I slipped into one of Ellis’s sundresses, feeling so thankful that I was still the same size as a college student.It’s the little things in life, ya know?
“I think it’s time for us to rejoin the party.” I was a master at avoiding tough conversations, and thinking about dating my boss was not going to plague my mind when doting on Sawyer was the top priority of the day.
Ellis reluctantly agreed, and we made our way back down to sip the afternoon away.
After eating my weight in cake while mingling and smiling until my cheeks hurt, we finally said goodbye to the last of the guests.
“Ugh, I am beat.” Sawyer slid down onto the couch, propping her feet up on the mahogany coffee table in the living room.
With presents scattered all around, tissue and wrapping paper thrown everywhere, and tons of trash to clean up, we gathered around the woman of the hour to relax for a bit.
“Wonderful party, ladies,” Ellis praised, sitting next to Sawyer with her hand on her belly.
“It really was. I am so sorry I got here so late.” I leaned on Harper’s shoulder as she patted my head.
“We’re a team, Caroline,” Annie affirmed, sitting on the coffee table in the middle of the room.
“So, how did it go this morning before y’all got rained out?” Sawyer questioned while stifling a yawn.
“Total bust. The guys were our only customers all day,” I admitted.
“I didn’t even know they were heading over there.” Sawyer glanced around.
Annie smiled. “It doesn’t take much to get those gents to do the right thing. A subtle hint was all the arm-twisting they needed to jump into action.”
Harper raised her glass toward Annabelle. “Nice work, sweets.”
Annie put her hand on her chest. “Why thank you.”
“How’s Sir Jerk-Face? Still grinding your gears?” Harper asked as I shifted to look at her.
“Surprisingly not as jerky as he could have been. He really got into helping the kids out.” My softened feelings toward Mr. Hartigan hadn’t faded like I’d anticipated they would. It really had been impressive to see how much he truly cared about the kids.
“Are you blushing?” Sawyer’s eyes grew wide as she looked over to me.
My hands flew to my cheeks. “What? No!”
Annie giggled. “You’re totally blushing. What is it?”
I bit my lip. “I saw him shirtless and…good God, ladies, that man is a spectacle.”
As my entire body flushed, my friends oohed and awed mockingly.
“Caroline likes Jerk-Face, Caroline likes Jerk-Face,” Harper badgered as I shoved her.
“Caroline and the principal sitting in a tree…” Annie sang out.
Throwing a cushion at her, I barked, “I still think he is awful. He can be annoying and beautiful at once.”
“I think someone has a little crush,” Ellis provoked, narrowing her eyes at me.
I pointed my finger at her. “Don’t you start in on this, kid. Things will be set in motion that cannot be undone.”
Annie looked from me to her stepdaughter. “What does that mean?”
Ellis’s jaw dropped. “Caroline!”
I threw my hands in the air. “I didn’t say a damn word. Your mom is just one smart cookie.”