "I love you." "You're embarrassing me."
While wiping my tears away and getting ready to head into the office, I got a text.
Have a good day. This is Reed, by the way, in case you didn't add me to your contacts yet.
I hadn't. I figured Sunday night was a one-time deal.
Happy first day of school, I responded. I couldn't say enough how weird it was to be talking to Reed like we were friends.
I've doubled up on coffee and I have the ibuprofen ready to go just in case.
Good luck.
Thank you.
I shrugged and threw my phone into my purse. So many unexpected things kept happening to me. At least Reed was pleasant.
Five minutes later, on my drive to the office, I received another text from him. My car read texts to me. I was sure it read this one wrong.
Hey, how would you like to help me shop for curtains? I decided to embrace my feminine side.
While funny, I wasn't sure what to make of it. And it wasn't like I could respond. I was a huge believer in no texting while driving. Ask Cody. I reminded him every time we got in the car that if I ever caught him texting and driving, I'd accompany him on every date he ever went on, as well as confiscate his phone.
Once I got to the office, I read the text to make sure my car wasn't playing tricks on me. What did I say? This was the kind of thing you asked your girlfriend or mom to do. Did he see me like a mother figure?
Another text popped up.
The students will be filing in soon, and I won't be able to teach if I'm worried that I'll buy the wrong length, or anger the home interior gods by mixing the wrong patterns. Don't even get me going on my curtain rod nightmares.
I probably looked like an idiot, giggling uncontrollably in my car. Home interior gods?
What? Do they prefer being called something else? Lifestyle gurus? Is that better?
Much.
So will you help me? I can't risk ticking off a guru.
I'm not sure I'm the right person, and I can't have your fate resting in my hands.
I'll take my chances.
I thought for a few more seconds. I needed to buy some myself anyway. And I'll admit, Reed entertained me. I could use some more of that in my life. Okay.
That sounded lackluster. We are talking curtains here. I need some enthusiasm.