Page 73 of Pretty Relentless

-G

My face flames hot as I read and reread his words. It’s been six weeks since our non-date date to see the aurora borealis, which has been followed up by date dates. We’ve been spending time together in private, most of the time at either his house or mine and stealing the occasional time away to Hudson or St. Paul when he doesn’t have his daughter.

It hasn’t been easy.

So many times I’ve wanted to just say forget this and go have dinner with him at the diner or the steakhouse. It would be so much easier than sneaking around, hiding our vehicles in each other’s garages so no one knows what’s going on. Though, I’m certain my neighbors have figured it out. They’ve not said anything, but I caught the older gentleman on my left watching out his window when Gavin was pulling his truck into my garage last week.

Then, I recall what it was like to have my personal life dragged through the mud. One old—seemingly innocent—photo appeared on social media and turned my whole life upside down. It’s just a prime example of why I don’t have any social media pages, nor do I allow myself to be put in situations where a photograph could be taken and misconstrued by the masses. So, while I’d love to be a bit more public with my relationship with Gavin, I just don’t want my life scrutinized and publicized again.

I glance down at the flowers. They’re the most gorgeous arrangement of red roses and white lilies.

The bell rings, letting me know my quiet time is over. In a matter of seconds, my fifth-grade class will return from lunch and recess, and we’ll be diving back into our studies. Fortunately, this afternoon consists of a quick math test, followed by watching a movie for science, which is always a welcomed change from the textbook reading we usually have.

The kids are excited.

As they start to file into the classroom, I slip the card into my top desk drawer. Standing up, I watch as the students who brought their sack lunches return their lunch boxes and bags to their cubbies where their coats and bookbags hang. Annabelle is chatting away with her friend, Madelyn, but offers me a wide smile as soon as she crosses the threshold. I can’t help but return the gesture, especially since it reminds me so much of her father’s. While Annabelle resembles her mom in a few features, she definitely has her dad’s smile.

“Flowers!” Annabelle coos, making a beeline straight for my desk. “They’re so pretty.”

“Thank you,” I reply, my heart beating a little faster all of a sudden.

“Are they from someone special? My dad always says flowers are sent to show someone you care.”

A smile breaks out across my lips. “Oh yeah?”

“Yep. He doesn’t send flowers though, because he doesn’t have someone to send them to. I wish he did.”

I feel my face blush as words fail me.

“Maybe someday my dad will send flowers to a girl. I want a baby brother.”

My eyes widen at her statement, and there’s no missing the excitement she clearly feels.

“You would make an excellent big sister,” I finally say, not really sure what to add.

Annabelle nods. “Do you want kids?” she asks, leaving me flabbergasted. “You would make a really good mom. I bet you’d read to your kids every night and buy them lots of books.”

I can’t help but grin. “I’m sure I would.”

The second bell rings, prompting Annabelle to say, “I better go put my lunch bag away,” and taking off to the back of the classroom.

I take a few seconds to look at my flowers, warmth washing over me. Hearing Annabelle say her dad doesn’t send them to anyone, yet knowing he took the time to explain to her what they can represent, lets me know I’ve got a good one. He took a risk by sending me the bouquet, knowing my coworkers would undoubtedly ask questions. Yet, he still wanted me to have them and know he was thinking of me.

“Everyone get ready for your math test. Nothing on your desk but your pencil,” I state, getting ready to pass out the single sheet of paper. It’s a pretty straightforward test, but it’ll tell me who needs a little more help before we move on.

While the kids take their test, I quietly pull my phone from my desk and fire off a text.

Me:I just received the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Thank you.

The little bubbles appear instantly.

Gavin:Not as gorgeous as you, but they were too pretty to pass up. They made me think of you the moment I saw them. And you’re welcome, beautiful. See you tonight?

Me:I’ll be there at five.

Gavin:If I’m not there, use the spare key.

Two weeks back, I arrived at his house before he got there. He didn’t like that I was sitting, waiting in my vehicle, so he showed me where the spare key was hidden. I’ve never used it, mostly because I don’t want to overstep, and I really don’t mind waiting for him to arrive.

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